I think I have a pregnant seahorse!!!! AAAAAA!!!!

[loans_n_fishes]

Ok...I have my cube tank with 1 male erectus, 1 female erectus, 1 female barb, 1 female reidi.

My male erectus could care less about the female erectus, but he really likes the 2 other girlies--especially the barb. (I guess he has a thing for blondes! :P ) I'm going to have to get another male erectus just so my little girl isn't so lonely! :huh

Anyway, his pouch is looking rather round, and I am on the verge of FREAKING OUT!!! :wacko

I am not ready for fry! I need to get a tank set up, the live food a-bubblin', and read up on the ins and outs of doing this.

PLUS, these are probably mixed babies. I'm not sure what approach to use---or even if they CAN survive. He MAY be a mix of erectus and barb himself--his face is shaped more like a barb, but the markings of an erectus.

What have I gotten myself into??!!!

Is there anyone out there that can help a new parent-to-be? ;)

[erikharrison]

IDK, but you know Tabetha and I will buy some from you, if they live! GOOD LUCK!

[loans_n_fishes]

You know, the male erectus was black and white? Well, he's in the process of becoming yellow--and they both turn white while mating! :blink It's amazing! :w00t

[hobogato]

lol

[loans_n_fishes]

So...if he has problems, would you call it erectus disfunction! :lol :lol :lol

[JimD]

I was wondering how long this would take. lol

[erikharrison]

I was wondering how long this would take. lol
So was the seahorse apparently... :P

[loans_n_fishes]

Apparently, not very.... :o

[loans_n_fishes]

ok ok ok....seriously....does anyone have experience?......With SEAHORSES...you dirty minded MAASTARDS, you!! :P

[seamonkey2]

around 18 days, raising babies is very hard, after literally hundreds of deliveries, I can tell you, unless you have very dedicated time, just look the other way, it can be heart breaking if you dont

and they like to give birth at very early hours, specially when you have to get to work early

my best wishes to you

Jose

[5.0Stang]

around 18 days, raising babies is very hard, after literally hundreds of deliveries, I can tell you, unless you have very dedicated time, just look the other way, it can be heart breaking if you dont

and they like to give birth at very early hours, specially when you have to get to work early

my best wishes to you

Jose
**** sux to be you BETTER CALL IN AHEAD OF TIME

[loans_n_fishes]

Fortunately, I work from home--of course, if things go south with my father (and it looks like they are) and/or I get super busy (and it looks like I might), it will be very hard to keep a super close eye on them. I'm not sure how well it would go over hauling seahorse babies to a memorial service. :huh I may do it though! :wacko

I think I will try to move my male to a separate tank to give birth. For now, I just need to try to set up a successful nursery for the little buggers! Anyone have experience/success with raising the critters?

[Bill S]

Jose is right, of course. Each time we've had babies, it's been during the night.

[jkhunter]

My male Kuda gave birth on Saturday. I am doing all I can to raise them. I am decapsulating and hatching brine shrimp in three separate batches a day to feed them. If things go south with your father (I hope you the best in that as well), I would be happy to try to raise them for you if you don't have the time. Best of luck though!

Jennifer

[loans_n_fishes]

Jennifer,

Thanks so much for your offer! I may take you up on that--at least if I have to go out of town and such.

By the way...Welcome to MAAST!

I'm not sure if he is pregnant or not...maybe just filling his pouch with air for the ladies??? I'll keep a close eye on him and see what happens.

I'll be cleaning up my 10 gallon tank to get ready for the little guys...I am sure it is just a matter of time before I will need it!


Angela

[erikharrison]

let her raise them, then split the profits!!!

[jkhunter]

Angela, You are very welcome for the offer and please let me know if you do need help or have any questions. Seahorses are my passion and even with the amount of research I have done there is still always so much more to learn.

[loans_n_fishes]

Jennifer, are you in Austin?

[jkhunter]

Nope I am in San Antonio but I go to Pflugerville often to visit my sister. I am sure if you need help we can work something out, and if you would like to sell survivors I work for a store here in San Antonio

[loans_n_fishes]

He is looking larger. I am not sure which seahorse he has mated with...

Jennifer, I may have to take you up on the help. My father's funeral is this weekend, and we are going on a trip at the end of May. Plus, I do not have a tank set up.

If I can get my act together (and he doesn't give birth while I am gone), I will raise them myself (until we go on our trip). However, I am sure they will still need extra "baby" attention at that time, and I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable asking people to come in every 4 hours or so to feed, decapsulate, water change, etc. So, would you be available to take them on around the 25th of May? That is, if we have babies AND they live that long. It would be for about a week. You could have pick of the litter (2 horsies) and I will provide as much food an supplies as I can so you aren't out of money, food, salt, etc.

[loans_n_fishes]

What if he gives birth while I am gone Friday night or Saturday during the day??? :o

If I buy a culture of pods and use cheese cloth to screen the pumps/filter, will the babies have a fighting chance to survive until I get back?? Should I set up a nursery tank (10 gal) with my regular tank water and put my male in it. I REALLY don't want to mess with moving him around too much, or taking the chance with another tank set up. I am gun shy after dealing with my fish losses in the reef tank.