I Found A Baby In My Tank!

[natalie265]

So, i've had a pair of honey gouramis for about 5 months now. For the past couple of months, the male has been obsessed with bubble nests. I didn't think there was ever anything in them except bubbles. Then, yesterday as i was getting ready to empty (and move) the tank, i noticed a tiny honey gourami scooting around! He is the only survivor. Will be interesting to see if he lives to adulthood. He sure is cute!

 

[Trollfest]

Oh wow, congratulations! Is it possible to sex honey's? I have three and wondered about the possibility of them having babies. Any particular behaviour to look out for?

 

[Betta5]

Got any pics? How big is he? Did you seperate him?

 

[natalie265]

Yes it is possible to sex honey gouramis. In fact, my LFS employee was able to do it while they were still juveniles. I couldn't tell them apart until they got a bit older. The male has a slightly longer, more pointed dorsal fin and as he matured, he developed a dark patch on his throat. The female is not quite as brightly colored as the male. My male is more aggressive/territorial than my female, which i believe is typical. The male is the one who builds and guards the bubble nest, so if you see any bubble nest building happening, that would be a male.

The baby is probably almost 1/2 an inch long right now, if that, and a perfect little replica of his parents! I have not separated him out.