Question About The Birds And The Bees

[MisterJiggyFly]

I have a small family of Kuhlis, banded and black, in a community tank with some Neons and a Gourami. Recently one of the smaller (2") Kuhlis has gotten very plump and has become increasingly shy (usually they are out all day long). What I hope are green eggs are now clearly visible along her belly, which is interesting because I've only had my Kuhlis for about four months, this particular fish for slightly less.

I don't know much about breeding fish, and in general it seems not much is known about breeding Kuhlis, which brings me to my question: as I understand when the female is ready, she will do a little dance and release her eggs near the surface, after which a male will release sperm and fertilize them. But, is it possible that my female would carry eggs without a willing (or capable) male to fertilize them, and I've nothing to be excited about? Or, if I'm able to keep the eggs from being eaten, will I have an even larger family of Kuhlis in the near future?

 

[helterskelter]

I breed these about 15 years ago, yes they are green eggs and she will stay inside her untill she is ready.
In the aquaria it's very difficult to induce breeding.

To sex true male's look at the pectoral fins the 2nd and 3rd fin ray's are much thicker and closer in males.
You should have several males when wanting to breed hopeing that at least one will be ready to spawn and be fertile.

my spawning was just luck but the eggs never hatched so think the male was not ready or infertile. However your description is correct of what i heard of spawning (personally missed mine just say the eggs )

Fry will be difficualt to feed but use inforsioura and then newly hatched brine shrimp from day 5-6
so good luck and have fun watching them

 

[MisterJiggyFly]

Thanks for the info!

This is pretty much what I thought I would hear. Sounds like my female will release her eggs but I shouldn't expect a male to fertilize them unless the aquarium gods are smiling at me.

I've read that Kuhlis don't reach sexual maturity until about 1.5-2 years of age, but I can't imagine mine purchased from the LFS are that old seeing as I've only had them for a few months. Interesting - we'll see what happens!

 

[helterskelter]

good luck though, i so wanted babies when i found the eggs.