Platystacus on the move

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 14 Aug 2006, 09:25

This morning my pair of showed extraordinary behaviour. They were cruising the tank, making sounds like very short barks. These were made by quick movements of the pectoral spines. When one was laying on the sand, it immediately started to swim after hearing the sound of the other. It even seemed they were trying to locate one another and when they did, both swam to the surface. Breeding season?? They are still at it, although all lights are on at the moment. The female doesn't look gravid, but rather slender. No eggs attached to the belly.
If anyone has had the same or similar experiences, pls reply.

sidguppy · Post by **sidguppy** » 14 Aug 2006, 16:36

wow!

mine are definitely more 'on the move' lately, but no barking so far (could be my bad ears though; I'm deaf as a post).

I did found a 'skin' a few days ago, and now the male looks like it had a new paintjob.

mine are gross, fat beyond any recognition; but that's because they eat more food than all the other fish in that tank combined. it's been long since I had a 'piggy fish' like that.

did you do a big waterexchange? or maybe it's all the rain and thunderstorms; after months of heat this sudden drop of airpressure might act as a trigger.

it's not in tune with SA, but we sure have a start of the "rainseason aka monsoon" over here; it's been raing (downpour actually) steadily for more than 2 weeks now...

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 14 Aug 2006, 19:46

sidguppy wrote: or maybe it's all the rain and thunderstorms; after months of heat this sudden drop of airpressure might act as a trigger.

If anything it may be that; water change (as usual, so about 150 ltrs) has been a few weeks back.
It's nice to see them behave like that. Perhaps I'll add some, provided I'll find them....

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 07 Oct 2007, 21:07

Somewhat later than last year, no rain whatsoever, yet they're at it again: cruising the tank and making their bark-like sounds. This time with pictures.

It's amazing how elegant these fish can slide through the water.

Yann · Post by **Yann** » 07 Oct 2007, 21:19

mmmmm

Wonder if you move them in a separate tank and gently acclimate them to brackish water, would they actually spawn...
Cheers
Yann

apistomaster · Post by **apistomaster** » 08 Oct 2007, 01:34

Hey Marc,
Those are one cool looking catfish. I have never seen one in real life but your photos are the next best thing. They are even more interesting than the text book photos I've seen. Breeding these almost "alien" looking fish would be a big feather in your cap.

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 08 Oct 2007, 22:15

Thanks for the compliment Larry, it's much appreciated.

(@ Yann as well): I don't have any spare room for them, which is regrettable for I get the impression that they are indeed searching for something (salinity?).
If this should be a necessity to get them to breed, I'm afraid I have to disappoint them, you and myself as well.

PsYcHoTiC_MaDmAn · Post by **PsYcHoTiC_MaDmAn** » 08 Oct 2007, 23:51

I saw those and thought gu'old

shouldn't watch so much stargate...

interesting fish,

Richard B · Post by **Richard B** » 09 Oct 2007, 12:35

Nice photos of some good looking fish Marc. (Nice Jag in the background too)

jimoo · Post by **jimoo** » 15 Oct 2007, 19:31

First time I've seen this species. A truly remarkable looking fish!

grokefish · Post by **grokefish** » 16 Oct 2007, 17:11

Aw go on Marc find some room.
Matt