White Cloud Mountain Minnows Bickering/breeding?

[Neon.Tetra]

I have 5 White Cloud Mountain Minnows in a 20L with my Betta. It's heated, though, the temperature remains at around 25C. I've only had them a few days and for the first few hours they seemed timid but gradually became used to the aquarium and my betta. Theres been no trouble so far between the WCMM and the Betta although he did follow them around abit when I put him in with them (more out of interest I think rather than to cause trouble).

Because the betta was moved from a smaller aqarium the two plants (One provides alot more cover than the other smaller recovering plant) and a vase ornament have hardly filled the new one, and there is quite a bit of swimming space. There are however sufficient hiding spaces. There seems to be one particular Minnow that flares its fins at all the others that pass by it, sometimes pecking them lightly. I didn't think it was breeding, but I researched the behaviour and read it was when there was a lack of resources, in this case, lack of plants.

I planned to get new plants pretty soon, (as soon as I can really, for the fish and because the tank looks quite empty) and if need be I can get another minnow (They're only 85p!) to raise the number up to 6. (I wasn't to sure theres contradicting information all over the internet, some sayin a minimum of 4, others saying 6-7).

They have all been eating fine and have made a great addition to the tank!

Any other ideas why the WCMM keeps pestering the others?

Thanks.

Oh, forgot to mention, another one of them (not sure if its the same one) seems to be spending alot of time exploring the bottom of the tank around the plant. Don't know if that has anything to do with this? He/she joins back up with the group every so often, and is swimming well.

 

[windhopper]

I have 5 White Cloud Mountain Minnows in a 20L with my Betta. It's heated, though, the temperature remains at around 25C. I've only had them a few days and for the first few hours they seemed timid but gradually became used to the aquarium and my betta. Theres been no trouble so far between the WCMM and the Betta although he did follow them around abit when I put him in with them (more out of interest I think rather than to cause trouble).

Because the betta was moved from a smaller aqarium the two plants (One provides alot more cover than the other smaller recovering plant) and a vase ornament have hardly filled the new one, and there is quite a bit of swimming space. There are however sufficient hiding spaces. There seems to be one particular Minnow that flares its fins at all the others that pass by it, sometimes pecking them lightly. I didn't think it was breeding, but I researched the behaviour and read it was when there was a lack of resources, in this case, lack of plants.

I planned to get new plants pretty soon, (as soon as I can really, for the fish and because the tank looks quite empty) and if need be I can get another minnow (They're only 85p!) to raise the number up to 6. (I wasn't to sure theres contradicting information all over the internet, some sayin a minimum of 4, others saying 6-7).

They have all been eating fine and have made a great addition to the tank!

Any other ideas why the WCMM keeps pestering the others?

Thanks.

Oh, forgot to mention, another one of them (not sure if its the same one) seems to be spending alot of time exploring the bottom of the tank around the plant. Don't know if that has anything to do with this? He/she joins back up with the group every so often, and is swimming well.

I got some minnows a few days ago aswell mine also started out really really timid, except for one of them which only has one eye and doesnt seem to notice anything lol. But after 48 hours they were all swimming around happy. I have noticed similar behaviour, flaring of fins (but not nipping) when i turn the lights on in the morning, its as though they are displaying, but i also am interested to see what this is

 

[pippoodle]

that is definately breeding behaviour the males display to other males to show dominance and also the females
when they do actually lay the eggs after a lot of chasing the males and females sort of curve their tails round each other , the eggs and sperm are then deposited
they scatter the eggs in plants

if you wish to breed them read my post here [URL="http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=266066"]http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=266066[/URL]

the female minnows are the ones with the very rounded bellys and the males are slimmer

IME the more minnows the better as they feel more secure in larger numbers so depending on your tank size if you could make the number up to 8 they would be very happy and more relaxed , you will also see more playful behaviour from them and you wont hardly see them schooling when they are in larger numbers and feeling safe

IMO they are great little fish


cheers Sarah xx

 

[Neon.Tetra]

Thanks for the info, I wasn't planning on breeding them, but i'll read up on it just incase nature takes its course.

Just an update, I added more plants today (Bought 4 plants only put in 2, didn't want hardly any open swimming space) so the others will either be given to a friend or thrown away. I'm not happy with the current set up, somethings not right and over the next few days I'm sure I'll move bits around.

The fish seem happier, though I've noticed one minnow in particular not moving around as much, often staying in one place, or spending time away from the rest of the group. It's back end seems to relax and then it corrects itself, never seen this before so hopefully nothings wrong. I'll keep an eye on him/her too.

I put in a pea today was so funny to watch! The minnows chased after it, biting it as it fell and when it hit the gravel they all just looked at it and then swam off! I don't think they knew what to do with it when it stopped moving! Then my betta picked up the pea and carried it around a bit, the minnows followed behind and he dropped it into the vase ornament and guarded it, moving towards them slightly when they tried to come near!

 

[Neon.Tetra]

Another update, The fish that I was worried about seems to have perked up. I added some Elodia, (canadian pond weed?) to the aquarium and its really added some colour and created darker areas, I think its chilled him out having places to hide and I don't think he liked the strong built in light.

I'm pleased with what it looks like now =] and managed to use all 4 plants!

 

[pippoodle]

thats great news
mine were a bit dubious about veg when it was first added to the tank they looked at me like i was insane lol

the plants will certainly help them and like i said get a couple more minnows they will really start showing their true selves

cheers and good luck with them Sarah x

 

[Neon.Tetra]

thats great news
mine were a bit dubious about veg when it was first added to the tank they looked at me like i was insane lol

the plants will certainly help them and like i said get a couple more minnows they will really start showing their true selves

cheers and good luck with them Sarah x

I think im actually making a trip to the shopping center where I got them tommorow, and I could pick a few more up then. They've been displaying this behaviour all yesterday and all today. Any ideas when they will actually spawn (if they do)? Will it be when I turn the tank lights out?

And any ideas what to look for in the morning?
Thanks.

 

[pippoodle]

thats great news
mine were a bit dubious about veg when it was first added to the tank they looked at me like i was insane lol

the plants will certainly help them and like i said get a couple more minnows they will really start showing their true selves

cheers and good luck with them Sarah x

I think im actually making a trip to the shopping center where I got them tommorow, and I could pick a few more up then. They've been displaying this behaviour all yesterday and all today. Any ideas when they will actually spawn (if they do)? Will it be when I turn the tank lights out?

And any ideas what to look for in the morning?
Thanks.

They will spawn all the time if they are getting some good food every few days you will see a female being harrassed by the males and then they dart into a plant and do the curving bit
you might see some wigglys in about 24-36 hours time - these will be near the bottom of the tank hanging on the glass - if the eggs survive that long
you wont be able to see any eggs as they are very tiny and nearlly see through

the fry are exremly small and look like tiny bits of hair with a dot on the front

good luck

Sarah xx

 

[Neon.Tetra]

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out, fingers crossed for the best! I'll update you If I see anything!