I've never kept more than 4 or 5 at a time. I've had them breed and they mostly chase each other not other fish. They dont do any damage. I've found that most of the time they don't really school together. Mostly off doing their own thing
55g stocking options
- Thread starter firefly1152
- Start date
Thanks for the info!
It's going to be a while before they're out of quarantine, so I'll be able to observe them and see what their personalities are.
It's going to be a while before they're out of quarantine, so I'll be able to observe them and see what their personalities are.
Yup, any time!! I've personally had no issues with disease or parasites with my wild caught native fish, but it's best to play it safe!
I quarantine everything. My cmm and minnows got it for 2 months. I deworm and watch for diseases. I know it's kind of a long time, but I've had some situations (columnaris!) where I'm super glad I quarantine.
It's a good idea for sure. I keep and breed discus and I always quarantine any new stock before adding it to my 125gallon display tank ir my 500 gallon breeding system. Also keep rays and quarantine newcomers for at least 2 months. These fish are insanely expensive and some are hard to get, so I don't take chances. I admit that I never quarantine my natives...sounds crazy, but I have really no money invested in them, and I can visually inspect fish as I catch them. I only keep fat, healthy, colorful specimens. Still risky I know, but I'm lucky so far!
I pulled up my trap today and got about 30 sticklebacks, 3 crayfish, a frog, several water boatmen, and one cmm!!!
I only kept 9 sticklebacks (I thought I kept 8), the cmm and a stow away baby boatman.
I only kept 9 sticklebacks (I thought I kept 8), the cmm and a stow away baby boatman.
Nice!! One thing to keep in mind about sticklebacks, they are considered seasonal fish, almost like killifish. Usually die within 2 years. The ones your catching now are close to a year old and bigger ones would be close to 2 years. Don't be alarmed when they die unexpectedly...this is unfortunately normal. I like to collect juveniles in late summer to be sure to get a year or two out of them.
Yeah I saw that when I Googled them. That's so sad 
About that waterbug, any suggestions? I don't think I can let him go. I thought I took all of them out of the trap before I left, but there's a tiny one here.
About that waterbug, any suggestions? I don't think I can let him go. I thought I took all of them out of the trap before I left, but there's a tiny one here.
I've actually never kept a boatman, but I have read they will eat small fry. Other than that why not keep it? Definitely an unusual pet! Worth a try anyhow.
