Extreme fertility?

[Tandanus]

My pair of Thorichthys maculipinnus are at it again! They spawned on the 10th July and the fry were free-swimming on the 14th. Early hours this morning they have spawned yet again. They are still caring for their 9 day old fry. I was totally amazed! Anyone else had this experience?

 

[HUKIT]

Yes this is somewhat common but is not very healthy for the female in my opinion, I'd personally separate them with a divider for at least a 3-4 weeks. Don't remove her from his tank just add a divider as this shouldn't effect the pairs bond.

 

[Tandanus]

Thanks Hukit, Yeah, I didn't think of it that way at all. It must take a lot out of her. To begin with the male was carrying on shaking and shimmying by his favourite spawn site and I thought... you've got high hopes! Then she joined in and next thing.... She looks beautiful regardless, colours are astonishing. Do you think I should leave the eggs?

 

[HUKIT]

I would leave the eggs at this time as removing them will only upset the pair. Yes spawning does take a toll on the females health and growth rate. I would prevent them from spawning for 4-5 weeks to allow the female some alone time to eat.

 

[Tandanus]

Thanks again. I will definitely separate them. I really love these guys. Their colours are stunning and they are very friendly. And another plus is they don't try to kill me when I maintenance their tank