Future breeding pairs - housing?
Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 7:47 am
Hi all 
I've recently acquired two species that aren't all that common in my area and I thought I'd have a try at breeding as they are both very gorgeous critters.
Sadly, my last breeding attempt ended in a headless male, so I'd really like to get this right as I don't know if I'll be able to easily get these species again.
I have a pair of Cherax tenuimanus (blue marron) and a pair of what are probably Cherax quinquecarinatus (gilgie), not 100% sure on that yet. All are rather small still, the blacks are of a comparable size, but the female tenuimanus is about 1/2 the size of the male.
Personality-wise, the female gilgie is a real little spitfire to handle, and the male is rather docile. Both of the marrons seem quite relaxed, with the small female being a tad more nervy.
So, housing.
My thoughts were to give one pair the run of a 55USG tank with a bunch of topswimming fish (unless of course they DO breed, in which case the fish will be moved out), and over-winter the other pair in a 10USG, until it warms up enough to give them the other 55USG in the garage (no hope of running that over winter, it haemorrhages heat
, they'd be icy cold and I can't find enough information on them to know if they'd cope or not)
Can I put young pairs together or will they *cough* tear each other's heads off?
If I can, of the two pairs, which would you put in the larger tank?
Should I separate the small female marron and spend some time getting her up to size before I try introducing them, or do you think they'll cope OK? I popped them both in the one tank for a while tonight, and he was dominant, but more interested in walking over her than eating or pursuing her. Most likely that was partially due to exploring the new tank, but what would be the most likely outcome of this arrangement? headless girl?
Also, what sort of temperature would you suggest for the Cherax quinquecarinatus? I know they came out of an unheated tank that was kept at around 72*F/22*C due to room temp, but I can't seem to find much on these in aquaria, only aquaculture etc.
I've only ever had single specimen destructors and red claws before, so this is all new to me. Any advice would be appreciated
Photos ASAP once they settle in a bit I'd love help IDing the black pair, would you need photos of specific parts?
Thanks
EDIT: forgot sizes!
Female gilgie: approx 8cm
Male gilgie: approx 9cm
Female marron: approx 6.5cm
Male marron: approx 9.5cm
I've recently acquired two species that aren't all that common in my area and I thought I'd have a try at breeding as they are both very gorgeous critters.
Sadly, my last breeding attempt ended in a headless male, so I'd really like to get this right as I don't know if I'll be able to easily get these species again.
I have a pair of Cherax tenuimanus (blue marron) and a pair of what are probably Cherax quinquecarinatus (gilgie), not 100% sure on that yet. All are rather small still, the blacks are of a comparable size, but the female tenuimanus is about 1/2 the size of the male.
Personality-wise, the female gilgie is a real little spitfire to handle, and the male is rather docile. Both of the marrons seem quite relaxed, with the small female being a tad more nervy.
So, housing.
My thoughts were to give one pair the run of a 55USG tank with a bunch of topswimming fish (unless of course they DO breed, in which case the fish will be moved out), and over-winter the other pair in a 10USG, until it warms up enough to give them the other 55USG in the garage (no hope of running that over winter, it haemorrhages heat
, they'd be icy cold and I can't find enough information on them to know if they'd cope or not) Can I put young pairs together or will they *cough* tear each other's heads off?
If I can, of the two pairs, which would you put in the larger tank?
Should I separate the small female marron and spend some time getting her up to size before I try introducing them, or do you think they'll cope OK? I popped them both in the one tank for a while tonight, and he was dominant, but more interested in walking over her than eating or pursuing her. Most likely that was partially due to exploring the new tank, but what would be the most likely outcome of this arrangement? headless girl?
Also, what sort of temperature would you suggest for the Cherax quinquecarinatus? I know they came out of an unheated tank that was kept at around 72*F/22*C due to room temp, but I can't seem to find much on these in aquaria, only aquaculture etc.
I've only ever had single specimen destructors and red claws before, so this is all new to me. Any advice would be appreciated
Photos ASAP once they settle in a bit
I'd love help IDing the black pair, would you need photos of specific parts?Thanks
EDIT: forgot sizes!
Female gilgie: approx 8cm
Male gilgie: approx 9cm
Female marron: approx 6.5cm
Male marron: approx 9.5cm
