New Kubotai's sick---HELP

[shari2]

Pintius's suggestion is that they are 'breeding tubercules' which show up on males in breeding condition. Some of the pics are missing in the link I posted from our previous discussion on the subject, but they can either cover just the head/face area or even spread down the dorsal surface all the way to the dorsal fin. They generally don't last long (several days/a week) and will fade away on their own. Sort of like a menstrual cycle for male clowns. Several members here have noticed them on their clowns once it was pointed out. It is actually a good sign, I think.

Look through the link.

[Mike Lang]

Thanks soooo much Shari. Now I only have to worry about the damn Ich, but with the help I've been receiving here I think in another week or two all will be back to normal again. May I say to you, Happy Valentines Day Madame and thanks!!

[shari2]

What size are you clowns you've noticed this on? It seems to be a sign of sexual maturity...but the jury is still out since we don't have any documented stories of clown breeding in aquaria where it has been mentioned. The one relatively recent account of an actual spawning from Colin didn't mention whether or not there were tubercules present on the males.
See here:
http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php ... ng&start=0

[Mike Lang]

These guys are about 8- 10 years old, but not that big, perhaps 4 inches SL. They probably should be bigger by now, but until recently they lived in a 38 gallon tank, with my eupterus and a pictus cat, so maybe they're stunted. I see some BIG ones in other folks tanks, so mine are probably runts due to their prior cramped quarters.

[Mike Lang]

Shari, checked out the latest link pertaining to spawning. FYI, my PH runs about 7.8 with only moderate hardness. I'm on a well and I don't try to adjust water parameters, just keep it clean. My fish get it the same way I do, straight out of the ground. No softeners, no filtration, no nothing. Fortunately, it's very good water, at least for humans and the fish seem to do well in it. I've never wanted to hassle with "adjusting" my water, just good reqular maintainance practices....As such, it doesn't sound like there would ever be the remotest chance that mine would spawn, but the head tubercles are interesting, none the less.