F1 Blues

[William Palumbo]

Here are a few pics of the last spawn from my old pair of wild Blues. The pair was given to my buddy for his showtank. The pair were old. I had them for easily 8 years, and I had gotten them as adults. Anyways, I decided to keep most of this last batch, which was not many, as I knew I would no longer be working with the pair. Their spawns were so small number wise...even after long rests. This batch I kept was only 17. Tho I did sell off some of the more developed and bigger fry at one point, needing the cash, and in the end left with 9. They are not big at all 5"+ at MOST. They had a rough beginning. Bouts of over-crowding from other fish, sickness...a bad(hot)heater which almost done them in. Always very, very jumpy and shy after that. I gave up on them a few times, trying to sell off the rest, and just putting them in a tank with minimal wc's and feedings. Off the beaten path. Not sure how old they are, but over 1 year at least, and now that I watch them, I see lots of flirting when they are out. I guess in typical wild fashion, just slower to grow and develop. Tho they did surprise me after I put them in this tank. I actually like them now! The parents were more striped than their fry. I just wish now, I had kept a few batches over the years, and gave these guys better care....Bill

[Second Hand Pat]

It's funny when you leave something alone not really expecting anything and after a while you look and ask yourself "when did that happen". They look nice Bill. Hope they have some more surprises for you.

[William Palumbo]

Thanks Pat. Yea, they were easily at times just seconds away from becoming fertilizer! But they always lucked out. They seem to really like the biotope tank...Bill

[Jennie]

Wow those are gorgeous.. no to fert Bill!

[ockyra215]

OK Bill here is your mission if you choose to accept it........Breed them get viable fry and grow out some f2's and grow them huge!!!!!!
I think they are nice looking blues be neat to work with them as a project I would be some

[jimg]

Very Nice Bill.... you wouldn't think they had any hard times!

[William Palumbo]

Thanks guys. Apart from their smaller adult size, you'd never know they had it hard! But yes Dave, the plan is to try and get a pair out of them to see where it goes...Bill

[wgtaylor]

Great shape on those guys Bill
f2's in the future for sure.
Bill

[Condor]

Those are sweet Bill.

Adrian

[dean9922]

Very nice....look great.

[bonsai dave]

They look great . Who cares if they didn't make it to dinner plate size. For all the things they have gone through they look very healthy . Keep up the good work...

[Jennie]

agreed.. same with my turk Bill...I want it to be big but if it doesn't reach big, it's still all good!

[William Palumbo]

LOL...yea, how else would I get all 9 in a 40breeder! I'm not all that caught up on the size thing like I used to be. As long as they are in proportion, meaning eyes and fins, ect all match or compliment the body...I'm happy!...Dinner plate Discus need a "dinner plate" gene, or some other random internal thing. Not all Discus get that big, no matter the feedings/food/wc's. ..Bill

[vera]

any updates Bill , wonder if they start breed early for u

[yogi]

Bill I think the fish and shape look great. You did a fantastic job raising them.