Barbouri Breeders, I have some questions...

[mwp]

I may come back to post pics, but for now I'll have to simply "describe" what I have going on. I've ended up with 2m/1f H. barbouri sharing their 24 gallon nano cube with a spawning pair of mandarins.

Here's my question - what do I need to look for as signs of breeding / 'pregnancy'? My larger male's broodpouch is never "swollen", but the smaller male from time to time "kinda" looks pregnant, with some "swelling" on both sides of the pouch opening and an overall more "filled" looking pouch. Occasionally the pouch opening will be "enlarged".

I've never noticed any babies, but these should be mature fish capable of breeding. Do barbouri have smaller broods, or perhaps do they simply not "show" their 'pregnancy' as well as other seahorses? Is there any foolproof method to see if the fish is indeed carrying eggs/babies, i.e. backlighting it?

Just wondering, as I've had these guys for probably 6 months now, they eat like pigs, and most of my other fish that are capable of spawning DO SO on a regular basis. If they are NOT spawning, are there any "tricks" one can use to help get them in the mood?

Thanks for any thoughts/advice.

Matt P.

 

[DanU]

Pouch can change if the male is flushing and trying to impress the female. Sometimes they will hold water and look pregnant.

You can try changing the lighting schedule and temperature to induce them. This works sometimes with some species. I have seen seahorses that have never mated no matter what. I have also seen some that would not mate but when mixed with others or moved to a different system all of sudden start producing.

Dan

 

[JennyL]

Hi Matt,
There are a few signs you can watch for if you suspect a male is pregnant and you did not witness the transfer of eggs.

The pouch may become darker after a successful mating. He may become very reclusive and some pregnant males will become a bit harder to feed and need to be target fed.

HTH