Breeding Johanna Pikes

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Kolewolf

Gambusia
MFK Member
Oct 9, 2008
128
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16
Vancouver, BC
I have a 12" male Johanna and an 11" female Johanna. Theya re in a 250G with rays and bass. The female has gotten really fat in the last week and her colour has become more contrast. She has developed a bright Red streak just above her gill plate. She usually dominates the male but now it is the other way around. He is biting at her and chasing her around. They have taken a corner of the tank and have been chasing all the other fish away. I normally don't have any aggression in the tank but today it seems the Pikes are at war with everyone.
Is it possible they are breeding?? I have heard that breeding Pike in captivity is very difficult if not impossible?
 
It sounds like breeding behaviour. Keep in mind that pikes often pair up, go through all the motions but never actually lay eggs. Even when they do lay eggs most times they are not fertile. Most likely due to improper water conditions. They need relatively soft water for the eggs to be fertilized.

Pike are also cave spawners. Place a large clay pot or some other sort of cave in there and the female will likely take up residence immediately. It will also give her someplace to retreat when the male's attention gets a little too intense.

Take lots of pics and keep us posted!!
 
Definitely get us some pictures!! Thats the kind of stuff I am talking about!!!

Strawberry clay pots works amazingly well if you want to go with the pot route.

If you can get some almond leaves, add about 50 or so to the water, that should help out a bit. If you really want to test things, do a water change and add some cooler water, dropping the temp in the tank about three or four degrees. That might stimulate them into spawning.

OR you could just leave everything alone and see what happens. Might be your best bet actually, if its not broke, don't fix it! :)
 
I was hoping you would chime in Peanut. I think I am going to just let whatever happens happen. I'm not really into the whole breeding thing anymore anyway. Usually it is more of a P.I.T.A anyway.
 
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