[Killietalk] Bellysliders, to breed or not to breed? Terranatos dolichopterus 'V96/7'

["Ron @ CCK" <ronwill at starhub_net.sg>]

Dear all,

There were previous discussions both here and at AKA's forum regarding 
belly sliders, and most have concluded that this phenomena is caused by 
hatching conditions and/or premature wetting.

Never once, IIRC, was it a genetic fault or inbreeding.

I was incubating eggs of *Terranatos dolichopterus* 'V96/7' and when I 
noted a good number of eyed-up eggs, I wetted it... even when it was 
3weeks earlier than the stated minimum wet-date.  I regretted that move 
and no hatchlings either.  Bagged it up again and waited.

It was an experience to remember, which I've logged it at;
http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/fishz/TerranatosDolichopterus/Terranatos_dolichopterus.html

When the full 4-month incubation period was due on Jan 20th 2004, I 
wetted the peat and received 4 hatchlings.

To date, 3 fry survived... but they're all 1.5cm belly sliders and 
subsequent wetting at 2-week intervals have not yielded any fry! :o(

The *Terranatos dolichopterus* is a beautiful fish with remarkable 
finnage, and it is not established locally.  I do wish to distribute it 
to other hobbyists, so please be patient with my doubts.

My most important question would be... do I go ahead and attempt 
breeding DOL when they mature, knowing that they're belly sliders?  I 
don't know what's the concensus amongst killie folks but culling seems 
like SOP.

You can frown at me for even considering the idea... but they're all I 
have for now to work on.

Related questions would be; how long does it take for DOL to be sexually 
mature?

I have another bag of DOL eggs that's due for wetting on Feb 28th, but 
that's besides the issue (I can only cross my fingers for better hatch 
rate).

Any suggestions gladly welcomed and all feedbacks are most appreciated.

Best regards,
Ronnie Lee
Singapore... where the downpour has stopped and it's getting hot!



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