Aquarist Notes

Genetic Line:   Aquarium Strain

Line Traits:   Gold

Year Acquired:   2023

Acquired a group of 8 from several sources including 6 very young fish from Jose Gaitan, a lone adult male from a virtual auction, and another young adult from Dave's Rare Fish. Raised them separately until the smallest was ~1" and combined them in a 50g lowboy 4'x2' footprint tank. These are a bit more aggressive than other shellies and appreicate the room. A dominant pair formed and staked out ~12" diameter territory where spawning began with a single female. After a couple of successful spawns I removed the pair to another tank where they continued to spawn. A new dominant male quickly took the prime vacated real estate and is courting females. Photo shows this male.

Species Spawned:   Yes

Fry are quite small and appear at the mouth of the shell hopping about. For the 1st two successful spawns, about 8-10 fry were raised feasting on BBS and grew quickly. After a few weeks the became more confident and began taking on shells within the male's territory. After a month or so the adults began chasing them away. I moved the initial pair to their own breeding tank where they spawned again in a similar fashion. Meanwhile the 50g lowboy has begun the process anew. Some of the original fry successfully grew and established themselves. Potential loose colony in progress.

Have Reared Fry?   Yes

Easily raised on BBS. Left with the parents for 3+ weeks before being chased out of the territory. To raise the full group it is wise to separate them and give them their own grow-out tank.

Young fish available?   Yes