Hi guys, I got a successful breeding Gymnogeophagus Terrapurpurra. They are in a patio tank, and I have been stressing about this for a while now. Out of the 6 I have, 2 paired up 2 weeks ago, and the mom has guarded the eggs in the corner of the tank until a couple days ago. I noticed she moved guarding spots a little, and because gymnos are substrate brooders, that’s odd. I noticed them today, and I’m so excited!
Gymnogeophagus are a genus of fish native to Uruguay, southern Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Because of their southern range, they thrive in outdoor ponds and tanks. They enjoy winter cool downs, and can even survive under then layers of ice. They slow their metabolism down, so you only feed once every couple days during the winter. Late spring and early summer is when they pair up. They stay paired for life. They spawn 3 times per summer, and have up to 150 fry. Tell-tell signs of pairing include a black throat, commanding demeanor towards other fish, and heavy territorial aggression.
When mine paired, I noticed that 4 were pushed in 1/3 of the 55g tank I have. Once they have eggs, the female keeps all fish (including dithers) away. The male punishes any gymno that comes within 1/2 the tank of her.
These first time parents are actually great. The female stayed with the eggs the whole time. 2 weeks later I noticed that she was drifting away from where she normally guards. I found fry.
Gymnogeophagus Terrapurpurra we’re described in 2016, but they have become very wide spread. Not much of the behavior is known or put online, so I am going to take care of these fish based off of other peoples experience.
So excited to share this with you, and I hope you follow me in this incredible journey!
Finally, pictures!! Also, I got a video of them!
Gymnogeophagus are a genus of fish native to Uruguay, southern Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Because of their southern range, they thrive in outdoor ponds and tanks. They enjoy winter cool downs, and can even survive under then layers of ice. They slow their metabolism down, so you only feed once every couple days during the winter. Late spring and early summer is when they pair up. They stay paired for life. They spawn 3 times per summer, and have up to 150 fry. Tell-tell signs of pairing include a black throat, commanding demeanor towards other fish, and heavy territorial aggression.
When mine paired, I noticed that 4 were pushed in 1/3 of the 55g tank I have. Once they have eggs, the female keeps all fish (including dithers) away. The male punishes any gymno that comes within 1/2 the tank of her.
These first time parents are actually great. The female stayed with the eggs the whole time. 2 weeks later I noticed that she was drifting away from where she normally guards. I found fry.
Gymnogeophagus Terrapurpurra we’re described in 2016, but they have become very wide spread. Not much of the behavior is known or put online, so I am going to take care of these fish based off of other peoples experience.
So excited to share this with you, and I hope you follow me in this incredible journey!
Finally, pictures!! Also, I got a video of them!
