Pearl Gourami fry!

[modernhamlet]

A couple of months ago I moved out of state and left my 29g and fish, including a pair of beautiful pearls, with my friend Susan. Well, even as a novice fishkeeper, Susan has done a great job and has managed to get them to spawn in the spare 10g I gave her.

There are about 20-25 newly hatched fry.

Mom has been removed and returned to the 29 for recovery and dad is zealously watching over his brood.

Now here's the problem...

The following things are in the tank (and as I understand it probably don't belong):
2 wisteria plants
1 inch of gravel
some rocks
several small snails

There were some corys in there as well, but they've already been moved for everyone's safety.

Now at this point, with already hatched fry, would it be better to remove the gravel as carefully as possible over the next couple of days, thus clouding up the water a bunch, but providing a clean, empty tank in the end? Or should she just let them go as they are and hope there aren't any major problems caused by having snails and gravel in with the fry as they grow and escape the nest?

Since they're already swimming out of the bubblenest (and being put back of course by dad), she's started feeding with Liquifry.

Any other advice on how she can improve the chances fry survival would be appreciated as well.

Thanks!

 

[modernhamlet]

A bit of a sad update...

The female gourami died today. She was sluggish before Susan went to work this morning and was already gone when she returned this evening. It would appear that between the spawning act and the abuse she took from the male before she was moved was too much.

She was a wonderful fish, full of personality and energy. We are both greatly saddened by her loss.

All we can do now is hope her offspring get the chance to grow up and bring the same kind of life to their tanks as she did.

 

[Dubby]

modernhamlet:

Thats sad news indeed. Wish you the best in bringing up the fry.

 

[wuvmybetta]

Any updates,mh?

I'm sorry to hear of the momma

 

[StrontiumDog]

Hi modernhamlet,

I'm new to breeding Gouramis myself and after 2 bad tries the 3rd one ( fingers crossed ) is going well.

now i'm no pro but i have in my tank loads of plants, plenty of gravel, and very small snails.

I dont seem to be having any problems yet.

As regards to the sail i belive they only pose a threat to unhatched eggs since yours are free swimming i dont see a problem IMO