Bolivian Rams

Hi Folks,
I've a pair of wild Bolivian Rams which are breeding evrey 2 weeks or so, but then losing all the fry, due (I presume) to the other occupants of the tank.

I've got two more Bolivian Rams and 6 glowlights in there, which will be straightforward enough to remove.

The problem is likely to be catching the Flying Fox without trashing the tank. I probably know the answer to this already - but does he need to come out as well? or is he the least of the fry eaters?

Any advice welcome on this one

Thanks,

Jim.

(Also - just FYI - despite the micro-geophagus in the name - they wont even eat food off the bottom much less do any earth eating - which is why I put the flying fox in to clean up.

Also - despite two nice big flat bits of slate - they don't lay their eggs on them - they're putting them in a depression where they pretty much dug up an Amazon Sword and seem to lay the eggs in the roots and sometimes on the back of some bogwood. This doesn't seem to be a problem as they're getting the fry to free-swimming stage without difficulty. )

Jim,

Firstly you will need to leave a light on in the room,at night the fry will stray and will get eaten. The parents have to protect the fry,even at that if they are new to breeding they will lose some and may eat some as well. Usually they tired of minding them and wander off leaving whatever ones are left to the rest of the tank inhabitants for food. Give them flat rocks and caves to use as spawing sights and where they can transfer the fry around if needed. I would personally move the fry from the tank if possible,they will feed early on so get some microworms ready and baby brine shrimp ready. In my experience the fry are quite small,so you need to keep an eye on this. Also be mindful of any temperature flucatations which they dont take well to. You will get sliders otherwise.

You could take all the other fish out of the tank but the parents may well eat the fry still,I think it would be best to remove the fry early on. Be very careful when doing so. If you can get the eggs on a rock you could remove the rock,but Id leave it until they hatch as the parents will fan the eggs to stop any fungus and keep them well oxygenated. Once they become free swimming get them into another tank. (after the wriggler stage,great fun watching the parents pick them up and spit them back out). Needless to say as with all fry,water conditions are vital and good early food for them. No waste in the fry tank after and remove any ones that die.


Gavin

Also my rams used to dig out a hole in the substrate also when spawning. The fact you are getting them to free swimming is great,the rest is about getting them into another tank.
They will spawn regularly now that you have a pair.

Gavin

Remove the Tetras, these are super fast and will get fry before the Parents get a chance to defend them, I've observed Cardinals demolish Discus eggs like lightening, they move up to the spawn site in a shoal and dive bomb the egg/fry mass and can clear them up in an instant.

Kev.