Bad News...

[terd ferguson]

I found the female dovii this morning missing half her face. She was (incredibly) still breathing, but only barely. There was really nothing I could do. I moved her to a hospital tank but she died a short time later.

I had a feeling she was too timid, but only after I put her in the big tank. I could never find her to try and move her to a smaller tank. The male, on the other hand, is fine and so is the little texas (who is smaller than the female dovii).

My theory on what happened is that the female took refuge a litle too close to the loisellis and their fry (at least, this is where I found her). I think that being in the wrong place at the wrong time along with being very timid (in combination with being too small) is what caused her downfall. This is also why the male dovii and the little texas are doing fine despite also being small. They aren't at all timid and know to stay away from fry.

 

[citrinelum]

sorry to hear that.

 

[japes]

One of the unfortunate issues of keeping large aggressive central setups, unlucky that you were a little too late.

 

[nmadsen4]

I found the female dovii this morning missing half her face. She was (incredibly) still breathing, but only barely. There was really nothing I could do. I moved her to a hospital tank but she died a short time later.

I had a feeling she was too timid, but only after I put her in the big tank. I could never find her to try and move her to a smaller tank. The male, on the other hand, is fine and so is the little texas (who is smaller than the female dovii).

My theory on what happened is that the female took refuge a litle too close to the loisellis and their fry (at least, this is where I found her). I think that being in the wrong place at the wrong time along with being very timid (in combination with being too small) is what caused her downfall. This is also why the male dovii and the little texas are doing fine despite also being small. They aren't at all timid and know to stay away from fry.

That sounds terrible. So sorry to hear that. Im not positive but wasn't it you who's signature had said 'all Parachromis living peacefully together'? Possibly a sign of bigger problems in adult hood?

 

[nuth88]

I am Sorry for your loss Terd...

A Parachromis Tank can work, it's just very dicey, I wish you well my friend.....

Nuthman~

 

[ProblEmZ]

Sorry for your loss Terd.

 

[Schnauzer]

Thats too bad. Sorry to here it.

 

[terd ferguson]

One of the unfortunate issues of keeping large aggressive central setups, unlucky that you were a little too late.

In hindisght, I should've grown her out to about 6" before adding her. She would've been big enough to protect herself. Live and learn.

That sounds terrible. So sorry to hear that. Im not positive but wasn't it you who's signature had said 'all Parachromis living peacefully together'? Possibly a sign of bigger problems in adult hood?

I don't necessarily see this as a deal breaker for keeping dovii. I just didn't trust my instincts and put her in too small. It's entirely my fault. Adding a larger fish vs. a smaller one has other benefits besides just size. The intimidation factor for very large fish vs. very small fish can have a big effect on the smaller fishes' behavior. This is what I think happened. The female dovii was very intimidated and chose the wrong place to hide for refuge.

The breeding pairs in my tank routinely "allow" (tolerate) others to swim near their fry. This small female dovii hid in the first place she saw, the java moss in the middle of the loisellis' fry grazing ground. This is a bad place to set up shop. Swimming by their fry is tolerated, setting up camp there is obviously not.

With that said, this is why the male dovii is not in any trouble. He swims around confidently and this seems to earn some kind of respect. He also learned very quickly not to linger too long near a parent's fry. Same thing for the tiny little texas.

And no, I don't think it's "just a matter of time" before the same thing happens to the male dovii and/or texas. They carry themselves entirely differently and are treated differently as a result (different than this female dovii that is).

I thought briefly about removing the male "just in case" until he was a little larger. But, I've decided against it. I feel pretty confident based on his behavior and the behavior of those around him that he'll be just fine.

It goes back to what I've said in the past. The attitude of the individual fish being added is as important as anything else in maximizing your chances for success. In this case, the female dovii was the wrong personality. It's unusual in that she was not aggressive enough. I didn't think I'd have a problem that way. The male dovii seems to be close to the ideal (at least for now). This is one of the drawbacks with having fishes shipped. You can't effectively choose the best personality to fit in. I seem to have gotten lucky with the male but unlucky with the female. Time will tell if I'm correct.

Thanks for the condolences.

 

[jgentry]

That stinks. Sometimes these things just don't work out though. I agree completely with what you said about a fishs attitude and how it affects how other fish recieve it. Hopely your male continues to do well and maybe you'll have better luck with the next female. It doesn't surprise me that your texas is doing well. Those little guys have no fear from the get go.

 

[terd ferguson]

That stinks. Sometimes these things just don't work out though. I agree completely with what you said about a fishs attitude and how it affects how other fish recieve it. Hopely your male continues to do well and maybe you'll have better luck with the next female. It doesn't surprise me that your texas is doing well. Those little guys have no fear from the get go.

That little texas is barely 2 1/2" and is not bothered in the least swimming next to a 16" Oscar. I feel like the way it works is it's a "if you don't run, you don't get chased" sort of thing.