Beani pre-spawning?

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JoeFatFish

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 23, 2008
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Westchester, CA
Ok, the beani story continues. From the 50 soemthing Beani I brought, back, I have 3 left. 2 big ones about 6-7 inches now, and a medium one at about 4-5 inches. I thought the 2 big ones were male and female, since they had different body shapes, (don't get me started on parallel evolution), so I thought the bigger one which is rounder in shape was female, and the one slightly smaler was a male, since a bit more elongate, and more spotting, up to the mouth area. The slightly smaller was the dominant one, so I thought, ok he is the male. I seperated both of them becasue of what I thought was "rough love". Now I am thinking the bigger and more round one is male, since it is developing a slight hump on head, and the medium one which I thought was a male becasue of longer dorsal fin tip, is now turned black on lower part of body and a black mask, and they are both "nice" to each other hanging out together, and flaring at each other. I attached a picture, a very BAD one, but you all will get the idea. The fish all way at top is a male Mota, so look at 2 fish together, and notice the color pattern differances. Thoughts on what is going on here everyone??

BEANI_PAIR.JPG
 
Yeah we need some clearer pics.
 
Bump for updates!
 
Joe.... I finally found someone who takes worse pictures then me! :ROFL:

From what I can tell and in comparison to my Beanis, looks like there MIGHT be some courting going on. As for the shapes of the bodies it's hard to distinguish which is male/female ..... the different body patterns definately express their mood.
 
Sorry guys no pics yet. I was observing them, and they are definatly a pair. They were actually being very "loving" nand "gentle" with each other this morning, with some flaring of gills, and nudging, body to body "slapping" with mouthes open. The smaller one defiantly act girly and the bigger one like a male. They are starting to hang out together behind a rock, and chasing all the nouresattis away. They have for sure bonded together and are NOT out to kill each other, as others have witnessed. so cool, no fighteing between them and appears to be a pair, most likely. They have chossen a spot in the tank they like together, behind some lava rock. Question to all??? Should I add some flat rocks? If so do I lay them flat or on side at angle, or just let them figure it out as nature intends? I am wodering were would be a good place they will lay eggs. My Motas just cleared all the gravel and laid eggs on glass bottom. Will keep all posted, and I promise I will get a few very good pics soon. Hopefully before they spawn?? And of course of the spawning and after etc, etc...
 
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