[Paradox577]

Wanted to get some opinions on the topic.

I have 3 yellow lab fry, kinda a big shock.

It must have been the one that normally hides all the time and just didn't think it was out of the ordinary.

So, I was checking out my pleco close up yesterday and noticed there was a fry hanging out in a really small cave/hole in the lace rock. It was about a 1/4 inch long.

I started looking around and found 2 more in similar locations. the other 2 are about the same size maybe a little smaller.

So, do I try to net them and get them in a grow out tank?
Do I try to leave them in the community tank and see what happens?

I have seen no aggression against them and they are hiding themselves well.

The rest of the tank is well fed, will this give the fry a better chance if they remain in the main tank.

Problem is that I will be out of the country for 2 weeks at the end of the month. I ahve a automatic feeder and have someone stop by to refill it.

Also, If i do leave them in the community tank should I change my food?
I am currently using NLS 1mm sinking.

I thought about getting a small diameter clear PVC tubing to be able to direct crushed up NLS near their hiding spots.

What do you think??

P.s. they are they really cool.

thanks!

 

[nimboman]

In your main tank you may find it impossible to catch fry unless you are willing to drain water and move decor. I would just leave them in there. Even though you may not think they are getting any food you would be suprised at what they could find. Reality is that these fry probably will not survive if you have alot of fish. When I used to have fry in my main tank I would always find most of them swimming in my prefilter, this made it easy to collect them.

 

[nimboman]

Now that you have fry you can expect this to happen more often so it would be a good idea to get a 10g tank to toss your holding females in.This will save you from having to try and catch the fry and be careful you have different fish that will crossbreed so watch whos mating with who.

 

[MalawiLover]

On the few instances I was insane enough to try to catch fry that size in the main tank didn't go well. Once I had enough rocks out to get at them, the bigger fish noticed them and were abole to beat me to them. I think trying to catch them just makes them more vulnerable, not to mention being one of the most aggravating jobs I have ever tried.

 

[Darkside]

You can try to siphon them up depending on where they are. Its worked for me in the past.

 

[DJRansome]

I tried to "tube" baby food directly to the babies in my main tank once too. I found that all it did was encourage the babies to come out where it was not safe, and encourage the other fish to investigate the food and find the babies. I'd leave them.

 

[nchoe123]

I just put my baby labs into my main tank... I worry that they don't get enough to eat. But mine are almost 1" long, fully coloured up, so I figure they'll be ok. Soon they'll learn to swim up to the top of the tank just like all their aunts and uncles (and mom + pop though I don't know which they are), to get their fair share.