Cactuoides egg fertilization?

[vancat]

I know it happens, because it has happened in my tank, but HOW does the male fertilize the eggs when he can't fit in the cave with the female? I have a female-only-sized hole in the top of an overturned clay pot, and have had fry once. The pair are getting ready to spawn again, but I just wanted to know how he does it. Aim & fire?

vancat

 

[Neil]

vancat,
It isn't quite as easy as "aim and fire". The male knows what is going on in the cave and knows when it is time for him to do his part. He then deposits his milt near the entrance and "fans" the milt towards the entrance. It is much the same as with other animals in that it only takes one sperm to fertilize one eggs. The milt has a ton!
This is a less effective method of fertilization than closer contact with the eggs, but usually is plenty successful.
Neil

 

[vancat]

Neil,
thanks for the reply. I actually DID see him doing that, although I guess the actual milt is "invisible" to the human eye?
Anyways, I anxiuosly await another batch--this time there are no loaches in my tank.

vancat