A new RT pairing.

[Keith Perkins]

Came back from 4 days in Midland, Mi on the 11th to this.

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x418/CozyKeith/IMG_0100_zps029c2d68.jpg

Two days later.

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x418/CozyKeith/IMG_0106_zps4f71d223.jpg

The male is from Kenny and the female is from the male. He was crossed with a German RT to produce her. My goal was to add some red coloration to the base...beginners luck.

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x418/CozyKeith/IMG_0109_zps29b72b4c.jpg

And now.

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x418/CozyKeith/IMG_0130_zps39cc39a5.jpg

Passing the babies.

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x418/CozyKeith/IMG_0138_zpsc20b7660.jpg

[DiscusLoverJeff]

WTG buddy. Looking good.

[Bill63SG]

Cant get pics on work computer,but the water tweaking seems to be working.

[marinum]

Good

[Northwoods Discus]

Very nice Kieth, they are coming along well.

[Second Hand Pat]

Looking great Keith, you were so overdue.

[Disgirl]

Congratulations Keith!
Barb

[Poco]

Looking good Keith!

[Sandy Clay]

This is a neat picture! I have never seen any that small.

[Keith Perkins]

Congratulations Keith!
Barb

Barb, I was seriously beginning to think you had sold me defective cones. Apparently they just needed to cure a little.

Thanks one and all. They're great fun to watch. Dad has fry passing down to a fine art.

[Keith Perkins]

This is a neat picture! I have never seen any that small.

Glad I could provide them then. The old camera's card reader was being a pain so I bought a new camera for grandma before we went to visit the grandkids, I was just playing with the camera that I actually took pictures for a change.

[Keith Perkins]

Well, since the camera was still sitting in the fishcave this morning. Let's call this one morning cloud. :D

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x418/CozyKeith/IMG_0199_zps0b6e9b1e.jpg

And just to tell this story. On the other side of this eggcrate is the females male sibling and original partner. I saw one free swimmer on his side of the eggcrate on about day two, and he just ignored it. Since then though all the rest stay on the parents side all the time.

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x418/CozyKeith/IMG_0201_zpsaf5f98e3.jpg

I need to play some musically tanks and get him out of there, but it's been interesting how it's worked out.

[DiscusLoverJeff]

Great job with the pair Keith. Looking good.

[Second Hand Pat]

The fry are looking great Keith. So glad all is working out for you.

[Keith Perkins]

Thanks guys. I'm two thirds of the way done playing musical tanks. I'll be posting pics of step one of musical tanks as soon as I get the one fish out of a bucket.

[sandy]

Musical tanks ???? Please explain


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[Bill63SG]

Musical tanks ???? Please explain


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

He's moving fish around,reference to the game musical chairs.

[Trier20]

He's moving fish around,reference to the game musical chairs.

Did you start that Keith or did I? I don't remember. Whisky night :)

[chaoslite]

Looking good there Keith! I am jealous. I think I am am going to have to live vicariously through you for a while since I only have 8 fry in my tanks at the moment.

Mishka

[Keith Perkins]

Ha ha Mishka, wonder how many people you just threw for a loop?

The turq fry are doing great, wish I could say the same for my luck with the new camera. Moved all the fish except this family, pulled the egg crate a couple days ago so they now have the whole 46. Got to try something different with the room lighting and try some more pics.

[Keith Perkins]

Quick pic from tonight.

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x418/CozyKeith/IMG_0308_zpsa065baa6.jpg

[Second Hand Pat]

Looking great Keith.

[chaoslite]

I keep looking at the fish on the right. Love it! Great job Keith.

Mishka

[Keith Perkins]

I keep looking at the fish on the right. Love it! Great job Keith.

Mishka

Thanks, she was what I was looking for red wise when I paired her current mate with her mother. Now if she just had the florescent blue that her brother does. I'm going to have to put the two of them back together soon.

[chaoslite]

OK so where is the update? I need weekly updates. Still living vicariously through you and Brandon.

