Synspilum pair has formed....now what?

[pdandy]

I currently have 1 male and 3 female synspilum in a 6ft 135 gallon tank. The male has paired up with one of the females ( digging pits and preparing to spawn) and they are beating up on the other two females. What should I do?

This is what I was planning. I was going to remove the two odd females and leave just the pair in the tank. There are also 8 or so 1-2" black belts and 4 loaches in the tank. I figure the smaller fish will be good targets since they are small and too fast to catch.

My one fear is that once I get rid of the two females, the male will turn all of his aggression on his mate? Or will they be ok together now that they have paired?

Dan

 

[white15]

Well I would definitely remove the other two females. Then, if there is too much aggression between the pair, I would put in a divider.

 

[pdandy]

Well I would definitely remove the other two females. Then, if there is too much aggression between the pair, I would put in a divider.

Just removed the two. Let's see what happens!

Dan

 

[aclockworkorange]

I know some old school breeders that don't remove the remaining fish after a pair forms in a group. Personally, I don't have the stomach for it long term.


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[virgil2090]

i agree,the smaller targets should keep them busy,you could also add more wood,rocks,etc. i am not sure if loaches will eat eggs? i know some plecos definitely will.

 

[pdandy]

So far so good! The pair have dug a pit that is at least 2ft long and the entire width of the tank ( front to back). No real aggression issues. And I have NEVER seen this much color out of the male. Absolutely amazing.

 

[darippa]

When the fry are free swimming take out the other fish. The Synspilums will be on battle mode and the fry swim where evere they want to. Good luck Monsta!