Patience is a virtue
Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 7:12 pm
After obtaining a small young colony I knew I was in for a long wait to get to breeding age. And I waited.....and waited. As it turned out I got a kick start when I was able to purchase another more mature colony which had successfully bred.
I set up my tank......and waited. I knew not to disturb them much and I didn't. I had gotten them about the time they typically bred for my friend so I knew the chances they would be comfy enough in their new home to breed last year was slim. This year, I also waited and waited until I had no choice but to move the tank due to home renovations. I wanted them as far away from it as possible.
My tank had slate caves and some other various caves. I carefully began breaking down the tank and the big male was in the rectangular slate cave. Rather than disturb him, I took him out in the cave. I searched everywhere, "just in case", carefully and methodically. I was certain i found everyone with no baby surprises.
As I was setting the tank back up I checked on the zebras and saw a little "odd" movement in the slate cave. Turns out I had not seen (4) fry that must have been hidden behind the male when I checked previously. My guess is he male bred with a younger female. I am SOO happy I just took the whole cave out rather than trying to get him out of there.
Anyway, that's just my luck. Finally after years of waiting I get them to breed when I have to move the tank. The good news is they are all alive and well and handled the transfer with no issues. I think I'll keep the tank where it is for a while and hold off renovating that area.
I set up my tank......and waited. I knew not to disturb them much and I didn't. I had gotten them about the time they typically bred for my friend so I knew the chances they would be comfy enough in their new home to breed last year was slim. This year, I also waited and waited until I had no choice but to move the tank due to home renovations. I wanted them as far away from it as possible.
My tank had slate caves and some other various caves. I carefully began breaking down the tank and the big male was in the rectangular slate cave. Rather than disturb him, I took him out in the cave. I searched everywhere, "just in case", carefully and methodically. I was certain i found everyone with no baby surprises.
As I was setting the tank back up I checked on the zebras and saw a little "odd" movement in the slate cave. Turns out I had not seen (4) fry that must have been hidden behind the male when I checked previously. My guess is he male bred with a younger female. I am SOO happy I just took the whole cave out rather than trying to get him out of there.
Anyway, that's just my luck. Finally after years of waiting I get them to breed when I have to move the tank. The good news is they are all alive and well and handled the transfer with no issues. I think I'll keep the tank where it is for a while and hold off renovating that area.
