Con Solo the Convict

[Matth05]

I’m considering swapping the swordtails and Leia tomorrow during waterchange day. That would make it an exact 4 weeks of QT for those swordtails. And If not tomorrow, then most likely next week. Here’s what I’ve been thinking.

As of yesterday we’ve just purchased tickets to Puerto Rico. We leave in just about 4 weeks time. I’d like to be able to observe Solo and the swordtails for at least couple of weeks just to make sure everything goes smoothly. I haven’t observed anything out of the ordinary with the swords, apart from the fact that the 29 is definitely a cramped environment. Feel like these little buggers are dying to “stretch their legs” if you know what I mean.

And to be completely honest, I’d like to avoid another spawn entirely before I have to leave for a week. Already know I’m going to be a bit worried about the fish while away, don’t need another spawn to add to that lol.

 

[Matth05]

Well it was an absolute PITA, but managed to do the swap yesterday. The swordtails were fairly easy to catch, for some reason they don’t mind a white net and will literally just swim right into it? It was the same thing with the orange swordtails. Caught the swords out and placed them temporarily in a bin until getting Leia. Then came the hard part. Catching little miss crazy out of the 75.

Drained half the tank and was using two nets (one small, one large). Still must’ve took me around 10-15 minutes. These convicts are cunning little fish if nothing else. Didn’t take long at all for her to settle in to her “time out tank”. She’s a tough little fish and was back to biting my fingers for pellets in a couple hours.

Solo’s still slightly wary, but I expected that. Getting used to his newest tank mates and little guy is probably expecting the net when I come by the tank. One of them bit me in the process as well and I’m pretty sure it was him lmao. When I put the net in Leia darted to the rock cave. Went to pick it up, and as soon as I touched it my finger got smashed. Then saw Solo scurrying to the other side of the tank. He’ll get over it in another day or two, he’s definitely a bit more of a moody convict in comparison to Leia.

Swordtails are pretty much unfazed. Once they’re able to group together looks like any stress reduces dramatically. I’ll get videos today after work.

 

[Matth05]

Super late with these videos lol. Just a little busy the past 2 weeks, as you can tell by my lack of algae scraping on the front glass panels of both tanks. I work part time at a car dealership, and things get a little crazy around 4th of July and weeks following. Haven't missed any routine water changes or anything though.

Took a couple days after the switch for Solo to get settled but he's back to his normal, harmless self. I think he was a bit confused on what to do. As I write there's still between like 3-5 juvenile convicts from their "failed" previous spawn. It's hard to tell how many there are but they've been growing, eating, and look like little convicts at this point. The first few days it looked like he wanted to guard them, and would switch between his dark and tan barring depending on what he was doing. Towards the end of the video I was trying to spot one where I usually see them cruising around but no luck. Not sure what their chances of making it are but I have no plans on removing them. It'd be very cool to see them get to the same stage as the previous spawn.

Right now he's totally normal. Only thing on his mind is when I'm going to drop some pellets in. Zero aggression to the swordtails from what I've seen, which I'm glad to see and from what I can tell they're doing their job as dithers, letting Solo know it's all good to be out and about, when he wouldn't usually be willing to do so. Like during a waterchange for example.

Leia settled into her tank within a couple hours like I said last time lol. Looking for food as always in the video. I love having the two paired up but I do think she does best as a solitary fish. You guys already know she's a handful. Feel like I need a "Warning, will bite" sign with this one .

 

[Matth05]

Well I found a happy little surprise today. A lone Otapa swordtail fry in the 29 gallon with Leia! Somehow this little guy has survived the past couple days. I have no idea how but I was able to effortlessly scoop him up with a small brine shrimp net!

Currently the little bugger is in a makeshift plastic tote with some extra fake leaves, decor, and an air stone. This could be my chance at replacing the female sword that had jumped out a few weeks back. Going to see if I can get my hands on a small mesh fry box tomorrow. I’m thinking I can keep him isolated in the 75 until large enough to be let free with the adults.