breeding

[BigFish]

i have two bichirs and they have just mated so what kind of egg layer are they. so i know how to prepare.

 

[Oddball]

I'm afraid your ornates haven't mated as there is no internal fertilization in this species. These fish are egg-scattering substrate spawners. They most likely have bonded temporarily. Although many Ornates have been raised to sexual maturity, little is known on the breeding in aquariums. In Asia, they're spawned in large ponds. A water change with slightly cooler water can stimulate the spawning. It is said that the males anal fin is wider than the females. Males initiate spawning, the female laying a few hundred eggs near his hand-like anal fin on vegetation. The male cups his anal and caudal fins around the female's genital area to receive eggs for fertilization, after which the adhesive eggs are scattered. Fine-leaved plants (or spawning mops) should be provided for this.The eggs are about 2-3mm in diameter, and should hatch in about 3-4 days. Either remove the parents after spawning or remove any eggs to a rearing tank. Feeding should begin after about a week, when the yolk sac has been consumed. Feed the fry initially with baby brine shrimp moving on to the larger food as they grow. Food should be placed as close to the fry as possible, as they are not likely to actively pursue food initially. The young have external gills
Good luck with your pair. Remember to take lots of pics of this rare occurrance.