Problematic fish stock / Can fry stay with their parents?
We have discovered fry in our aquarium. They are young Burundis. The other aquarium inhabitants are: 6 Angelfish, 3 Siamese Sharks (Pangasius sp.), a shoal of Harlequin Rasboras, 3 Indian Striped Catfish (Mystus vittatus) and 2 Bubble Nest Catfish (Callichthys callichthys); many of them are still juveniles. The aquarium is densely planted and provides many hideaways. The "old" Burundis are also present in the shoal.
Our question: Is it necessary under the given circumstances to catch the "new" fry and keep them isolated in a rearing tank?
Hello,
Concerning "young Burundis":
I surmise in the following that they are Neolamprologus brichardi from Lake Tanganyika, which were/are sometimes sold as "Princess of Burundi"!
Concerning "other aquarium inhabitants":
Unfortunately, I have to say it this hard: this does not fit together at all − and even if it would, you would very soon require a very large aquarium (I am talking about tanks above the 3 meter (3.3 yd.) category, and this is not exaggerated!).
Siamese Sharks (Pangasiidae) alone grow to over half a meter (0.5 yd.), and they are very active swimmers. Also, they must be kept in larger groups. They are economically caught edible fish that you can purchase as "Pangasius fillet" after processing!
A single Angelfish pair easily requires 200 - 300 liters (44 - 66 US gal.) for themselves when defending a territory, and the smaller fish (Harlequin Rasboras!) will sooner or later end up as food for other fish if they do net get caught in the crossfire of territorial fights before.
Concerning "rearing tank":
This fish stock is already very problematic in itself, see above. The "Burundis" (provided my above mentioned guess about the species is correct) should in any case get their own Lake Tanganyika tank with at least 200 liters (44 US gal.); you may possibly add a few other Lake Tanganyika fish.
Then a moderate number of juveniles (consider the overall capacity of the tank!) can stay in there. Neolamprologus brichardi and the closely related species (Neolamprologus pulcher, Neolamprologus sp. "Daffodil" etc.) are so-called step breeders, i.e. the older juveniles remain with their parents and help guarding their younger brothers and sisters.
Best regards
sera GmbH
Dr. Bodo Schnell