Wigglers when I didn't expect them

[LizStreithorst]

The last time this young pair spawned, dad ate mom's eggs as soon as she stuck them on the cone. They spawned again the other day and dad covered them. Mom's eggs were the smallest eggs I've ever seen. I was surprised when they were wiggling this morning.

I don't expect anything will come from this. Due to the size of the eggs the babies won't be strong. There are only 30 wigglers more of less. Mom doesn't even know they exist but dad does better.

The main thing that this is progress. I might get fry from them next time around.

[jwcarlson]

That's pretty awesome, early Christmas present from your fish!
How long before they spawn again usually?

[Vanman]

Can you post pictures of the pair?

[LizStreithorst]

I'll do my best to snap one tomorrow and post it.

[LizStreithorst]

I'm sorry, Gary. I forgot about taking and posting a picture. The kids should free swim tomorrow. In my mind's eye, I can seeing the parents never getting dark and eating everyone of their kids. But I still hope...

[Vanman]

No problem. I was about to ask if you still had wigglers. Back in the dark ages when we last had discus we never had any parents raise fry. We had to artificially raise them all. Probably gave up too soon on the parents. We found it easier to raise them than to sell them. Still we sold several with an ad in FAMA.

[LizStreithorst]

I looked in to artificial raising and decided it was too much work. At 72, I'm really not up to investing so much time to a new project. These blue based SS's I'm working with stay stupid for the longest time.

Cliff gave me the idea about moving the cone of eggs to a transparent gallon pitcher I hang inside the tank. The parents can see them and although they ignore the eggs at first, once the eggs start to wiggle, the parents usually get an attachment to them and start "fanning" them from the outside of the pitcher. Once the wigglers free swim inside the pitcher I pour them into the tank with the parents where they attach immediately. At least that's what's supposed to happen. Since the pair with the wigglers pretty much doesn't accept the existence of the eggs, I expect the kids to be eaten when I pour them in the tank. I hope I'm wrong about them.

[LizStreithorst]

Here you go, Gary. The male has the better shape but he doesn't have any pattern, let alone spots. I have to criticize the female for her shape. There are other things about her that I don't like but I don't want to beat her up on the forum. As far as I'm concerned a spawn between the two should produce some good fish. Breeding is always a gamble. I do the best I can. This is the pair.

[Vanman]

Thanks for posting the picture.

[Hicgup]

Mama Bear, I figure if you had any good news on this pair you would share, but just wanted to say thank you for all the advice and inspiration you provide, and wish you a healthy and happy New Year! Keep us all posted, we truly learn and gain a lot from your experiences.

[LizStreithorst]

No. The stupid parents ate the kids.

[jwcarlson]

Well... Dang.

[fljones3]

Sorry Liz!

[LizStreithorst]

The pair is in the mood again. Don't get your hope up, though. Mine aren't. All I can to is my best. If that's not good enough for them, I don't know what else to do.

[Vanman]

Let's hope they figure out what to do this time.