How do you know it is for real? Breeding Oscars.

[Racersk]

I have had a pair of tiger O's for a few months now, they are pretty big, maybe 10" for the normal tiger and 9 for the albino. The last few nights I have seen the normal O flutter his tail and between the 2 of them they are prepping a nest. Chasing all other tank mates out and showing signs that they are pairing up.

I can't really tell if it is a lesbian pair or a male/female as I just haven't seen any vent protrusions, etc...Is this just practice for later in life, or can my pair already be 'of age'? I thin kthey are maybe 7 months old?

On a related note, should I be removing any tank mates before the oscars start spreading them? Tankmates include:
5-silver Dollars (biggest @ 4")
1- palmas bicher (9.5")
1- senagal bicher (10.5")
1-albino bicher (smallest ~5")

BTW This is a standard 90 gallon tank with tons of filtration-and I am actively searching for a 6' tank because I know this is not enough room for all full grown.

 

[smitty03281964]

Well have they started cleaning the rocks and moving the gravel/sand. If so then they are probably in the preparartion stage.

 

[Racersk]

Well have they started cleaning the rocks and moving the gravel/sand. If so then they are probably in the preparartion stage.

It is a silica sand substrate and yes they have, the albino will get under some ornaments (4" PVC pipes) and fake plants and thrash out a clean spot. He(?) also got pissed at my DIY overflow because it was in his nest!

The normal tiger sometimes comes over to inspect and lay in the 'nest' at, this is the one that twitches next to the albino...It should be noted that the albino doesn't see this too often cause it's missing an eye, lost earlier in life to one of the bichirs...

The Albino also tried to muscle out the Palmas bichir who was belligerently swimming up and down near the spot.

How long can I expect this nesting to last? Should I be worried about the slower unconcerned bichirs?

 

[NOLAGT]

No telling yet...mine have laid eggs several times and every time so far they looked white so I thought lezbos. But one day I saw about 20 wigglers in the tank so they have to be male and female. I guess they dont have the spawning thing figured out yet. So if you dont see eggs or they look all white give it time they might be a good pair. Mine have also laid and ate them right after.

 

[Gruff Master]

No telling yet...mine have laid eggs several times and every time so far they looked white so I thought lezbos. But one day I saw about 20 wigglers in the tank so they have to be male and female. I guess they dont have the spawning thing figured out yet. So if you dont see eggs or they look all white give it time they might be a good pair. Mine have also laid and ate them right after.

How are your O fry anyway? Were they all eaten or did you manage to rescue a few?