Update: I haven't had any success with breeding the Trachy's for the past couple of years. As a matter of fact that entwining was the only one I observed for quite a while and they did it very sporadically with uge gaps in time between each incident. How ever currently in this month alone they've entwined three times.
The first time was very short and the female was obviously unwilling as she grunted loudly her protest and exited the males advances post haste. They both returned to their separate hides. This would happen again just a couple of days later.
The third I happened upon as with the previous two after a feeding. I had turned around to check the tank and saw the males belly facing the glass and his breathing was heavy. I immediately worried and rushed over to the tank to see if he was alright. As I got closer I saw the female was beside him this time without protest. The males papilla was turned and positioned so it made contact with the females again as I had observed in the past. This time there was no struggle by the female or attempt to get away. How long it had gone on before my notice I don't know but it went on for a good three minutes after my notice.
They eventually separated and went to their separate hides. Whether this indicates a successful breeding, I don't know. All I can say is I've noticed differences between this entwining and the others.
Their behavior is different. For one the female didn't struggle to get away. What I had originally thought was a struggle for a pellet in the initial entwining was instead the male initiating. Or at least so I believe as since then each time the entwining happened the male always grabbed the female by one of her barbels. I'm assuming to help position himself and secure the female. The previous grabs had taken their toll as the females barbels on her left side of her face are nearly gone. Which also means that the female let the male position himself this time without being restrained.
Another difference is though they originally went to separate hides since this last entwining the female has been staying in the males hide. The hide is large enough for them to not have to be in contact but the female is almost always squeezed underneath the male. Whether this is done for both their security or ease of more breeding attempts I don't know but it is an interesting change as they haven't shared a hide since they where juveniles around 4 inches or so.
Hopefully this will lead to fry but if not to me at least this is all really interesting behavior which reminds me why I love keeping this homely looking beasts.
The first time was very short and the female was obviously unwilling as she grunted loudly her protest and exited the males advances post haste. They both returned to their separate hides. This would happen again just a couple of days later.
The third I happened upon as with the previous two after a feeding. I had turned around to check the tank and saw the males belly facing the glass and his breathing was heavy. I immediately worried and rushed over to the tank to see if he was alright. As I got closer I saw the female was beside him this time without protest. The males papilla was turned and positioned so it made contact with the females again as I had observed in the past. This time there was no struggle by the female or attempt to get away. How long it had gone on before my notice I don't know but it went on for a good three minutes after my notice.
They eventually separated and went to their separate hides. Whether this indicates a successful breeding, I don't know. All I can say is I've noticed differences between this entwining and the others.
Their behavior is different. For one the female didn't struggle to get away. What I had originally thought was a struggle for a pellet in the initial entwining was instead the male initiating. Or at least so I believe as since then each time the entwining happened the male always grabbed the female by one of her barbels. I'm assuming to help position himself and secure the female. The previous grabs had taken their toll as the females barbels on her left side of her face are nearly gone. Which also means that the female let the male position himself this time without being restrained.
Another difference is though they originally went to separate hides since this last entwining the female has been staying in the males hide. The hide is large enough for them to not have to be in contact but the female is almost always squeezed underneath the male. Whether this is done for both their security or ease of more breeding attempts I don't know but it is an interesting change as they haven't shared a hide since they where juveniles around 4 inches or so.
Hopefully this will lead to fry but if not to me at least this is all really interesting behavior which reminds me why I love keeping this homely looking beasts.