Mishka

[Keith Perkins]

Hmm, I haven't taken any pictures of the RTs since the last ones. Lights out has also occurred, so it's not happening tonight.

[Trier20]

OK so where is the update? I need weekly updates. Still living vicariously through you and Brandon.

Mishka

Crap that means I need to update too! lol I'm waiting to see how these guys are looking too!

[chaoslite]

Crap that means I need to update too! lol I'm waiting to see how these guys are looking too!

That's right Mister get to it.....lol

Mishka

[Keith Perkins]

Been a while since I've posted a video, let's see if this works. Was talking to Pat and was thinking about measuring one when I spotted one with a defective gill plate. Found my fish to measure, it was 1 1/8".



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DagsgjeyFTg

[Bill63SG]

Nice sight after all the frustration.

[Keith Perkins]

Nice sight after all the frustration.

Indeed!

[chaoslite]

Wow they have grown! They look great. Thank you for the update.

Mishka

[Second Hand Pat]

They look great Keith. I am with you on mom and dad having enough with the fry.

[Keith Perkins]

Thanks Mishka and Pat, they do seem to be doing extremely well. It may be moving day for the parents tomorrow Pat. I think I've decided I'm going to move them to a 29 and leave the fry in the 46.

[DiscusLoverJeff]

Nice group Keith. Good luck on the move.

[Keith Perkins]

:balloon::balloon:HAPPY BIRTHDAY!:balloon::balloon: One month old today.


http://youtu.be/EzusYyhCKlc

One half way decent still.

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x418/CozyKeith/718de4b1-d89c-4263-8c03-67a333a5ca04_zps7ce9c1d4.jpg (http://s1180.photobucket.com/user/CozyKeith/media/718de4b1-d89c-4263-8c03-67a333a5ca04_zps7ce9c1d4.jpg.html)

There are/were one or two with bad dorsals, so one of them got culled for the 1 month measurement. Looks like a solid 1 3/8"s.

[Second Hand Pat]

Keith, they look great, love the video.

[strawberryblonde]

They look great Keith!

I love them when they're tiny and have those bristly "buzz cuts" on their fins....so darned cute. Yours look amazingly round for only 1 month old, how do you do it?

[marinum]

Look great!

[CrazyAngels]

Very nice job Keith.. seem to be growing nicely.

[Keith Perkins]

Thanks Pat, Toni, Marinum, Jorge.

Toni, I don't think I do anything particularly special feeding wise. I am a firm believer in leaving the fry with the parents for 3 to 4 weeks if at all possible, that's number one on my list. I usually start feeding bbs around day 4 or 5, I was actually lazy with this batch and didn't start until a few days beyond that. I flood the tank with bbs in the morning before I go to work and again when I get home. After they're eating the bbs really well and start getting a little more adventurous I start adding other foods. A pinch of golden pearls is usually the first addition, then I start adding some crushed flake, and lately I've been offering a little shredded fdbw's as well.

I guess the only thing I left out in my feeding routine is that while all that is going on I'm also feeding the parents my homemade beefheart mix. The fry naturally start picking at that at some point as well.

[Trier20]

looking good buddy!

[Keith Perkins]

Thanks Brandon, I've got an interesting idea for some of them.

[Trier20]

Thanks Brandon, I've got an interesting idea for some of them.

Feel free to share in PM if you'd like.

[Keith Perkins]

Feel free to share in PM if you'd like.

Nah, I'm going to let it marinate for a month.

[Bill63SG]

That idea wouldnt be to sell them to me so they breed?Ooooo,I can feel the f/u from across the border.

[Trier20]

Nah, I'm going to let it marinate for a month.
Alright sounds good. I'm sure it will be a good one.


That idea wouldnt be to sell them to me so they breed?Ooooo,I can feel the f/u from across the border.
I can feel it coming too! lol

[pastry]

GREAT GREAT SHAPE on those fry, Keith. If you're keeping some of them and are up for keeping up with this thread for awhile then I know I'm one that love to see them as they grow up. Super freak'n round shape IMO

[Second Hand Pat]

That idea wouldnt be to sell them to me so they breed?Ooooo,I can feel the f/u from across the border.

