Neon Tetra Eggs! Again

[laurelfish]

My 10 gallon tank is fully cycled at 4 weeks and we have 5 neon tetras, 6 molly fry and 1 plecos. The first 2 weeks they were docile and mostly stayed back-mid tank. LAST WEEK I noticed the largest (female) was heavy with eggs. Within 48 hours she had scattered her potential brood, which were consumed immediately by her tankmated.

I would love to find a comprehensive source of info. on the courting behavior/breeding and keeping of the neon tetra. Al l I can find is water chem. basics, eggs are light sensitive, and "tetras won't breed in a community tank."

My immediate question is this.... When I remove the pregnant female to go into a separate tank do I need to also put the male with her to fertilize the eggs, or does fertilization take place sometime earlier? How long can I safely leave her (them?) in a med. sized 3-way breeder?

Also, does the male or the female do all the chasing I'm observing? Are these fish indiscriminate breeders, or do they choose one mate?

Hadn't dreamed of attempting to breed these critters, but they seem so willing....HELP, please! All comments appreciated : )

 

[tetras4me]

well not a good tetra breeder but when you remove the feamale put the male with it to fertalize the eggs.

 

[laurelfish]

well not a good tetra breeder but when you remove the feamale put the male with it to fertalize the eggs.

Thanks so much for your prompt reply. Looks like I've got at least 2, maybe 3 with eggs. Is one male gonna do the whole job? Thanks again.

Laurel

 

[demonmagus]

The one male may do the whole job