In many cases it's the little breeder trap to blame. A fishymomma left by herself in a 10 gallon tanks full of bushy plants will usually live, as will the fry, while the mothers in those little cages don't do as well. They hold the fry in as long as they physically can, you see, looking for a good spot to drop them. They see no good reason to drop them in the little baskets, and sometimes when they have to they spazz out and croak. Diet and other general conditions also play a big part in it.
|