German Blue Rams Spawned X 2

[peathenster]

Well I have two pairs of GBRs in my 120g and they got along well. But a couple of days ago I noticed that there were more disputes than usual. Some very interesting social behaviors too.

Got home yesterday and found one pair spawned. The male stayed on top of the eggs while the female was fending off other fish (including the other pair of GBR, which seemed to like the same spot). A few hours later, the second pair spawned too but in the opposite corner of the tank. Are they are pack or something???

Probably won't be able to get any fry this time (not setup for it), but will try to get things ready for the next round.

HAPPY

Pair #1 before spawning

Pair #2 before spawning

Pair #1 after spawning - hard to see but there are lots of eggs on the rock right underneath the male

Pair #2 after spawning - eggs in plain view

 

[minxfishy]

Nice If the parents do a good job of looking after them. you could get a few fry, good luck.

 

[peathenster]

I looked into it and it turns out GBRs are bad parents and the fry are too small for brine shrimp and too picky for prepared fry food . Sounded like a whole lot of work. Hope I'll get some wrigglers this time - just so I'll have some hope!

 

[minxfishy]

They are once they get into it, usually they eat the first few batches of eggs or sometimes the fry, they just have to get some practice then they can be very good parents, if you do get wrigglers get some liquifry for them, but they can be raised on crushed flakes too I believe.

You never know, with two spawning pairs your chances are doubled

 

[always4lora]

nice looking fish, hoping to get some soon , you'll have wayyyy loads of ram's if they were perfect parents and would prols have no where to put them .... Good luck though would be well nice to have anice family in the tank .

 

[peathenster]

well, all eggs are gone... should have more in a couple of weeks and will post again.

sad, but what are you gonna do...

 

[stevem24s]

I just realized I think I am in the same situation. I have two German Rams (one male / one female) and the female looks exactly like the one in the pictures you posted. What do I need to do? Do I place something in the tank for the eggs?

 

[minxfishy]

Rams will spawn on a flat surface normally, rocks/caves/flowerpots, you dont need to do anything specific, if you have a pair, they will clear an area chosen to spawn and once eggs are laid, they will fan the eggs and defend them, its normal to not get fry from the first few spawnings, they take time to get used to the idea of being parents, or they feel something is wrong or they are being too stressed by the other fish they will eat the eggs and even when hatched they can eat the fry.

Better luck next time Peathenster

 

[peathenster]

Thanks minx.... It's not like I want to be a GBR breeder but seeing the eggs gone was hard. I'll take them out next time and see how far I can get.

From what I gathered I'd need two things - an established bare bottom tank (wigglers will sink between gravels and die) with an established sponge filter and perfect water, and a microworm culture. Will get started soon.... they are eating like pigs now and I bet they'll spawn again within 2-3 weeks.

 

[peathenster]

Steve - I got my four GBRs from a local breeder on a Monday, and rearranged my tank to make three potential spawning sites (smooth rock surface surrounded by some plants). They immediately formed two pairs and occupied two spawning sites. It was amazing to me because the breeder randomly got them out from a group of several dozens, so they couldn't have been paired before I got them.

Three days later - eggs.. I love these little things...

Thinking about turning my 120g into a designated SA dwarf cichlid tank with GBRs and Apistos.