After watching the little wild smaragdina grow up, and having plakat fry at the same time I have to admit the differences in their behaviour is amazing.
splendens tend to be all over the place and ballsy (for lack of a better word, it's early, hey what can I say)
The wilds on the other hand, I adore! I feel weird calling them wilds because even though their parents are wild these were born and raised right here in my house. They know no other life....or dooooo they?
Because they sure act like they do. They're not exactly 'skittish' but they are very careful and defensive. They almost seem, dare I say it....,smarter.
They sit quietly in the plants all day and at first glance into the tank you can only see a few. But at feeding time they come darting out in a mad dash and they literally snatch the food and dart back. And I do mean snatch! Every single day a couple food fights break out where one tries to grab a worm from the other and the roll around attached at the mouths until one finally gives up or the worm breaks. It's....well, it's wild *snicker*
You would just never guess how many there actually are, they're such good hiders. When I do water changes I'm amazed at the numbers that flock to the other end of the tank.
That's another thing about them, during water changes the splendens are all over the syphon. For crying out loud every time I come to check on the hose one or two of them is stuck in the syphon (uninjured since I 'child proof' it,but still....sheesh, cant they stay away from it for safety's sake?!) This does not happen with the wilds. They don't even go near it. They just know B)
They don't beg, but they do hesitantly gather. As I feed the splenden tanks I can glance over my shoulder and see a group of about thirty smaragdina inching their way closer to where I'm standing just watching and waiting. And as soon as they catch me looking they tear back into the planted area. It's a hoot. I love them. Love them!
Ok, I'm done rambling.
I fell in love with their cuteness all over again this morning and I just had to yammer.
splendens tend to be all over the place and ballsy (for lack of a better word, it's early, hey what can I say)
The wilds on the other hand, I adore! I feel weird calling them wilds because even though their parents are wild these were born and raised right here in my house. They know no other life....or dooooo they?
Because they sure act like they do. They're not exactly 'skittish' but they are very careful and defensive. They almost seem, dare I say it....,smarter.They sit quietly in the plants all day and at first glance into the tank you can only see a few. But at feeding time they come darting out in a mad dash and they literally snatch the food and dart back. And I do mean snatch! Every single day a couple food fights break out where one tries to grab a worm from the other and the roll around attached at the mouths until one finally gives up or the worm breaks. It's....well, it's wild *snicker*
You would just never guess how many there actually are, they're such good hiders. When I do water changes I'm amazed at the numbers that flock to the other end of the tank.
That's another thing about them, during water changes the splendens are all over the syphon. For crying out loud every time I come to check on the hose one or two of them is stuck in the syphon (uninjured since I 'child proof' it,but still....sheesh, cant they stay away from it for safety's sake?!) This does not happen with the wilds. They don't even go near it. They just know B)
They don't beg, but they do hesitantly gather. As I feed the splenden tanks I can glance over my shoulder and see a group of about thirty smaragdina inching their way closer to where I'm standing just watching and waiting. And as soon as they catch me looking they tear back into the planted area. It's a hoot. I love them. Love them!
Ok, I'm done rambling.
I fell in love with their cuteness all over again this morning and I just had to yammer.
But now that you mention it, I wonder if the wilds would relax OR if the splendens would take on a skittish behaviour.
. How lucky you are. You get to watch them grow up. 
So, by the looks of it, I'll have plenty to go around. 
You got a wild caught pair......?
