It's been a long time

[LizStreithorst]

A long time since I've had a spawn. I had to euthanize my Big Guy a couple of months ago. I don't remember how old he was but he was old and the time finally came...

I put mom in with one of the old pair's sons. They got along just fine, but she had never spawned with another male so it too her until now to get in the mood with him. they started the flirting dance yesterday. Today they're pecking hard on the cone. Mom has always been a late evening spawner so I'll be watching carefully tonight.

I'm all ready for them with the pitcher of RO in the tank and a bubbler going in it. If they're successful I just hope I'm up to raising fry. I'll do my best, but I start cancer treatment Monday and it will be every day for at least 6 weeks. THey say it won't tire me out until toward the end of treatment.

[jwcarlson]

Fingers crossed for your pair, Liz!
But moreso for your treatment. I hope they're right about it not making you tired!

[danotaylor]

Rooting & praying for you Liz, and the lovers of course =) ! I know how much satisfaction it gives you raising your beautiful line of discus, may it give you joy & strength as well!

[LizStreithorst]

Thanks Jake and Danny. I'll do fine. Remember, I'm a tough old broad.

Surely this spawn will be a bust. This is the new dad's first time and he acted like a first timer. Mom likes a long time to spawn. New dad, on the other hand was a slam bam thank you ma'am kind of guy. He made several runs when she started laying, then lost interest. When I walked over to the tank to take a close look, his tallywhacker wasn't even down. I don;t know if it was ever down.

I put the cone in the pitcher of RO anyway. I had nothing to lose, but I expect to see a cluster of white eggs in the next few days.

I'm not disappointed. I can't expect a first timer to act like he's been breeding for years. He'll learn. And besides, a miracle might happen and these eggs will start wiggling.

[jwcarlson]

Dang it, fish! Get that tallywhacker out!

[Second Hand Pat]

I am sure he will figure it out with time. He is just young and stupid but he will get it right soon I think Liz.
Pat

[LizStreithorst]

I'm sure he will, Pat. This morning I moved the cone with the dead eggs to the tank so the parents could eat them. Instead, mom and dad darkened and fanned the white eggs. Mom is still there fanning. Dad has a short attention span. He joined her at first, then lost interest, but even now, he darkens and joins her for a while before he loses interest again. He shows more potential as a parent than I expected. He just needs more practice.