Upgrade to the pup tank... as.... 'C' litter on its way..

Thank you @JDV

 

@MariaS WOW Im so excited for you its really such an achievement and I am sure you will give the pups the best love and attention so they can all push trough...

 

@MariaS, congrats and well done

How big are they? diameter in cm? must be amazing seeing these little creature come to life..

 

Thanks @hviviers75 .. hahha yes... life revolves around four pancakes at the moment... but so worth it

 

Thanks @Ammar

Im looking at my ruler.... would say 8...9cm....
We will probably move them tomorrow afternoon, will try a more accurate measurement

 

Congrats

 

Thank you.

 

I think its time for an update on these little guys and girls
There are 2 boys and two girls

They are now 3 and half weeks old and in their own tank with two pups Im growing out
Pouncing away at pieces of shrimp and sardine and earthworms as a treat
They absolutely adorable and too funny to watch

 

very cute

 

Thanks @Reedfish

They have grown but still look so small!!
One thing they do have is character...

 

Thanks @top dog

 

Very Cool Maria! i didn't know they aren't as fussy as Discus wrt water changes (obviously good filtration)
When you medicate them...are they like clown loaches in terms of skin (forget the terminology)
What Diameter do they grow to? & do you have to cut the barb out?
R

 

Thanks @Whoknows ...

Yes, they are born with a tiny little barb already and it is venomous from birth
They also shed their barb every few months and the tip remains venomous for months after being shed
However, despite this they are probably one of the least aggressive fish and will actually run away from you and other fish before they even strike
In fact, many rays die from aggressive cichlids either killing them or constantly bullying them and they eventually die from stress.

Stinging is a very last resort and they have to be cornered with no escape for them to strike.
This being said, you have to respect them and always remember that they can strike and dont be careless

 

Thanks @supertramp

They are probably as fussy as discus in terms of having to do decent sized weekly water changes.
We do about 70/80% water change weekly
They are totally unforgiving of ammonia or nitrite in the water.. that's a ray killer
They are forgiving and adjust to to a fairly wide range of Ph readings providing its kept stable but a sudden huge Ph fluctuation can and often kills them
So here, rather let them adjust to your usual water Ph and not fiddle to try get it perfect because if you mess up and there is a big sudden drop or increase it can kill them

And yes... filtration is never too much with rays.. it has to be very good
So.. regular water changes, stable water and good filtration and they ok... and like discus... a good diet

Yes, you have to be extremely careful with medication, probably even more sensitive than clown loaches as they are also scaleless but very sensitive

They are however pretty hardy and if your water quality is good and they dont have parasites, they dont usualy get sick easily
By way.. they dont get Ich

No... you dont cut the barb... just let it be..
There is no need to cut the barb. They actually very placid and will run away from you before even thinking of stiking you
You work in the tank in a calm way, and they just let you do what you need to
Often they come right up to your hand and smell you or het in your way.. you just stop.. keep still and they go their own way again
Sometimes i take the wood out for a good scrub and when i try to put it back Polkadot plonks herself where i want to work and i actually have to gently push her away.
Respect them and be gentle and they leave you alone
If you corner them.. you looking for trouble
They shed their barb every 6 months or so

Diameter depends on the species
Cesar's motoro girl is 53cm at the age of 4
The Mantilla male and mini marble male who is the father of these pups is only about.. max 30cm at the age of 4

Your Black Diamonds you looking at around 50cm ...

Females usually get bigger than the males

 

Hahha .. you probably think we crazy.... we keep all the barbs in sealed containers

But if you not as crazy as us... no... dont just throw it in the bustbin
Rather bury it somewhere out of the way and deep enough
After a few months its no longer venomous although no one tells you exactly after how long