Fish Folk

Just dropping a couple photos from this morning. These are young Discus — probably old enough to spawn, but with many years of life to live provided they’re cared for well… I use colored LEDs. No color boost on these photos. They’re just really pretty looking under these lights!

Well, it’s very possible she’s just dumping roe. I’ve had Angels do that. But if no fuzzy white fungus shows up, maybe there was a sneak fertilization you missed seeing. If the eggs are tan, they’re fertilized. They’ll start wiggling soon. Otherwise, everything will get fuzzy white with fungus.

I would say… no, not common. Were the eggs laid tan or white?

Here’s an interesting page on the general question. My initial guess here is female. B-Rams are tricky. (1) The egg tube is noticeably large on females. (2) Dorsal fin top and caudal fin extensions on adult males are much linger and more pointed than on females. (3) Less reliable… the black spot is _generally_ darker and solid on males. Females tend to be less defined. (4) Along the front dorsal spines, about 3x in, females sometimes have very light colorations. Additionally, males frequently have longer front dorsal extensions than females.

I would set up an RO system, and remineralize each water change. Maybe set up a sterile holding tank / can for prepared water (e.g. a large trash can). I might use a pump to move water into tanks from the resting can. It’s a few hundred bucks, but after that, pretty much minimal issues.

At this stage, I just gauge fin length. Males grow longer anal and caudal fins. After 5-6 months, females should display their egg spot between ventral fins.

@K_lawns here are several of my assessments...

Yeah… that’s Black Beard Algae (BBA). Once it’s in there, it’s pretty endemic. Fish don’t mind it. Some will eat at it. But it can compromise plant health, and make you dislike the look of your scape. Here is a short blog post from ACO on the stuff. I have taken multiple routes… (1) pull hardscape, spray with H2O2, then re submerge. BBA turns red in a day or two, and dies. Some aquarists treat right in the tank too. (2) I have used Siamese Algae Eaters (SAEs), Florida Flagfish, and Clown Plecos to eat it. It all depends on your stocking, water / temperature parameters, etc. (3) I have just let it grow unchecked in several “wild-style” tanks. It’s actually kind of nice once you get over hating it 😂

They will fight. In just a few weeks, this tub becomes a tornado of death. I’m parting with all of them by this time next week! Giving two to a friend in town, and about 20x to my LFS employees.

I’m now feeding dry flakes (bug bites). They’re ready for solo digs…

Here's one way my kid did it with ours. I'd prefer, now, to just use a floating flow-through instead of a specimen container, but this way worked...

New species to me. Sheesh! Um… yes… just… yes… more please…

Awesome 🤩 I know they can take a long, long time to grow out. But G. tapajos are so beautiful… worth it! Leave a low light on. BNPs hit eggs in the dark.

Boo yeah! Planning to part with these youngsters in another week or so…

Shiny! Almost Valentines Day 🌹❤️ . . . by then Labyrinth organs ought to be good to go!

Yes! Loads. However TN is one of the most restrictive states when it comes to collecting, keeping, or shipping NANF. Knoxville, TN hosts Conservation Fisheries, dedicated to preserving, propagating, and restocking endangered freshwater NANF. I have heard very good things about the fish club ETAA (East Tennessee Aquatic Association). Definitely take a pilgrimage to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga when you’re able. It is world class!

I like these from Tractor Supply… There are a number of other shapes and sizes too. I guess a metal one might work, but I always avoid them.

Interesting Aquarium discussion in the tv series The Peripheral . . . they actually talk about the tank and several species supposedly in there . . .

Mine were jumpers… lost several that way. Beautiful fish!

Right now, that’s the only Betta species I am playing around with. I have worked with Betta imbellis before.

I’m just pleased that I finally got some! Beautiful pastels, but it’s a short while til this tub becomes a fight club octagon…

You can order NANF suitable for home aquarium through: http://www.jonahsaquarium.com It’s an old, old website… but the fish are very good. You do need to check your State laws about what species are allowed. I’m guessing VT is reasonable… but I’m not familiar enough with it to say for sure. I recommend: Rainbow Shiners (Notropis chrosomus) Southern Redbelly Dace (Chrosomus erythrogaster) Rainbow Darters (Etheostoma caeruleum) Orange-throat Darters (Etheostoma spectabile) Banded Sunfish (Enneacanthus obesus) Bluefin Killifish (Lucania goodei) Fireyblack Shiners (Cyprinella pyrrhomelas) Gulf Coast Pygmy Sunfish (Elassoma gilberti) I’ve kept a few other species too, and can share my experiences if you like.

That is a Bluespar Darter. I’m told they rarely color up that brightly. Only in ideal conditions during spawning season would you find a male that vivid. Here are a couple more photos of the Bluespar… The Bluemask Darter, similar in appearance, but consistently colored up, is a Federally protected species. If it were available, it would be the holy grail… Two other protected Darters that I wish were available in the hobby are Candy Darters… And also the very rare Vermilion Darter…

This is why the OG Aquarists used to always say “rest your water.” I wonder if there’s much gas-off as you use the tote. 30% or less WC shouldn’t necessarily require treatment, especially if you are working with hardy species.

I really enjoyed this video. Nicely crafted! Good explanations... By flashlight after dark… some nice pastel colors coming in on my Betta fry…