I have great news! Lawrence was kind enough to give me another chance with the tweediei and I was able to get another small group of juveniles when I went home again last month (and somehow we missed each other once again hahaha – busy!) They have been eating and growing well since I brought them home. One clear male now, crossing my fingers for another.
My local group, California Betta Society, occasionally does group import buys from Asia. We coordinate with breeders in Asia to have all of our fish sent together to our transhipper at SFO and then we meet her in the parking lot and pick up the fish from her right after they get off the plane. It’s a pretty fun day hanging out with other hobbyists. I decided to order one pair of P. linkei from Hermanus so that I could gain experience with an easier Paro before the tweediei matured…
I received the pair last Sunday (May 15)….and I have fry today! (May 23)!! I’m so happy! They are really beautiful. I did get some pictures of the male tending his fry, but my big computer isn’t working so I can’t upload them. I think there are only 10 or so. I am amazed how large the fry are compared to Betta species!!
My plan is to just keep them together for now. I was reading through other posts and it seems that they will do multiple rounds of spawning in quick succession? I will introduce even more cover into the tank for the fry to hide in, too. I will be getting another pair of tanks soon to set up for licorice gouramies – I just had no idea they would spawn so fast! 😀 Thanks everyone for your encouragement!