Red Festae Fry Raising Questions?

[vass69]

So my first spawn of my Red Festae did survive.. I believe this was my fault, me not leaving them long enough with the pair, maybe too young to move.

Anyways I'm currently on batch 2, there are little over two weeks old and feeding great on baby brine and crushed flake.

My questions are how long should I leave them with the pair?

What else can I feed them?

Any other tips or hints that would keep the survive rate higher...


Much thanks.

 

[balton777]

I've successfully left Festae fry with the parents up to about 1-2" in the past. Most of them survived but I culled the little non-growing ones. If they breed again, you'll want to take them out or the parents will start killing the bigger fry becuase they'll be eating the smaller fry and even the eggs.

As far as feeding, when they're that small, I crush up 7.5mm NLS pellets into a fine powder and they love it.

 

[VRWC]

I always left fry in with mine for about 2 months, then removed them (the ones I could catch) because someone always wanted them. I did notice their numbers would be less and less as time went on, but I dont know if this was from the catfish, the bigger growing fry or the parents eating them. I fed them crushed up flakes and pellets as well.

 

[Aquanero]

Same here 400 turns into 50, anyway I feed same as above crushed flakes & pellets, BBS I also add water fleas once the fry reach about 1/2".

 

[balton777]

Same here 400 turns into 50, anyway I feed same as above crushed flakes & pellets, BBS I also add water fleas once the fry reach about 1/2".

Exactly, 400 turns into 50-60 of the fittest survivors.

 

[devder1]

you can pull em right away, but i enjoy watching the parenting behavior, one of the most rewarding experiences in the hobby

 

[vass69]

Thats what I was planning on doing (leaving them with the parents as long as possible.)

Your definately right about the numbers dwindling, It started with about 400+ eggs and i would estimate i'm down to 75-100 fry but the numbers slightly drop every couple of days. I'll just keep a close eye on them and leave them with the parents. If I can get 20+ to stay alive to 2 inches I would be thrilled.

How do you guys crush the pellets? Do you have a small grider or something?

 

[balton777]

Thats what I was planning on doing (leaving them with the parents as long as possible.)

Your definately right about the numbers dwindling, It started with about 400+ eggs and i would estimate i'm down to 75-100 fry but the numbers slightly drop every couple of days. I'll just keep a close eye on them and leave them with the parents. If I can get 20+ to stay alive to 2 inches I would be thrilled.

How do you guys crush the pellets? Do you have a small grider or something?

LOL no crush them with your fingers. I crush the pellet between my index finger and thumb. Powder-ize it by rubbing you the broken up bits between your finger and thumb with lots of pressure. I usually crush up several pellets and use a fish food container lid to put the excess powder in and feed at will. Have fun!