Question: Housing Axies Together

[lisapie]

Hiya everyone,

Just have a quick question that I can't seem to get a simple answer from on all the posts and info I've read.

I want some advice on putting my adult male axie in with my 3 female adult axies. From what I understand if i have more than one male they could end up fighting over the females. By that advice if I had only one male, I shouldn't have any problems...

The 6ft tank is currently divided so he's on his own, but I'm having bad issues with the water flow and quality, where I have a huge algal bloom on the girls side (filter outlet) but not on his side (filter inlet). The divider is plastic mesh and it's become almost solid algae and is impossible to clean. I can't seem to clear this up despite lowering light and frequent water changes. I'd like to remove the divider so I can do a proper clean out, but only if it's not making things worse for my axies.

Apart from the fighting situation I'm not worried about the spawning, the last time he was in with three girls (only overnight due to necessity) i ended up with multiple batches of eggs. I'm not looking to breed them, i will just pass the eggs on to anyone interested and to science departments at universities.

I can't imagine having any problems, they're all about the same size, just wanted an outside opinion on the pros and cons of the situation.

Thanks,
Lisa

 

[Kerry1968]

As long as your females are mature enough to lay eggs (over 18 months old) then I don't see a problem.

Also as long as you're prepared for lots of eggs!

I don't know if laying batch after batch of eggs will wear your females out, or if they will have a breeding season and a 'resting' season. Perhaps someone with more experience will chime in.

 

[lisapie]

I remember reading somewhere (probably years ago) that breeding does affect lifespan. All but one of them are roughly five years old, with my oldest female being almost seven. The male and two of the younger females have bred once before.

I'm in aus and it's freezing cold here, middle of winter, now is about the time they want to breed. My male gets quite excited when one of the girls comes to the other side of the divider. And i have seen one or two spermatophores over the past few months.

I'm prepared for hundreds of eggs yes. Most will be moved to separate containers until I can find homes for them. I may try and raise a portion of the eggs, but from my experience trying to raise hundreds of baby axies is a round the clock job that I just don't have enough time for, so for the most part I'll leave it to the experts.

It sounds a little cruel knowing I'm going to end up with eggs, when I have little intention of keeping and raising them. It's probably the only thing I have an issue with in this situation. Putting the axies through the whole process just so I can get their tank clean... seems a bit mean of me.

 

[Kerry1968]

I don't think it's cruel, as long as it's not detrimental to the females health. The axies will eat the eggs anyway, given the chance!

If it were up to me, I would say go for it!

 

[Darkmaverick]

Hi Lisa,

Axies do not form monogamous (bonded) pairs. Hence, even if you have more than one male, they can still breed freely in a 'harem' system. Males deposit spematophores so any female can pick up any male spermatophore really.

I won't say breeding affect lifespan but moreso of body condition. As long as the females aren't churning out eggs like a factory and they are suitably matured (not juveniles), there shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Cheers