Keith is bigger then that...maybe lol

[Keith Perkins]

That idea wouldnt be to sell them to me so they breed?Ooooo,I can feel the f/u from across the border.

But if you only get one batch out of um what good is that fish killer? Now who's saying f/u2?

[Bill63SG]

But if you only get one batch out of um what good is that fish killer? Now who's saying f/u2?

Lol!

[chaoslite]

Keith,

They really look great!

Mishka

Sent from my MB886 using Tapatalk 2

[Keith Perkins]

If I hadn't sold you that pair Bill maybe I wouldn't have bought the parents to my Reds and Goldens. They could have produced once for me before I got rid of them though. I've got a couple other pairs I'm about ready to take on a road trip. I was hoping the "new" pair might be better parents in a divided 55, they're still egg eaters. The Reds and Goldens parents aren't doing squat either. He's been eating eggs right after she's lays them. She hasn't been laying many anyway, note ever 2 dozen. Hoping the water tweak helps that. About time to start thinking about setting up some red wrigglers beds in the garage.

Thanks Mishka. I get tired just reading your thread thinking about how much work you've got going and coming.

[Keith Perkins]

The RT pair continues to be busy, as everyone at the recent gathering knows. I was off a bit on my count estimate though, when I moved them last weekend it turns out there are 105. Three weeks old today.

[dirtyplants]

Very sweet little ones, Cozy.

I've got an interesting idea for some of them. Maybe I should not ask! :)

[Kal-El]

Awesome... They will sell fast...

[Keith Perkins]

That "idea" Coree has just never panned out, maybe this time.

[DiscusLoverJeff]

Nice head count Keith. Good luck buddy!

[CraigJ]

Hi Keith,

I'm up in Madison and am hoping to get back into Discus after a long absence. I am looking for a dozen or so juveniles to grow out and I am wondering if you know of anyone in our area that has fry available, or will have in the near future?

Hope to meet you and other MWDA members relatively soon, as I'm always looking for excellent advice on raising fish.

Thanks,

Craigj

[Keith Perkins]

I have some RTs I'm about to list for sale at any time. I'll PM you my number.

[CraigJ]

Hi Keith,

I was very nice meeting you on Sunday and thanks for the beautiful fish, supplies, and food. Everyone is doing well and loving your beefheart. Fresh Madison water last night (I've gotta simplify the water change system), breakfast with beefheart, and brunch with freeze dried worms, yum. Off to find supplies to make a diy hook for the return water, as my hardwood floors didn't appreciate the hose falling out of the tank as I refilled it at midnight last night ; > )

Here are some pictures to remind you of what they look like;

Craig

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/manteone/IMG_5905_zps1675fa39.jpg (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/manteone/media/IMG_5905_zps1675fa39.jpg.html)

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/manteone/IMG_5911_zps7b355c89.jpg (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/manteone/media/IMG_5911_zps7b355c89.jpg.html)

[Keith Perkins]

Thanks for the update, that is a pretty familiar looking sight. They sure do converge on Al's FDBW's. I made my return water hook out of PVC. A couple elbows and a shut off valve thrown in for good measure. It's nice to be able to control the flow sometimes, and really handy to quickly shut it off if you have to.

[CraigJ]

Hi Keith,

I just returned from Menards with the ingredients to make a system similar to what you mentioned. On my drive, I was wondering, with our water, do I need to age the water for 24 hours, or just fill from the tap after adding Safe to the main tank? I'm not looking to cut corners at this early stage in the game, but if there is little if any difference in aging our water, then bye-bye 32 gallon drum.

Craig

[Keith Perkins]

I honestly don't know. My routine is to age, aerate, and heat the water, and not use dechlorinator. The main purpose of aging is to avoid pH bounce, but you could test "our" water to see if it's necessary. I don't know what the exact measurement points are other than when it comes out of the tap and 24 hours later. Perhaps test it ever 8 hours. Less than a fluctuation of 1 and you can skip the aging.

