Mandarin courtship

["Umm fish?"]

The mandarins got close tonight but never quite spawned, much to the chromis' chagrins. Lots of ascents but no gametes.

Sorry the image is a little soft. My arms were getting tired and I didn't have enough light for a fast shutter speed. But I hope you like it!

 

[mr.reef24]

great too see.

mr.reef24

 

["Umm fish?"]

Thanks! Deja vu!

 

[SKremk]

Very cool. How long have you had the pair? Have they mated before?

 

["Umm fish?"]

I've had them a few months now, 3-4. They are spawning for me pretty regularly, but the spawns are getting closer together--maybe as the female keeps fattening up. In fact, they did spawn yesterday, but not tonight despite the fact that the female looked ready.

Some video if you're interested:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXB2-o4rl3E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC7oiotlQPs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zL7PAiAwwU

This is what one of the eggs looks like:

 

[Reef Bass]

Neato. Mandarins are awesome. Thanks for sharing!

 

[kilroy217]

Are you harvesting the eggs, or just letting them get eaten?

 

["Umm fish?"]

Thanks! The eggs are mostly just getting eaten as I'm building the rearing stations now. Plus, I believe that I will likely start working with sixline wrasses as (a) they haven't been done yet that I'm aware of and mandarins are documented and (b) I have better opportunities to collect the sixline's eggs. I certainly have to give these a try at some point, though.