Bristlenose Babies

[liserini]

Just found a baby plec in my tank, which I have assumed to be a bristlenose and as I have 2 of these and the male never leaves a shell that is in the tank. I caught the baby and (after reading information on here) i moved him, "Daddy" and the shell into a fry net within the tank. This morning I found another baby plec in the fry net! So I think I have made the right decision to move "Daddy" and the shell as it seems this is where the babies are.

My question is...does anyone know how many of these I should expect? I never even saw any eggs so this has come as a bit of a surprise!

 

[liserini]

So...does nobody know? Or is it a secret and nobody wants to answer? Another question...if it's not too much trouble...how long should I leave "Daddy" in the fry net? PLEASE HELP...I HAVE NO IDEA AND I REALLY WANT TO DO THE BEST FOR THESE GUYS...

 

[stang1]

Apparently it can range from 20 or so for an adolescent pair and up to 200 in a fully grown female.Got the info from my little Bristlenose book so I hope its fairly accurate! Other members might have a better idea though!

 

[dylema]

My small female has produced about 30 eggs at best. The first time they spawned I don't know how many eggs there were but I had about 10 fry and only 5 have survived in the end. Once they are free swimming I don't think the dad is needed as he is there to fan the eggs to help stop fungus and keep them well oxygenated.

Good luck. Don't worry too much about them as apparently the BN often 'stuff up' the first couple of spawns they have and 100% loss is not unusual, but as they grow and practice they should get better and you can save more little ones.

Dylan

 

[liserini]

Thanks guys!!! I've seen 2 babies out of the shell and 2 inside it so far

 

[liserini]

Dad is still in shell, but have counted at least 10 babies swimming out of the shell Looks like he's done a good job!

 

[stang1]

Keep us posted, love to see pics!