Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Recently, my female aquaflame got her orange coloration. So far however, I don't think my male aquaflame has mated with her because I haven't seen any breeding behavior (head bobbing, etc.). So, I put Rhino (a male collared from eastern MO) in with the aquaflame pair just to see what would happen. All the while, I remained right next to their 120 gallon enclosure, just in case I needed to break anything up (fighting, unwanted breeding, etc.).

Here’s what happened. Interestingly enough, the resident male aquaflame didn’t seem to mind the intruder at all. However, the female aquaflame almost immediately started weaving around, between, over and under the two males. Rhino then suddenly began nodding his head very rapidly, after which he gently grabbed the back of her neck. The female aquaflame didn’t put up any resistance, but I broke it up before any actual mating occurred and put Rhino back in his own cage.

I don’t want to mix locales, but I don’t want my female aquaflame to carry unfertilized eggs either. Anyone have any recommendations? Should I remove the male aquaflame for a week or so then put him back in with the female? Might this work? Also, does anyone know when it is too late for fertilization to occur after the females get their orange markings?

Thanks,
Perry

Edited on June 1, 2009 at 13:53:18 by PHGinger.

Nice to have you here Perry, and glad you decided to stop lurking and talk with us.

I believe the female can get her orange blush color and mate in the next 2 weeks after. Your the owner/ keeper so if you want to breed her this time to your other male from different locale it's up to you, if you do not want her to lay infertile eggs.

I certainly understand the keeping of locales pure, but they are both in the C. collaris group so if thats what you want to know , it would not do any harm. You would have some cute kids Oklahoma and Missouri parents.

OR... give it a bit more time if she just started getting her orange, maybe her aquaflame mate will take an interest. Let us know what you decide

Maybe post some pics of your flames and Rhino, too !

Enjoy the forum

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PHEve / Eve

Thanks Eve. I've been to your site before, and you have beautiful animals. I love the photos. Is the two weeks you're referring to from the time the orange markings first appear or from the time the orange is at its full intensity? I'm also wondering how likely it is that I simply haven't been watching at the times the male aquaflame might be displaying or mating. It seems that actual mating might not be viewed by keepers frequently, but does the same hold true for missing any breeding behavior at all (no head bobbing, etc.)?

Thanks,
Perry