Kerbs breeding?

[T-Hbrand]

Hey guys and gals I know these are not exactly monster fish but I have some questions about my kribebsis. 3 days ago I noticed that my female was digging a nest, at this point I didn’t think much of it. Then yesterday I noticed my male was agresivly nest and chasing everything away from the nest that would come near while she hung out in the nest and ocationally would clean some substrate out from the nest. I thought for sure they had laid eggs but, today they seem hardly interested in there nest. The male seems to be half heartedly to be hanging around the nest in hopes the female will come around again. Can anyone tell me what’s going on here?

 

[tlindsey]

Hey guys and gals I know these are not exactly monster fish but I have some questions about my kribebsis. 3 days ago I noticed that my female was digging a nest, at this point I didn’t think much of it. Then yesterday I noticed my male was agresivly nest and chasing everything away from the nest that would come near while she hung out in the nest and ocationally would clean some substrate out from the nest. I thought for sure they had laid eggs but, today they seem hardly interested in there nest. The male seems to be half heartedly to be hanging around the nest in hopes the female will come around again. Can anyone tell me what’s going on here?

They are paired off so they will still try to spawn.

 

[tlindsey]

They are paired off so they will still try to spawn.

Also you may lose other kribs if they don't have anywhere to retreat to.

 

[skjl47]

hello; I have had them spawn many times. May I suggest getting a small terra cotta flower pot and burying it a little in the substrate on it's side. My kribensis used these sort of cave like places often. I usually placed two such pots on opposite ends of a tank and let them choose.
Broken larger pots with enough curve can be used.
I would also suggest using new pots that have been rinsed clean or soaked in a bucket. Used ones might be fine if you know what sort of chemicals were used around them. I would give used ones several good soakings.

Should you get some fry the parents are very likely to be able to be left in with the fry. They are usually good parents.

The bigger problem will be what to do with the fry after they grow out some. The males are territorial. You may start checking with local shops to see if any will take them.

It is a fun thing to watch if they spawn.

 

[T-Hbrand]

hello; I have had them spawn many times. May I suggest getting a small terra cotta flower pot and burying it a little in the substrate on it's side. My kribensis used these sort of cave like places often. I usually placed two such pots on opposite ends of a tank and let them choose.
Broken larger pots with enough curve can be used.
I would also suggest using new pots that have been rinsed clean or soaked in a bucket. Used ones might be fine if you know what sort of chemicals were used around them. I would give used ones several good soakings.

Should you get some fry the parents are very likely to be able to be left in with the fry. They are usually good parents.

The bigger problem will be what to do with the fry after they grow out some. The males are territorial. You may start checking with local shops to see if any will take them.

It is a fun thing to watch if they spawn.

Thanks for the input guys!!
I have 3 different caves in my tank and they made a nice cave under one of my big flat rocks. Do you think getting them some terracotta pots is still necessary?

Also how soon would you remove the fry?

The funny thing about this is I didn’t even know that I had a breeding pair. I have 2 kribs and they happen to be a female and a male. This made me very happy to see them pair off.

Thanks again

 

[T-Hbrand]

Also you may lose other kribs if they don't have anywhere to retreat to.

I only have the two kribs, is that going to be a problem. The only other fish in the tank is a few Molly’s, plattys, guppies and small tetras. Do you foresee problems with this?

 

[tlindsey]

I only have the two kribs, is that going to be a problem. The only other fish in the tank is a few Molly’s, plattys, guppies and small tetras. Do you foresee problems with this?

They should be ok just a little chasing if they got to close to the area the kribs will be protecting.

 

[skjl47]

I have 3 different caves in my tank and they made a nice cave under one of my big flat rocks. Do you think getting them some terracotta pots is still necessary?

hello; No the pots are not necessary. You are likely fine with what you have. They may try all three places before the female give the OK and picks one.

how soon would you remove the fry?

Hello; Kribs are fine parents and I was always able to leave the fry in with them.