Rosy Loach Update

[Wendie]

Well I discovered yesterday that the little Rosy Loaches need as much oxygen in their water as the bigger guys. I put in a new external filter which doesn't cause much distrubance on the surface on Friday. Everything was fine until yesterday (Saturday) morning when I noticed all the small Rosy loaches hanging from the surface gasping. Within minutes of adding a small air stone things returned to normal. This morning everyone is swimming around in their normal lively fashion with some playing in the stream. Next purchase will be a small powerhead for the tank.

In the meantime, I've noticed that some of the females have become fairly deep bodied this past week or so. These females have now attracted the attention of some of the males. They have become almost glued to the undersides of the female. Because of their non stop movement I would assume that they might just scatter the eggs rather than prepare any type of nest. Does anyone have any information? Emma have any of yours spawned?

[Emma Turner]

Emma have any of yours spawned?

Hi Wendie,

Glad to hear that you managed to rescue your Rosies. I'm not actually keeping them myself (only at the shop ) so you might want to see if any of the others have seen any pre-spawning behaviour. I know Graeme has got a nice large group of these.

Emma

[Graeme Robson]

Hi Wendie.

I keep 17 of these little guy's in a Brook tank with plenty oxygenated waters and funny you should mention spawning activity's. It was only yesterday i witnessed some males becoming interested in the females. They (males) where also pestering the females with what i call as shadowing. Not forgetting the males nibbling the females stomach area.

I'll post more if i witness anything. I hope you will also, Wendie. And anyone who keeps these little Rosy's.

[Wendie]

Yes, that's the same behavior pattern I've been seeing for about the past week. I have just about the same number of fish - 20 - half and half. However, at this time there are only one or two females who've shown signs of plumpness. The males seem to push the stomach area almost like a baby whale would looking for milk.

[Graeme Robson]

I agree!

Just captured this image tonight! These Bloods are certainly there favorite.