I have a brilliant turquoise and thin-line snakeskin that have definitely paired off in my 30g Amazon biotope tank. The turquoise is maybe 4 to 5 months older than the snakeskin, and has initiated the courting behavior. They have been shaking, shimmying, and picking clean all vertical surfaces for about a week, and finally the turquoise laid her eggs last night. Elated, I watched her meticulously place about 100 eggs on "the perfect leaf". Then, to my horror, the snakeskin proceeded to inspect and summarily eat all the eggs she had laid. The courting was definitely mutual, so I assume the snakeskin is, in fact, a male. All bothersome or otherwise hungry tankmates were removed in preparation for the impending egg laying, so the pair were basically alone in the tank.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Is it lack of sexual maturity on the Male's part? Lack of readiness? Or is it just a lack of experience (bad parenting skills)?
I know my German Blue Rams ate their first clutch of eggs, didn't protect the second, and finally hatched out a third set. Is this just normal behavior, or should I separate the pair and find a new mate for my turquoise?
I would appreciate any thoughts or info on this topic...
-K
**little buggers are gonna drive me crazy**