[CraigJ]

Keith,

Thanks for the testing suggestions. For now, I'll keep aging and not cut corners. I haven't completely flooded the house yet, but trying to settle into a comfortable water change routine. A potable water hose connected to a 3000 gallon/hour pump flows faster than a smaller diameter python hose into the 29. ; > )

Regarding Al's FDBW's, what the heck is in it, testosterone, estrogen? I usually cut one cube in half and feed in two areas. After everyone has a few bites, it never fails that the two aggressive fish drive everyone away from the food. All is peaceful with the beef heart, but not Al's FDBW's.....gonna give two fish a big time out, our cut the cube into 15 tiny pieces.

Off to enjoy.
p.s. any new fry?

[Keith Perkins]

lol, you'd have to ask Al about what's in the FDBW's. They do love to tear those cubes up. I wouldn't worry about putting 2 fish in time out, they'd probably just be replaced by two more.

I've had eggs laid a few times, but the males are either too young or just not with the program. All in good time.

Ps - I love the avatar.

[brewmaster15]

Keith,

Thanks for the testing suggestions. For now, I'll keep aging and not cut corners. I haven't completely flooded the house yet, but trying to settle into a comfortable water change routine. A potable water hose connected to a 3000 gallon/hour pump flows faster than a smaller diameter python hose into the 29. ; > )

Regarding Al's FDBW's, what the heck is in it, testosterone, estrogen? I usually cut one cube in half and feed in two areas. After everyone has a few bites, it never fails that the two aggressive fish drive everyone away from the food. All is peaceful with the beef heart, but not Al's FDBW's.....gonna give two fish a big time out, our cut the cube into 15 tiny pieces.

Off to enjoy.
p.s. any new fry?


Just saw this post! (thanks Keith!). No secret ingredients there Craig, just good tasty worms that Discus apparently like as much as I Like Steak!:) You might want to try to feed one cube first, let the bullies have their way, then try another cube for the other...also helps to spread them out.. press one to the tank wall at each end of the tank.

best always!
Al

[CraigJ]

Hi Al,

Thank you for making those tasty worm available to us so our fish can go so nuts. I have been cutting a cube in half and putting it on each side, and will probably learn to quarter the cube. I've found that one or two aggressive fish just "sit" on the cube and grin back at the others (if a Discus can grin). I have to start saving my coins for a kilo of worms...

Keith,

I just wanted to drop in and thank you again for providing other's with very nice fish. I'm really enjoying growing out these Discus, and it wouldn't have been possible without breeders like you-thanks. I hope that I can provide close to the care that you provided. Hope to see the gang soon, since spring is kind of here.

Craig

Before (compared to the size of the FDBW's cube);

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/manteone/047266df-62b0-40e8-9c43-e39d197ccd96_zps0e898d3c.jpg (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/manteone/media/047266df-62b0-40e8-9c43-e39d197ccd96_zps0e898d3c.jpg.html)

After;

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/manteone/674843d6-1ee8-457e-affb-f9cae46706de_zpsd7baf66f.jpg (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/manteone/media/674843d6-1ee8-457e-affb-f9cae46706de_zpsd7baf66f.jpg.html)

Is it time to think about going bigger than the 29 gallon?

[Keith Perkins]

Thanks Craig, the fish look like they're doing quite well. Glad to hear you're enjoying them, hope your daughter getting a little enjoyment out of them too. Mine seem to be eating more voraciously every day and are putting on nice growth as well.

I would guess your 29 will do for a while yet, but on the other hand Petco has a dollar a gallon sale going on now.

[twocat]

Looks nice.

Mark

[CraigJ]

Thanks guys,

I'm trying hard and having fun at the same time. Keith, I tried to take your advice regarding the $1/gallon sale, and ended up in Petco at Lake Geneva, yesterday. All out of fresh 55's, which I really don't need another anyway, as I could drain the dozen drainage ditch rescued Gold fish, clean, and add the Discus.... I think I'll partially fill the 72 bow front and be done with it.

