Fry With Lots Of Leaf Litter

[xSparkleZ]

Years ago, I used to keep a single layer of leaves in the breeding tank.
Typically, I left the fry with their mother for two weeks before taking them out to their own bare bottom grow out tank.
I found that they grew healthier and faster when left with their mother.

This time around, my pair decided to spawn in my display tank which has many layers of leaf litter.
I'm worried that she will lose the fry in the crevices between the layers during the first two weeks.

Anyone else run into issues where the mother lost track of them in the decor?

I'm torn if I should just leave them there for two weeks or prematurely take them out.

 

[Apistoguy52]

You’re more committed than I. Similar breeding strategy, lots of leaves at times. I take the slightly lazier approach. Fry stay with the folks until they lose interest. Fry stay in the tank, parents get moved.

I wouldn’t worry. She’ll keep them rounded up, or they’ll be safely hiding amongst the decor.

 

[xSparkleZ]

First spawn after many years away from the hobby has definetly made me nervous.

I guess I will just have to trust the process for a while.

 

[MacZ]

Leave them with the parents. Also I'd like to remind you of the mantra of Mike Wise: A display tank is not a breeding tank.

 

[rasmusW]

I wouldn’t worry about the depth of the leaflitter either. I’m sure mother fish got it covered. Plus the fry can surely find something to eat there.
You should only opt your own patience level, for when you need to catch the little buggers again

-r

 

[xSparkleZ]

Leave them with the parents. Also I'd like to remind you of the mantra of Mike Wise: A display tank is not a breeding tank.

Definetly read his mantra many times on other posts. Haha.

Shouldn't of left the pair together that long in the display tank though - even though the display tank has just the male in there usually.

 

[xSparkleZ]

I wouldn’t worry about the depth of the leaflitter either. I’m sure mother fish got it covered. Plus the fry can surely find something to eat there.
You should only opt your own patience level, for when you need to catch the little buggers again

-r

Oh.
The joys of catching them is the best part!

 

[MacZ]

And about leaf litter... see for yourself.

 

[xSparkleZ]

And about leaf litter... see for yourself.

View attachment 14074 View attachment 14079

That is a beautiful tank.
Leaf litter is on point!