Hairy_Trev
Mostly New Member
I decided to see if I could get dwarf gouramis to breed. In the main community tank they didn't seem to show much interest so I added a tethered, floating spawning mop to see if it would give him a head start in nesting...
It didn't!
So last week, I got various plants and stuck them in the ground of one of my small breeding/nursery tanks before transferring my male and female gouramis. They seemed very happy in there, even affectionate... no signs of bullying or stress but then on Friday night, I noticed the male seemed under the weather. He also showed 2 or 3 signs of possible injury or sores on his side. He died that night so I bought a replacement and put him in the small breeding tank with the female.
I will admit that really a larger tank than 22 litres should be used and I expected him to take a while to settle in, but tonight, only the day after buying him.. HE'S DEFINATELY BUILDING A NEST!!!
I've made sure there is some good feathery plants in a quiet corner of the tank, plus other bits of dislodged foliage gethered there.
He's checked out the venue for transport links, local schools etc and decided it's a suitable site. Now he pops up to the surface nearby, has a few gulps of air before diving back under the leaves to blow the bubbles into the area. Occasionally he bullies stray bits of leave into place with his interior decorating before going back to blowing bubbles!
My only worry right now is that he seems to be chasing the female away... is this normal? When he's finished his home building will he welcome her into his home? Or is it a case of not likingher and hoping a pretier lady will come along?
If I can get this right, I've uploaded a video of his activities... apologies for the dark and poor quality but it's something to see for now!!! (I hope!!!)
I'll keep you posted!
It didn't!
So last week, I got various plants and stuck them in the ground of one of my small breeding/nursery tanks before transferring my male and female gouramis. They seemed very happy in there, even affectionate... no signs of bullying or stress but then on Friday night, I noticed the male seemed under the weather. He also showed 2 or 3 signs of possible injury or sores on his side. He died that night so I bought a replacement and put him in the small breeding tank with the female.
I will admit that really a larger tank than 22 litres should be used and I expected him to take a while to settle in, but tonight, only the day after buying him.. HE'S DEFINATELY BUILDING A NEST!!!
I've made sure there is some good feathery plants in a quiet corner of the tank, plus other bits of dislodged foliage gethered there.
He's checked out the venue for transport links, local schools etc and decided it's a suitable site. Now he pops up to the surface nearby, has a few gulps of air before diving back under the leaves to blow the bubbles into the area. Occasionally he bullies stray bits of leave into place with his interior decorating before going back to blowing bubbles!
My only worry right now is that he seems to be chasing the female away... is this normal? When he's finished his home building will he welcome her into his home? Or is it a case of not likingher and hoping a pretier lady will come along?
If I can get this right, I've uploaded a video of his activities... apologies for the dark and poor quality but it's something to see for now!!! (I hope!!!)
I'll keep you posted!