Purple Tilefish Pair

[caribfan]

I have had my purple tilefish pair for the better part of a year. I've read from a few different sources online that says these fish have spawned in captivity, but never find any detail on it.

Has anyone owned a pair of these fish that have spawned?

Does anyone have any recommendations for getting these fish to spawn? I have never attempting any breeding and I know this would not likely be the easiest fish to start on.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[caribfan]

Anyone...

 

[caribfan]

So it's a no then. Does anyone even own these fish? Every had a pair? Any idea what courship activity looks like? Any idea how they reproduce?

 

[TidepoolTamer]

I currently own a pair of purple tiles. And interestingly enough my female is pregnant. They have a den but she still feeds regularly. As for birthing I'm concerned, is this a live birthing fish?

 

[caribfan]

This is great, finally someone else who owns these fish!! How long have you had your tiles? What are you feeding? What temperature do you keep your tank at?

Were you trying to breed them, or did it just happen. Are you positive they are pregnant and how can you tell it's a female. I'd love to see some pictures.

I don't know if this is a live birthing fish or not. I have done some research and really haven't found anything at all. I'll be interested to hear from you on this. How long has she been pregnant?

 

[Almondsaz]

I have had my purple tilefish pair for the better part of a year. I've read from a few different sources online that says these fish have spawned in captivity, but never find any detail on it.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Caribfan: there is a back issue of Coral Magazine that has quite a section on the breeding of purple tilefish. I will see if I can locate the edition. Sorry this is not more helpful immediately.

I looked through my back issues and can't find it, must be further back than I have. There is a lot of the same question on the web and they all seem to come up to "nothing". There is only the slightest bit of info at the bottom of this listing: http://www.freshmarine.com/purple-firefish-goby.html

 

[caribfan]

Thanks a ton for the info on the Coral Issue, I love that magazine, so i'll contact them on Monday and see if they can point me in the right direction. I'll try to post back here what I learn from the issue.

 

[caribfan]

I currently own a pair of purple tiles. And interestingly enough my female is pregnant. They have a den but she still feeds regularly. As for birthing I'm concerned, is this a live birthing fish?

Updates at all? How do you konw the fish is pregnant? Did you see my post above, send me a PM if you like.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[accordsirh22]

that article is about firefish, not tilefish?

 

[caribfan]

I know, I was disappointed when I saw that.

 

[dca22anderson]

One of my favorite fish! Interested to see if anyone has additional information...

 

[dca22anderson]

Ill need to pick up another one...how do you tell the male and female of the species?

 

[caribfan]

Glad to see the thread stiill getting some attention now and then. I read a lengthy paper about these guys, and it appears there is no distinguishing features between male and female. I have on occasions, noticed what appears to be a small set of fins on the underside of one of my specimens, but then they went away. Sounds strange I know. Possibly a reproductive organ.

The article I read did say that they are egg layers, so I suppose it is possible that my pair has laid eggs in the cave they dwell in and I would never know. The article does say that they usually exist in pairs and dwell in a burrow and that if they do spawn, it is usually in the afternoon before sunset.

Unfortunatley, I can't seem to find that paper, but here is a link to another article, http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/9/fish

I have just added a flashing tile to my collection and am trying to add another. I'd love to have two spawning pairs of tilefish, a purple and a flashing. I don't think anyone else is rearing this fish in captivity yet. I should probably cut my teeth on some clowns first since i've never raised any fry. I still have a lot to learn.