Geophagus Tapajos Orange Head breeding behavior?

[xaznkewlguyx]

What are some signs of breeding?

My gf noticed that I have a pair of Geo's that are extremely territorial right now, they have never been like this before. Chasing off any others that come near.

We noticed them cleaning off a couple of spots on the driftwood and i have never seen them do that before too.

They also flare up to each other but they don't fight or anything. One of them has a sac hanging from under.

I can't wait to see what happens!

Any suggestions?

 

[GTbEaSt]

yea...increase the water temp....and watch out for the other tankmates....good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[xaznkewlguyx]

yea...increase the water temp....and watch out for the other tankmates....good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

what should i increase to? Its set at 80 right now. I think its cause today was kinda hot and my tank went up to 84 and i just did a big water change.

 

[AROWANABE]

What are some signs of breeding?

My gf noticed that I have a pair of Geo's that are extremely territorial right now, they have never been like this before. Chasing off any others that come near.

We noticed them cleaning off a couple of spots on the driftwood and i have never seen them do that before too.

They also flare up to each other but they don't fight or anything. One of them has a sac hanging from under.

I can't wait to see what happens!

Any suggestions?

You've only had them for several months and they are breeding already? that's awesome.

 

[xaznkewlguyx]

You've only had them for several months and they are breeding already? that's awesome.

Yeah.. if they really are, that would be tight. Hopefully..

but the thing is..

I thought males have pointy fins and longer trailers, females with rounder fins. They both have pointy fins but one has pretty long trailers compared to the other.

I always thought both of those were males, but we'll see..

 

[edburress]

Females develop more slowly, so the finnage length discrepancy is present for a while, but females develop trailers just like the males.

If they're digging a lot, cleaning a rock or driftwood, shaking, flaring, tail whipping, swimming in circles up into the water column, that kinda stuff... they are thinking about spawning.

Keep an eye out for the females tube to drop

Goodluck!

 

[xaznkewlguyx]

Females develop more slowly, so the finnage length discrepancy is present for a while, but females develop trailers just like the males.

If they're digging a lot, cleaning a rock or driftwood, shaking, flaring, tail whipping, swimming in circles up into the water column, that kinda stuff... they are thinking about spawning.

Keep an eye out for the females tube to drop

Goodluck!

thanks!

but yeah, lots of cleaning the driftwood and lots of flaring.

Should i be worried about tankmates? I have 2 Rotkiel, 3 daemons, a prochilodus, and 2 other orange heads.

How long will the whole process take? I know i need to cover up the filter intake with some cotton or some sort. I know they are mouth breeders though.

 

[edburress]

Laying takes around an hour, and depending on tankmakes (threat) they will pick up between 36-45 hours.

The female will hold them for ~4 days, then start releasing them for short periods and gradually release them for longer and longer. IME the males are active in raising the fry and after female can no longer hold them, he will hold some or all of them. They are very effective swimmers by the 5-6th day, and honestly you probably do not need to cover the filter intake. I never do.

They can protect them for quite a while, but eventually the tankmates will snack on the fry after they get more independent. Mine kept fry for 3 weeks before with other Geos in the tank just to give you an idea.

 

[DaveB]

If this is their first spawn don't be surprised if they end up swallowing the eggs after a few days. Sometimes it takes them a few tries to get the hang of it. Mine started breeding immediately after I got them home, and very often, and really sucked at it.

 

[xaznkewlguyx]

good news boys!

They were gettting fiesty with their tank mates so i moved the pair to a 20g long and i came home today for lunch and stumbled on them doing their thang!