Severum Breeding Pair

Question
I have a green and gold severum in a 29 gallon tank, they used to be in my 75 but were killing off my other fish.  Well about 3 months ago they had babies which I pulled out and put into a 15 gallon tank and those are doing fine.  Well now they had more babies about 2 weeks ago and those babies are about 1/4 in. and there are approximately 40 in the tank.  The pair has been acting funny, the green severum has been laying on its side at the bottom of the tank and the gold one is also doing the same once in a while.  The green on also almost stands straight up and down with its mouth towards the top of the tank .  Is this normal behavior?  I have also noticed that the babies are picking at the back fins of the parents.  I'm not sure if this is normal or if I should pull the babies out and put them in the 15 gal.  I fear if I do that the fish in the 15 gal. will kill them off.  Their behavior is making me nervous, they are about 1 1/2 years old.  Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi Chuck,
The behavior you described is very similar to what I've experienced with Angelfish parents w/ their fry.

I believe what happens with angels is also what is happening to your Severum family. The babies reach a point where they start excessively nibbling at the parents' fins and slime coating until the pair are obviously stressed by it and it could make them vulnerable to infections. It's probably best to pull the babies out now. I can't guarantee the older babies will get along with the 1/4 inch ones and you may have to try it out yourself to see. If you are too afraid then a simple 10-gallon setup for the younger fry may be best. If you go this route then be careful of the new setup and the ammonia issues that may come with it.

Best of luck and I hope this helps!

Severums are one of my most favorite fish!

Karen~