Breeding Pairs?

vital · Post by **vital** » Sun Aug 20, 2023 10:50 pm

I've had these two ring leopards for almost two years, given to me as gifts, supposedly a breeding pair. Tank conditions are all good - 30 Degrees Celsius, nitrates 8-15mg/l, no nitrites or ammonia, pH 6.8. My fluval filter's checked every 3 months, and I do 50% water changes regularly. They look healthy, but I've had no luck figuring out if they're male or female. I've read and watched loads of stuff, but nothing's been definitive. I'm starting to think it's just a waiting game.

I feed them twice a day - Hikari Spirulina Brine Shrimp, Hikari Bio-gold, Seachem flakes, and Hikari Vibra bites.

sonyx · Post by **sonyx** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 1:25 am

Re: Breeding Pairs?

I've come across some info that might be helpful. Apparently, females typically reach maturity between 9-14 months, while males can take a bit longer. It's worth noting that two young females can sometimes pair up, so just because one of your fish is laying eggs, it doesn't necessarily mean the other is a male. I've read that one of the most reliable ways to sex discus is by examining the breeding tubes - the female's is usually larger and blunt at the tip, while the male's is smaller and comes to a point.

sonyx · Post by **sonyx** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 2:07 am

Re: Breeding Pairs?

I've tried a different method in the past to observe the breeding tubes - laying the discus on a wet towel on the table to get a closer look.

Deepsea · Post by **Deepsea** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 2:43 am

Re: Breeding Pairs?

Your leopards look amazing - the tank setup seems great too.

knight · Post by **knight** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:02 am

Re: Breeding Pairs?

I'm inclined to think you might have one of each sex based on the photos. I've got some experience with Alenquer discus - they spawned twice for me after I first got them, about 8 months ago, but nothing since. It's really a gamble whether they'll spawn at all.

Pathmaster · Post by **Pathmaster** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 7:26 am

Re: Breeding Pairs?

I'm fairly convinced I have a breeding pair, but I'm stumped as to why they're not spawning.

wilde · Post by **wilde** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 11:38 am

Re: Breeding Pairs?
I'm no expert, but honestly, I think you might have two males on your hands.

FairyFish · Post by **FairyFish** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 4:04 pm

Re: Breeding Pairs?

They don't seem to be interacting like a mated pair, which makes me think they might be two males. Adding a few more Discus to the tank could encourage them to bond or form a new pair.

FishNe · Post by **FishNe** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 8:29 pm

Re: Breeding Pairs?

I'm inclined to agree with the 2 males theory. Dropping the temp to 82 might just do the trick. 30c is on the warmer side for breeding, so let's see if that sparks some interest.

knight · Post by **knight** » Tue Aug 22, 2023 12:27 am

Thanks for the input. I think I have two males as well. 30c does seem a bit warm for breeding, so I'll try lowering the temp to around 82. I've got another non-productive pair at 84, just dropped it to 81, let's see if that sparks something.