Blue Hippos

[janderson8]

I have two blue hippos each about 3". I have been noticing a pattern over the last few mths. Maby some one here can tell me if the are spawning in the water colum. It first starts in the after noon. The fish seem to be playing tag. Then they move to about an hour of syncronized swimming/Flying arond the tanks as fast as they can not moving more than 1/2" from one another through out all the manuvers. And during this time the Black part on the sides of there bodies turns to a light gray/white color. Both fish matured at the same time but my XL Blue hippo never did this at all and seems to stay away when this is happening. But any other time he plays with both of them as well.

Thanks

 

[clownfish75]

could be, but there would have to be some sort of darting towards the surface to release the gametes, so if you can observe this you might be right, normally very close to dusk before or after not sure.

Christian

 

[janderson8]

Yes they are doing that.

 

[clownfish75]

if this is occuring, what is the depth of the tank? it is generally accepted that most tanks are not deep enough and that the spawning rise of this fish is not completed, as in they dont release the gametes due tot he surface of the water being in the way.

So 2 more things to observe would be a fattening of the belly of on of the fish, not related to feeding frequency or amount. and also the final stage the release of the actual gametes.

If your really keen you could tak e a video of it and post it we would all love to see.

Ther eis also some video footage on a site somewhere that has a zebrasoma doing something like that. I dont know where it is but there are links in previous threads on breeding tangs, if you can search you might find it.

Christian

 

[janderson8]

Thanks I will try to get some Video. It is a standard 6ft Oceanic Reef Ready 150

 

[clownfish75]

thanks this would be great info.

Christian

 

[David M]

I'm surprised that those tangs would be sexually mature at 3", that seems awfully small. That is very good news though. Keep us updated on this please.