Neon and platinum tetras fry safe?

[ggabrielcc]

Hi all, just got my first pair of Apistogramma, got some agassizii in a 15gal, no plants but lots of botanicals such as leaf litter and sticks/ wood. I also have 6 neon tetras and 6 platinum tetras ( originally only the 6 plats but a friend needed to re home the tetras). I plan to breed the agassizii but im worried the tetras will eat all the fry, am I over thinking or if this probable

 

[Ben Rhau]

You’re not overthinking it. Tetras are efficient, relentless predators.

 

[ggabrielcc]

You’re not overthinking it. Tetras are efficient, relentless predators.

Oh no, getting an 80L this weekend so can move them into that in a couple weeks once it cycles. I can the decide what to do with them, don’t fancy giving them away as I paid about £37 for them. So can store them in there for the moment.

 

[Ben Rhau]

I think 2 weeks should be fine. Keep an eye out for conflict, as there isn’t much room to hide in a 15g.

 

[Mazan]

It will actually be useful to have the other tank set up ready in case you have to separate the Apistogramma pair at some point.

 

[yukondog]

I would set the new tank up for the male agassizii if you want to breed, I have two pairs [aggie's] that have no problem eating there own fry if I don't get the male out in time, and I have another pair that have no problem with fry in the tank [last three batches], next batch they may go nut's. Just have another tank ready for the male in case you need it.

I'm worried the tetras will eat all the fry, am I over thinking or if this probable

Nope, your not over thinking.
Welcome to the sight ggabrielcc.

 

[ggabrielcc]

I would set the new tank up for the male agassizii if you want to breed, I have two pairs [aggie's] that have no problem eating there own fry if I don't get the male out in time, and I have another pair that have no problem with fry in the tank [last three batches], next batch they may go nut's. Just have another tank ready for the male in case you need it.

Nope, your not over thinking.
Welcome to the sight ggabrielcc.

Thanks! And yes maybe the 80l new tank will be good for housing the tetras and then housing the pair once they have bred

 

[Ben Rhau]

If the pair is together, they'll either keep breeding over and over again, or fighting if the female isn't ready to breed. Better to leave mom with the fry and let the male take a break in the community tank.

 

[yukondog]

Better to leave mom with the fry and let the male take a break in the community tank.

I agree, I take all males out at some point and let the female raise the fry and recuperate, and keep them in there own separate tanks till needed again. Good luck.

 

[Mike Wise]

It really depends on the species. I might be a good idea with highly polygamous species, but in others that are less so it might be counter-productive. Some species, like those of the nijsseni-group, form 'breeding pairs'. These are different from mated pairs. Breeding pairs will bond as long as they are successful at producing fry. If not, they separate hoping to find a more suitable/successful mate. If you separate a breeding pair they might not decide to breed together again.

 

[Ben Rhau]

For the benefit of the original poster: agassizii are polygamous.

 

[ggabrielcc]

Thanks for all the replies! Definitely helps, did do plenty research before but there’s always more to know and different tips. Will set up the other tank today and I’ll f they breed or don’t get along can move the male, at the moment the male will chase the female very briefly (quickly swims at her) this doesn’t happen very often but I have seen it A couple times. If this carries on for too long would it be best to separate, or get another female?

 

[ggabrielcc]

The female is also quite small so is it possible she can’t breed yet and the male is chasing here away in hopes of finding another female?