Yes, my daughter and son are getting some enjoyment from the fish. For some reason, both kids thought the RT’s would remain brownish and kind of drab in color. Thus, they fondly referred to them as "fish poo Discus". I finally showed both a picture of the beautiful adults, to which both kids snapped, "Why didn't you tell us they looked like that"! Sheesh, teenagers. Daughter would rather do this; https://vimeo.com/91129849 O.K. with us, as it keeps her out of the mall and away from boys. ; > )

Off to feed the fish,

Craig

[Keith Perkins]

The dog agility thing looks like it would keep a person fairly fit too. Looks like she's doing almost as much work as the dog is.

It shouldn't be too long before they forget their pet name for your discus, except of course when you remind them of it. :)

[CraigJ]

Hi Keith,

Thanks to your super Beefheart mix and Al's FDBW's, your discus now look like this at 4months +2 days of age (Happy Birthday);

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/manteone/IMG_7434_zpsbec40473.jpg (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/manteone/media/IMG_7434_zpsbec40473.jpg.html)

They seem quite happy in their new 72g tank.

[Keith Perkins]

Indeed they do, well done.

[CraigJ]

Time for a fish update;

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/manteone/IMG_9577_zps1aa127e4.jpg (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/manteone/media/IMG_9577_zps1aa127e4.jpg.html)

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/manteone/IMG_9518_zps9bbd81ec.jpg (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/manteone/media/IMG_9518_zps9bbd81ec.jpg.html)

Still growing well and the colors are really starting to develop.

Thanks for the new hobby Keith and Bill!

Craig

[Keith Perkins]

So has your family forgiven you yet for buying those plain brown fish?

[Allwin]

Time for a fish update;

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/manteone/IMG_9577_zps1aa127e4.jpg (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/manteone/media/IMG_9577_zps1aa127e4.jpg.html)

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/manteone/IMG_9518_zps9bbd81ec.jpg (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/manteone/media/IMG_9518_zps9bbd81ec.jpg.html)

Still growing well and the colors are really starting to develop.

Thanks for the new hobby Keith and Bill!

Craig
Very nice Craig, beautiful fishes and you are doing good job with them..

[CraigJ]

So has your family forgiven you yet for buying those plain brown fish?You mean the ones that looked like "turds"? Yes, I've been forgiven, yet it seems to have cost me a new kitten that I was unaware of.......and I'm not a cat person.

[CraigJ]

Very nice Craig, beautiful fishes and you are doing good job with them..
Thanks Allwin,

Keith has been an excellent teacher for me. I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon and can't wait to pickup some discus from you and Saykham.

Craig

[Keith Perkins]

You mean the ones that looked like "turds"? Yes, I've been forgiven, yet it seems to have cost me a new kitten that I was unaware of.......and I'm not a cat person.

I'm not a cat person either, but I've been known to make the occasional exception. Glad you were forgiven.

[Allwin]

Thanks Allwin,

Keith has been an excellent teacher for me. I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon and can't wait to pickup some discus from you and Saykham.

Craig
yw Craig, I learned a lot from Keith as well :-)

[CraigJ]

Growth update, trying out my new polish ruler; :)

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/manteone/IMG_0476_zps03473887.jpg (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/manteone/media/IMG_0476_zps03473887.jpg.html)

[Keith Perkins]

Polish ruler? Looks like you're doing really well with the RTs.

[CraigJ]

Polish ruler?
I grew up with a Polish neighbor who loved Polish jokes. Check out how long the discus is.

Craig

[Keith Perkins]

LOL, I didn't look at that the first time.

[CraigJ]

Isn't this a 5 month birthday (give or take)? Color coming in nicely.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/manteone/IMG_9861_zpsc9bda8e1.jpg (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/manteone/media/IMG_9861_zpsc9bda8e1.jpg.html)

Craig

[Bill63SG]

looking nice,craig.

