I've got a male and female bristlenose catfish. They have been breeding quite often (once every month or two), but I have removed the 'cave' that they have been breeding in because I don't want babies right now. Since, the female has been getting very big in the belly. Is it likely that it's 'just' eggs or should I be worried about something more serious (e.g. bloat)?

unless i can see a pic of her im not sure waht to say leema, honestly it mya be that shes eggbound. Is she showing any signs of stress?

Well, I hadn't seen her for quite a while and I saw her today and she seems back to her normal self. :D She did get REALLY fat, but not she's just a bit chubby. By this time next week, I should have the tank set up how I want it - so her and her boyfriend will be able to breed again. I hope this was the problem, and something not more serious...

I would've posted a picture with my original post, but she's been very skittish since she's moved into this tank. With how I plan to set it up, she will have a lot more hiding places so hopefully I can get a picture to tell if she looks normal (to you) at this stage.

It's funny how everyone seems to replies to my topics just when I'm about to post back saying "it's fixed". :D But thanks for your reply - once she's game again, I will take a picture or two.

My fish hate me since I moved them. :( I got a photo opportunity last night, though - but they still weren't very cooperative, hence the poor photo quality.




Girl top, boy bottom (for comparison).


So eggs or something more sinister?
They normally would breed once a month or so - but they haven't bred since being moved into that tank (2 months ago?).

Thanks. :)

Could be shes eggbound, holding them and not releasing as shes not in the mood, this shouldnt be a problem unless it goes on for waaaay too long then it might cause a rupture....Unfortunately i dont know how the hell one is meant to check out a bristlenose for eggs, or even strip them for that matter so im at a loss :/

They've got a place to mate, and the male bristlenose does show interest in it - so hopefully hopefully he'll convince her into dropping them..

Thanks Oddball. :)

Bristlies are notoriously stressed by any changes to their environment - but they will get over it! I don't think she is that fat at all. A bit chubby, but the females often are, especially through that abdomen section.

When I made my first post, she was a lot bigger than what she is now! I just had the opportunity to take a pic, so did. ;)

Hopefully they'll soon get over themselves and be my friends again. :sook:

So, here's a pic of my bristlenose from tonight. Did your female look like this? I am expecting eggs any second.