My first spawn of African pike characin (Hepsetus odoe)

[giseok jung]

I just got my first spawn of African Pike characin (Hepsetus odoe).

I got the pair at August, 2023 from local fish keepers and the group was only one pair (Picture is female).

After almost 7 months of caring, I finally decided they are ready to breed and set up breeding tank when I don't have any bichirs to breed.



3rd day in spawning tank.

In a second day in spawning tank, I recognize the body color and pattern of male get much darker than usual but there was no significant change on female.

And a day after it, I saw a bubble nest that male built.



And 4th day in breeding tank.

I saw the nest grow twice bigger and colors changed to slight yellow color so I could easily recognize they were spawned (Just like betta fish breeding).

The male and female are guarding their nest and eggs not and hope I can raise those eggs successfully.

 

[krichardson]

Awesome,the odoe is one of my favorites!

 

[Milingu]

Awesome.
Be ready for highly cannibalistic fry.

 

[tlindsey]

Wow that's great. HarleyK had African Pike spawn in his care.

 

[HarleyK]

This is wonderful news. What a great experience. Congratulations! Brings back memories. Please make sure to document water parameters, temperature etc.
I’m subscribing to your threat

 

[giseok jung]

Thanksfully, they hatched this morning safely.
Seems there are around 300~400 frys and looking forward how many will make it to juvenile.



And this is male guarding it's frys. Size is around 30~35cm and showing beautiful red color on it's dorsal fin and gill plate.

 

[HumanBean]

This is very exciting. You are an expert in breeding .
First bichirs and now odoe likes.

 

[HarleyK]

Great pictures.
I had a high rate of cannibalism. I started feeding with nauplia/brine shrimp. Once the baby Odoes were large enough to accept newborn Endler fry they slowed down eating their siblings.

 

[RD.]

Well done!

 

[giseok jung]

Great pictures.
I had a high rate of cannibalism. I started feeding with nauplia/brine shrimp. Once the baby Odoes were large enough to accept newborn Endler fry they slowed down eating their siblings.

Thank you very much for your experience!

I'm thinking to start feed them with small sized live tubifex.
Seems carnivalism will be one of the thoughest challenge for this time (Like I experienced when breed P. bichir) and hope I can raise them many as I can!