[Keith Perkins]

Isn't this a 5 month birthday (give or take)? Color coming in nicely.


Craig


My records aren't that good...and my memory is worse. Maybe I need to stay out of Denver.

[DiscusLoverJeff]

Have a couple cocktails Keith and help get your memory back.

[CraigJ]

Time for an update (sorry, but hard water and scratched tanks don't mix well) I"m guessing 6+ inches;

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/manteone/IMG_1203%202_zpsemhbjx0l.jpg (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/manteone/media/IMG_1203%202_zpsemhbjx0l.jpg.html)

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/manteone/IMG_1204_zpsl3szje4h.jpg (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/manteone/media/IMG_1204_zpsl3szje4h.jpg.html)

Any chance you have some extra Beefheart in the freezer? Annual stock is getting low.....

[CraigJ]

Update, size with tape measure is just under 6".

[Keith Perkins]

Any chance you have some extra Beefheart in the freezer? Annual stock is getting low.....

Your in luck! I've got a quite a bit on hand, my wife is leaving for her sisters weekend Thursday morning, and it's been too long since we've crossed paths.

[CraigJ]

Your in luck, my wife is leaving for her sisters weekend Thursday morning, and it's been too long since we've crossed paths.
Party Time! :jester: (easy cheap shot)

Thanks Keith, it has been too long. I'll call later to see when it will be convenient to stop by.

[CraigJ]

Keith,

Here is an update on the new tank. Still working on the pecking order, though the RT is currently at the bottom;

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa75/manteone/IMG_1361_zpsivznej4t.jpg (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/manteone/media/IMG_1361_zpsivznej4t.jpg.html)

[Keith Perkins]

If that keeps up, you may have to bring the RT back. :)

[ompaathao]

I picked up a RT male from Jim who I believe bought some of these frys from Keith a while back. I paired him up with a female SLRT I got from Kal-El too. They hit it off real well. Here are a few pics. 99778

[ompaathao]

Pics of the dad with frys. Mom is really bad with them.99780

[ompaathao]

Pics of the 3 month old juvies. I've already had 3 successful batches of them. 99781

[Keith Perkins]

I picked up a RT male from Jim who I believe bought some of these frys from Keith a while back. I paired him up with a female SLRT I got from Kal-El too. They hit it off real well. Here are a few pics. 99778

Some days I regret having stopped working with that line of RTs. Glad to hear you're continuing on with one of them and that he is such a good parent. The main pair I worked with always were.

[CraigJ]

Not a RT, but some of your other babies and growing nicely;

https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5707/31029254565_beea760916_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PgX3kF)

https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5734/25392739779_2449371bd5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFSqSg)

How are your "new" fish coming along?

Cj

[Keith Perkins]

The BDs look like they're coming along quite nicely Craig. Thanks for posting the pics.

[bnbfishin]

i like them!! Long time no post from me. Just moved into a new house a few months ago and am getting ready to set up a tank
.

[CraigJ]

Still growing nicely and they have a nice body shape. How are your Christmas fry coming along?

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/311/32538756085_7a3be1c220_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RzkCxX)
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/617/31727599703_0d339f947f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QkEf26)

[Keith Perkins]

They all disappeared, I believe mom is the culprit. It's about time to separate her after the spawning.

[CraigJ]

I guess that was a short lived Christmas present to yourself. :eek:

[Keith Perkins]

Yup, first time I've ever had a discus eat fry that far along without having spawned again. I guess if you do this long enough eventually you'll see it all.

[two utes]

Yup, first time I've ever had a discus eat fry that far along without having spawned again. I guess if you do this long enough eventually you'll see it all.

That's too bad Kieth. I suppose it won't be to long before they go at it again.

[Keith Perkins]

That's too bad Kieth. I suppose it won't be to long before they go at it again.

They have several times Joe, but just refuse to do it right completely on their own. I haven't been in a big hurry to seriously intercede, the most I've done is cage the eggs. I suppose I ought to cage the eggs and then either pull the female or egg crate her on the other end of the tank one of these times.