Severum Breeding

[Outofexile86]

Most of my severums have paired up, I have 3 couples they do everything that shows they want to spawn. Lock lips, tail swipe you name it... But I have never had any spawn. My PH, is a at 7.7 now but i usually have it about 7.1-7.2. The rest of water levels are very good. The only conclusion I have had is that my Large giraffe catfish is causing to much stress for them to spawn. I have sand substrate and 2 very large pieces of driftwood in the tank. Any ideas? I have searched all over for ideas but nothing substantial that has really helped.

[sunkenmetal]

maybe just some more time...

[Outofexile86]

It has been years lol. I have had most of my main severums for 3 years

[barrettsline]

Try raising temp a little. Stress is a key factor as well. The catfish could be a stress factor if it's as large as I remember you mentioning. Try changing there diet as well. High protein frozen and live foods. Water changes can also induce spawning.

[Outofexile86]

I usually have temps around 81-82, What I have done as of 2 days is Lower the temp to around 78. Yah my Catfish is about 24". I have them on a really good diet and was power feeding them. Brine shrimp, bloodworm, 4 Different Kinds of pellets, 2 Kinds of flakes, Hickory Sticks. What kind of live stuff? Never done anything like that due to whole in the head.

[barrettsline]

Live brine shrimps, may try smaller live worms and such.

[Fancyfish]

What do severums spawn on? They are flat like anglefish and discus, so do the spawn on a vertical surface? Or do they spawn on rocks on the bottom of the tank? Or do they spawn in a cave? It may be that they are ready but don't see any place they like to lay their eggs.

[barrettsline]

I've read different reports. Smooth, flat or round rock or stone. Drift wood wil also work if it provides a broad enough surface to lay eggs on.

[barrettsline]

As far as flat, vertical, diagonal, etc. again I've read different things.

[Fancyfish]

So maybe they need a few more options for spawning sites.

[barrettsline]

Tiz a good possibility.

[mistahoo]

There's only two pieces of driftwood? Wouldn't they spawn on the substrate as well if they don't have anywhere else to lay?

[barrettsline]

Its an extreme possibility that they might. I would think the fish would have to be in a state of almost desperation to do that.

[Lydia]

My opinion would be that they need spawn sites where they feel "safe" and removing catfish and sharks.

[barrettsline]

My opinion would be that they need spawn sites where they feel "safe" and removing catfish and sharks.

I have to agree 100% with this.