Discus breeding frequency

[carpediem]

Breeding Discus for the first time...

I have a pair of turquoise that first started laying eggs about 2 weeks ago. Since then, they have laid a new clutch of eggs every 3 or 4 days. They hatched a clutch of wigglers 4 days ago and they were taking really good care of them. I came home this evening to find the wigglers gone from their spot and a whole new batch of eggs on the breeding cone. Before I could voice my angst, I noticed something strange about the eggs and, sure enough, the wigglers were stuck in amongst all of the new eggs on the breeding cone. They are happy and healthy and getting bigger seemingly by the hour. Is this normal? Are Discus usually such prolific breeders? Should I expect them to have trouble once the new eggs hatch?

Best Regards,
-R

 

[Dkarc]

Discus will only spawn when there are wigglers if the spawn is small. Dont expect the wigglers to remain there for much longer...the pair will eat them. And since they are spawning so often, they are a young pair most likely...they could be doing it due to sheer non-experience too. I wouldnt worry about it too much. But if you want them to stop eating their spawns and increase hatch count, put them in softer water so more of the eggs can hatch and maybe lower the pH a little to help with any bacteria in the tank that might attack the eggs. Bigger hatch count = bigger chance of them wanting to raise them. JMO

-Ryan

 

[carpediem]

Hey, thanks Ryan, I appreciate the info.

They are indeed a young pair and the wigglers did disappear, shortly after I posted this message.

The tank pH is 6.2 - 6.4 fluctuating slightly during the day during photosynthesis hours.

Their first couple of spawns, the egg count was pretty low (20 - 30 eggs). Each successive spawn saw the egg counts go up and now they are laying, I would guess, 50 - 75 eggs at at time.

I'll keep slogging along and see what happens.

Thanks again for the info.
-R