Nice Suprise! L349 spawn

[jvision]

I have a group of

L349

- chances are that I have only 1 female out of the group. I was planning on moving her and my largest male to their own tank to "try" to spawn them after I move at the end of the month. Currently they're housed in a VERY HEAVILY planted tank in need of some massive trimming:



I'm thinking about selling one of the large pieces of driftwood, and was checking them out when I saw this!



I managed to catch 12, but missed a lot in that 120gal tank! If they all hid on the glass, I'd guess the spawn to be around 20, but if they're hiding in the plants and wood, it could easily be double! I know it's

L349

b/c those are the only Ancistrus in the tank.

[jvision]

I moved the group to their own tank - turns out to be 3M/3F. They're currently in a 24"x12" footprint - about 25 US gallons - with a few caves and a large(ish) HOB filter. I placed the dominant male's favorite cave under the outflow of the HOB and it didn't take him long to take up residence.
Yesterday, it looked like he was fanning, so I took a light and looked inside. Sure enough, another spawn! He booted them today, so I'll have to remember not to disturb him next time. I have the eggs in a DIY hatchery that has worked well for Common BNs. They're in a tank at work, so I hope to see wrigglers (or close to) when I go back to work on Monday!

[jvision]

This is what I had waiting for me when I came to work this morning!



Only 2 eggs fungussed and one died while hatching. I suspect there are about 60 little guys in there!

[1walter9]

Whow, congratulations with the spawn, this is the way you do it right.

What where your water parameters when the spawn?


Walter

[jvision]

I don't test the water, but only use dechlorinated tap water. Out of the tap the pH is about 7.8 and around 200-250ppm TDS. Temp is 26 or so - probably a little warm for them long-term, but it's as cool as I can get it in my shop.

[lukan]

Hi Jayson,

Congratulations! Seems like every adult specimen you are getting are spawning for you.

[Supercorygirl]

Congrats Jay! Not even a move disturbs your fabulous stock

[jvision]

Lukan, I still haven't been able to get eggs to hatch from the fish I got from you - the "Lower Xingu" have spawned a couple times, but no fry as of yet. I haven't really put the angelicus to the task - they have their own tank, but it's not really set up right for them, yet.

Jenn, I think I'm going to have Ancistrus coming out of my ears! I've got some albinos that just won't stop and these green-spots seem to enjoy their new house!