phantom dorsigera fry

[uberape]

hi i have a dorsigera pair in a community tank. 2/3 days ago they laid eggs on the decor. Now they have moved "them" to a ditch at the back of the tank. This is all by the book except I just cant make out any fry, ive stared for an hour now and i need to get to college. Is there a possibility that the fry didnt make it through the night but the pair are going through the motions anyway?

 

[slimbolen99]

I can't imagine them expending energy to not take care of them. They are probably so small, and barely wiggling, you can't see them in the cracks of the gravel. In other words, they're doing a good job at being parents!

 

[uberape]

ok thats hopeful, they are still rigourously defending the phantom patch so im just going to feed that space I guess. I know this is not ideal in a community tank but my spare tank i decided to restart as a planted tank right at the wrong time, so its out of cycle and the ph is nowhere near the same. Unfortunately the other fish will have to endure their chasing for a week or so. thanks slimbolen99

 

[Mike Wise]

You won't need to feed the fry until they become freeswimming. Feeding near the pit right now will only disturb the parents and probably pollute the nearby area with uneaten food.

 

[uberape]

ok thanks for reminding me, they are definitely there wriggling on the sand at present. The parents are doing an exceptional job and because they are lumped in a community tank im keeping there energy up with live foods, they have to chase so much its like the tour de france.