Thursday, May 22, 2008

whoa there are more killies than when I started

As I have not completed my main project my fish are out in the garage in their massively overgrown planted tank. They've grown to about 7/8" - 1" or so and you can tell the males and females quite well. I don't have a picture because despite my efforts I can't get a focused shot with my little digital camera. The fish just don't ever stop moving. That's one reason for the constant flow tank because I think it would freeze them in place somewhat. They'd be swimming, but not really going anywhere.
Anyway the males have developed flowing pale yellow fins with little spots and already had some vertical barring on the body. They were always pretty pale (the eyes were the attraction) but now with age and size the color is starting to come out.
Funny how they told me at Albany Aquarium the fish wouldn't get any bigger than the 1/2 inch they were when I bought them. It's rare they make a mistake. Never having had them before I wasn't super confident telling them they would get bigger, but that's what the internet said. I believe they were only like $2.50 a piece which makes them a great deal.
Anyway, when feeding last night I was just sort of looking into the brush when a tiny blue spot caught my eye. It was hard to see but there was a baby killie about 3/16" long. Quite noticeable vertical banding (like parr marks on baby trout) and the characteristic neon blue lampeye. I assume it's been in there a little while - not sure if there are more. The tank is so dense that it's hard to see more than a 2 inches into the plants or so. Perfect nursery habitat I reckon. That baby killie was hiding all the way across the tank from the bigger guys and the barbs.
If one can make it, then so can others! I'm going to keep my eyes peeled - and try to get a photo.