Breeding Kribs

Question
QUESTION: I have a pair of kribs in a 10 gallon tank along with about five other tetras. The female looks to be attempting to attract the male but the male seems to have no interest in spawning. What should I do?

ANSWER: Hi Kev:  You can raise the water temperature to between 78-84 degrees... but for the most part... I would just let them be... he will get interested soon enough... dave

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QUESTION: Thanks for the help. The water temp is up to 78 degrees like you advised. Last night I had turned off the tank light early and I noticed that the female krib was trying to get the male's attention. The male seemed mildly interested and chased her a few times but that was it. Do you think that they would prefer to spawn in the dark? Also,when will my nale be mature enough to start getting his spots (my female already has hers)?

ANSWER: Hi Kev:  his spots should come in soon... especially with the warmer water. Kribs are evening time and shade fish so a darker tank suits them.  Fish change as the seasons change because in the wild a lot of environmental and biological aspects of their world change with the seasons... The amount of light changes, water temperature changes, food sources change, etc.  You want to set up your tank to be the ideal "time of year" for them to spawn.  One of the best ways to do that is to raise the temperature which you have done.  you can also start to feed them live food like brine shrimp and tubiflex worms.  Some creatures spawn based on food supply and water quality.... that is the best you can do... and trust me... nature will take her course.... dave

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QUESTION: My sister has a couple of wag platties. One of them is surely carrying fry, so we put her in isolation. Her partner seems to be staying near her. Her belly is really getting big. I just was wondering how long we should expect to wait before the fry emerge. Thanks again for the help.

Answer
Hi Kev and Sister:  the gestation period is about six weeks... but they can go as long as six months depending on conditions... make sure she has warm water about... 80 degrees... and that the tank is not too bright and lastly that there is a place in there where she can hide... giving birth makes her vulnerable...so give her an environment where she feels safe... and you will be an uncle.  dave