Bowfin #2 is still doing great. At least 1/3rd of the surface is rippling so I should be okay. He has about doubled in size since we got him. I can't get good pictures but I will post a couple of the best I could get in a minute.
Just got 2 baby bowfin
- Thread starter bahamaqt00
- Start date
Here we go
These pictures (especially the 1st one with the flash) don't do this lil guy justice. His fins all around his body are bright yellow and dark blueish black. He has that dot on his back fin so does this mean he is a male or a female? Anyone know the sexing of bowfin? Let me know what ya think!
These pictures (especially the 1st one with the flash) don't do this lil guy justice. His fins all around his body are bright yellow and dark blueish black. He has that dot on his back fin so does this mean he is a male or a female? Anyone know the sexing of bowfin? Let me know what ya think!
hard to sex when they are small. males will display a yellow/orange ring around the tail spot...bahamaqt00;4066027; said:
One of the reasons juvenile bowfin are so sensitive has to do with their parasite load. Juvenile bowfin are almost always wildcaught, and wild bowfin are always infected with helminth parasites. Many of these worms are specific to the bowfin, and they have probably been infecting this species for millions of years. Apparently, the wild fish are able to survive with many parasites, but the stress associated with captivity pushes the young fish over the edge. I think their increased oxygen requirement has something to do with the metabolic stress the parasites put on the little fish. Once they reach adulthood, it seems that they are strong enough to make the transition to captivity (if they can adapt behaviorally) without being killed by the parasites. Maybe we would have better luck if we applied some antiparasite meds as soon as the fish are collected.
You got the last 2,that's awesome! I bought 5 from the same place as you and only 3 have made it this far but the 3 left are extremely healthy and good eaters! Check out my new thread...
I just got 2 last week, anyone else know if its normal for them to sometimes hover at the top almost hardly moving? One is eating good, the other seems a little small i guess ill have to get some parasite clear since the smaller one keeps scraping against the side.
D12DetroitD12;4080804; said:
That doesn't sound very normal,mine pretty much stayed near the bottom of the tank and for the most part still do.You should definitely treat them asap due to the high risk of parasites....
