P. chinensis breeding question

[duncan]

Hi All,
The day before yesterday I witnessed my male P. chinensis fanning his tail (which has recently turned quite blue with whiter stripe) in front of my largest female. I don't think I've mistaken this behavior for something it wasn't as I would compare the tail movement to a flag rapidly fluttering in the breeze. A few minutes prior to this display, I had I noticed a small clump of white "mucus" emerging from his cloaca; this was followed by another small clump; the two clumps being joined by a very thin, threadlike strand. I had originally thought it to be fecal material until the display occurred. Could it have been a spermatophore? The female didn't appear interested and moved away, the male followed, but didn't pursue very vigorously and then stopped after 10 seconds or so. I haven't seen the display again (although truthfully, I haven't had the time for extended viewing since then.) My question is this, if a female (there are 3 in with him I think) had picked up a spermatophore, what kind of a time frame would I be looking at before egglaying might commence. I read that in certain species it might be hours/days while others might go months before deposition. Could someone please enlighten me as to the time frame involved?
Thanks,
Duncan

 

[duncan]

Anyone?

 

[jennifer]

I think the lack of response is because so few people have bred Paramesotritons. What you describe could have been a spermatophore. But not every spermatophore results in fertilization. And not every fertilization results in eggs. And the time frame until eggs varies. You are asking good questions, but I don't think they are answerable. Even if you had answers, it wouldn't help you much - you just have to watch and wait. Have you seen any more courtship behavior since your post on Jan. 24?

Do you need to see photos of spermatophores? Here are two:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Tylototriton/T_verrucosus.shtml
http://www.caudata.org/people/JM/breeding.html

 

[juraj]

Hi Duncan,

my female started to lay about two moths after I had noticed beginning of breeding activity. The first egg I saw in december (if I can remember) and she is still laying.

 

[duncan]

Thanks Juraj, Jen,
Based on all of the displaying that I'm now seeing (the male is even trying to impress his own reflection in the aquarium glass), I'm pretty sure it was a spermatophore.
I guess I'll have to keep watch over the next few months and keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks Again,
Duncan

 

[chris]

Definately breeding behaviour. Watch out for inter male aggressivenes.
Chris