Breeding Tipaia

[Chris Griggs]

I am trying to start a breeding colony of blue tilapia.  I have my larger fish in a 200 gallon ibc tote and they are fine in there.  I got a 29 gallon tank to pull a couple out to try to breed and the males get so aggresive when placed in this small tank they literally beat the females to death.  They are only 5" long so i wasn't thinking over-crowding would be an issue.  Doesn't matter if i put 2 males and 3 females down to 1 male and 1 female.  Always the same result.  Even put different males in and removed what i thought were the over aggresive males.  Tank too small?? only think i can figure.  Although i have red niles that are breeding nicely in 25 gallons of water in a poly tank.  Any ideas?

[Chris Griggs]

I wish I could sometimes! Need all four lights for my 4 units. Use them 12 months a year but only need the tank heat for 3:) I just need to bite the bullet and set up a proper breeding tank and a a few other tanks for babies. This hobby is sick... it just keeps growing.... I already want another ibc unit... looks like the GH will be expanding for a third time... lol

[Jim Enterline]

Chris

I had a similar problem. I use a 55 gallon aquarium and the male almost killed one female after putting her back in after she hatched. I read somewhere that removing his top lip would stop it. I cut his top lip off with a pair of scissors and it did stop and he is still a prolific breeder, with no after effects other than him looking a little funny.

[Jeff S]

Seem a little harsh LOL but if it works that's great.

Jim Enterline said:

Chris

I had a similar problem. I use a 55 gallon aquarium and the male almost killed one female after putting her back in after she hatched. I read somewhere that removing his top lip would stop it. I cut his top lip off with a pair of scissors and it did stop and he is still a prolific breeder, with no after effects other than him looking a little funny.

[Chris Griggs]

Wow! I don't know if I can bring myself to do that! I think I will try the bigger tank first. Appreciate the info if things require drastic measures.