Woo! Spawning! -My spawn Log- First timers. :) -Heavy pic load-

[BettaBetty]

I did a water change today because I saw that they needed it and a lot of research suggested that partial changes would benifit fry growth.

So I did it with the siphon and water stone, that worked really well.

I just dont see the activity I saw a couple days ago. Maybe they are resting from the stress of water change, or most died. I can't tell.

At 6 days old they hardly look like they are growing at all, but maybe thats normal.

They are getting newly hatched BBS two times a day, and only when I see all have been eaten in the tank... or died? I dont know.

First times are always the hardest to keep alive... I think thats how it goes. Especially with fish. I've raised many litters of air breathing fur friends and have mastered that. But fish... wow. What a hard time, not able to do anything.

When a puppy is sick, you nurse it back or take it to the vet if you need to, betta fry? Nothing.

Ah well. We will see who is strong enough to make it through my fry rearing first time. I hope I at least get a couple to adulthood.

Totally crushed.

[Erin8D]

I'm sure a few will make it! Have hope(: I'd rather get out of breeding with 3 new pets, then dealing with the stress of selling and cleaning 50.

Hows Bubblegum doing?(:

[dramaqueen]

I'm sorry about your fry. How are they doing today?

[BettaBetty]

Alright, well.

Its been 1 week today. Almost all of the fry have been wiped out due to water change in the main tank, I think what happend was they had shock due to me not pouring in new water gentle enough. :( Bad of me, I know.

I moved all remaining live fry to a smaller tank. I count about 20 or less.

Now here is the thing...

All but 1 are tiny, they act like infants. They swim wacky and then float to the bottom and lay there, until they do it again. They dont look like they are developing at all... or at the most very little.

As I was removing the live fry I spotted one. It was BIG! It was FAST! It was STRONG! I was in awe! I didnt know what it was when I saw it!

One, large fry! He swims as an adult would. He moves his head around to look for the food, he darts for it and best of all... he sleeps and hides in the plastic plant leaves. Everyone else... again... lays on the bottom to rest, they swim around all crazy and then just float to the bottom. Like they never got to the free swim stage. Is that possible??

He is at least 2x's the size of the others. I named him (or her) Trooper! I have a good feeling he will make it, even if the others dont. :(

[Oldfishlady]

It is not unusual to have different size fry in different state of growth and development......an hour difference in age can make a big difference in the fish world...lol......and you may just have some weak fry from the get-go too.......it happens especially with first spawns....don't feel bad....sometimes you have to get your hands dirty so-to-speak to learn by doing......its how we get experience.......don't give up....it gets easier as you go......

[BettaBetty]

Thanks guys for the kind words and concern.

I think I will be getting another pair before trying again. Reason being I don't want Bubblegum to die in the process because he is my sons fish and b-day pres. So I would feel just aweful if something I did killed the fish.

I am waiting to see if this big fry makes it. So far so good. I look for him serveral times a day to make sure he is alive. I just look with my eyes no touching. He is so big and smart.

Does anyone know where I can find local USA breeders of bettas? Does the price make any difference wether or not its shipped from US or over seas / transhipper?

Looking forward to getting some new fish. Interested in HMPK and HM also maybe CT. It looks like HMPK and HM are the most popular. Although I really do love VT.

[dramaqueen]

Beat has some beautiful mg fry for sale. He lives in California.