Fasting Periods

[Skiploder]

I stopped breeding cribos a few years ago. Up until that point none of my blacktail or yellowtail males ever fasted. When they reached breeding age, they were bred.

For the last few years, I have noted that my sexually mature males go off feed from the beginning to middle of December to the middle to end of January.

During this time, I have noted the following:

(1) The spend the majority of their time out in the open.
(2) Their shed cycle is rapidly sped up - from five/six weeks to three/four weeks. Oftentimes with a week between shedding and the first signs ecdysis (reddening of the ventral scales).

Starting in mid-January, the males lose their sperm plugs (usually in their water dishes). Days later, they are looking to feed.



So for four males, the averages are:

- average day off feed: December 6
- average day back on feed: January 22
- average shed cycle (regular): 40 days
- average shed cycle (fasting): 24 days
- average weight loss: 349 grams
- average starting weight: 4331 grams

This is with no changes in enclosure temperature, photo periods (artificial) or humidity.


I don't know if this will help anyone out there. Though at least a few might find it interesting.

[Patrick Long]

During this fasting period are they being introduced to girls?

[Skiploder]

During this fasting period are they being introduced to girls?

Pat:

They are all housed in the same room. No introductions - I'm sure they can smell them, however.

Never had a fasting period before I cut them off - so to speak.

You should see the sperm plugs on these boys..........

[Patrick Long]

Thats pretty interesting still. Just being in the same room triggers that response you think?

I can only imagine the plugs....especially being bloated in the water dish! LOL

[Skiploder]

Thats pretty interesting still. Just being in the same room triggers that response you think?

I can only imagine the plugs....especially being bloated in the water dish! LOL

Think length.

As for being in the same room - next year I'm going to put them in separate rooms - see if it makes a difference.

[Patrick Long]

Could be the pink unicorn.....just sayin.