Is this normal, what would you do?

[Larry Grenier]

I have a breeding pair that have successfully produced 3 batches of fry. The Dad produced fry with another female as-well. The Dad is under 5" and the Mom is a Stendker over 6". I recently removed their 3rd batch. She is obviously ready to spawn again; cleaning the cone, doing the shake-n-shiver in front of the male. She keeps trying to corale the male over to the cone but he seem uninterested this time. (I'm not necessarily wanting mor babies right now). Problem is, she's starting to get a little rough and the male is starting to look a little ragged and stressed-out.

Is this normal? (I think I've hear of males being rough)

What would you do?

I'll separate them and let the male recuperate. Carrying 3 broods of fry for more than a week has caused too much damage to the pair already. Let the poor stud a rest and replace him with another potential male and let the female train a new male what to do.
Is the DRP back? That was my first bookmark on my computor 7 or 8 years years ago. Thanks Larry.
Jimmy.

[Larry Grenier]

Hey Jimmy,

If he looks any worse tonight, I'll probably remove him. No males waiting in the wings except maybe a blue-turk (if he's man enough ::) )

Yes, the DRP is back but simpler. Simply is the best, the DRP is just another outlet for breeders to gain exposure.

[GulfCoastDiscus]

Hi Larry,
I had the same problem except the opposite sex. I would place an egg crate divider between the two, unless you have an equally aggressive male to match with her or a larger male. :)

Dan

[FarWaters]

Yes, egg crate works great. Plus the two will still be able to watch each other, and with any luck the male may start to act interested in what’s happening on the other side of the divider. However, if the fish have been taking care of fry and need a rest, let them fatten up for a while (we all need a break from the spouse). By keeping them in the same tank, and able to see each other (in my personal experience – and this may be sentimental) the fish will start to want to be back together. I wish that I could be in a position that I didn’t want more babies, if you really need help with that just let me know. I would be a pal and help you out by taking any fish you don’t want off your hands. Just kidding, I know what its like to be out of room.
Hope I understood your question,
Jerry

[Willie]

If you rest the female, the next spawn will be larger and more vigorous. JME.

Willie