BTA Splitting, Bad Thing?

[azfishgal]

I was just told that a BTA that is splitting is a sign that it's under stress. Is this true? He seems to be in good color, I have been spot feeding him about 2-3 times a week, takes every bit I give him. Moved several times in my tank before he settled in the back, and now he's splitting. Which to be honest I'm not thrilled about because now I have two BTAs wondering around my reef. But, like someone said, maybe I can sell one and get the money back that I spent on him. Anway, is my BTA under stress, or just doing what comes natural?

Oh, I have 250W MHs.

 

[redman1221]

Originally Posted by azfishgal
I was just told that a BTA that is splitting is a sign that it's under stress. Is this true? He seems to be in good color, I have been spot feeding him about 2-3 times a week, takes every bit I give him. Moved several times in my tank before he settled in the back, and now he's splitting. Which to be honest I'm not thrilled about because now I have two BTAs wondering around my reef. But, like someone said, maybe I can sell one and get the money back that I spent on him. Anway, is my BTA under stress, or just doing what comes natural?

Oh, I have 250W MHs.
just doing what comes natural I hope mines do the same thing. Yes you can sell the other one if you don't want it. But I would keep mines if it splits, I would be very happy about it.

 

[perfectdark]

From what I have read, BTA's split as an obvious way of reproducing. However there are arguable reasons for the split. Stress being one, its believed a BTA will split multiple times when its under stress. You can induce a split by frequent heavy feedings for a few weeks and a large water change. Then there is manual splitting where you physically cut the animal in half, (not recomended by the amature reefer) The natural course of a bta splitting for reporduction either sexually or asexually is also not uncommon but because there is so little known about them figuring out which condition caused the split is difficult (other than manual). Cloned BTA's have the greatest success in keeping peace together as tank mates and is typically the prefered way of housing multiple anenomes. Hope this helps...good luck.

 

[anonome]

I agree with the stress part. My BTA was a happy camper until I changed my lights to the halides (from pc). When I changed and had the light cycle to a minimum, it wasn't long until the BTA bleached. I then started to feed it heavily, and it split. All is well now, but very stressing to me! (and I guess to it too)
The clone seems to be very mellow in its potency compared to the momma. It roamed all over the tank for a good two weeks, even sitting on top of corals and hasn't harmed anyone. It is now happily attached to the back of my open brain, (on the base of the coral itself) but the brain doesn't seem to mind. It has opened very large everyday since this new interuption. Interesting, because the momma will make mushrooms close up if it touches them. Does anyone know if this will change as the BTA matures, or stay weak like it is? Not complaining believe me, just want to know so I can be ready.

 

[perfectdark]

How is your water chemistry after the split? They should be fine together and the clone is prob just acclimating itself and getting adjusted to things after the split. Observation is key for now along with making sure it eats well and its tenticles are sticky. Good luck

 

[nietzsche]

Originally Posted by azfishgal
I was just told that a BTA that is splitting is a sign that it's under stress. Is this true? He seems to be in good color, I have been spot feeding him about 2-3 times a week, takes every bit I give him. Moved several times in my tank before he settled in the back, and now he's splitting. Which to be honest I'm not thrilled about because now I have two BTAs wondering around my reef. But, like someone said, maybe I can sell one and get the money back that I spent on him. Anway, is my BTA under stress, or just doing what comes natural?

Oh, I have 250W MHs.
like perfectdark said, it could be anything, stress or just trying to make a higher chance of survival rate for itself by splitting, or something else. a lot of people alwayslike to think think theyre doing something great if its splitting, but no one knows why. sometimes they split and sometimes they dont and just keep growing. good luck with that, hope you find a buyer

 

[azfishgal]

Well, I guess I should just look at my BTA and see if the typical signs of stress are showing. In my opinion they are not. He has great color, has never been bleached, not deflated (though he doesn't really bubble up), just seems to be splitting. I also don't think I'm over feeding it, about 2 krill per week (though I can't feed him now because his mouth is under the rock and I'm assuming splitting in two). Also, I don't think the lights are bothering him because I actually put him at the bottom of my tank and he moved himself up to the top of my rockwork, so I think this BTA likes the light.
The reason why I would want to get rid of one, is worrying about one BTA moving around my reef is stress enough for me.

But, if the second one stays put and doesn't move around much then I'll keep it. We'll just wait and see.

 

[perfectdark]

Small quantities of food more frequently is less stressful and is recomended. I agree its prob not stressed if all visual indicators are spot on and your water chemistry is good (which I am sure it is). Varying its diet may also benifit your animal too. Depending on its size 1/4 to 1/2 of a silverside, Formula 1, clams and shrimp every other day, these are all acceptable foods for it. You can also soak the food in Selcon or Super Selco for added nutrients, it can help. Good luck and post pics when they finally do emerge.

 

[dogstar]

As said already...could be a normal happy ready to start a family split or could be from stress....
IMO, if it was newly aquired...then a good chance that it was from stress, this does not neccessarily mean you have bad conditions in your system, but does not rule that out either...it could have just been through alot up to now from the collection, handleing, ect...and decided that finally a good place to take the chance to do it finally...
Or, if you have had it a while now and it was " big " and healthy then, most likely just ready to multiply....
Mine has split regulaly every other year in the six years Ive had it....twice into two and once into three. All surviveing...For me its a blessing knowing its healthy but also a curse knowing I now have to deal with removeing the extras...last year it also spawned gamets/sperm and that was a suprise....
Good luck and I hope they do well.

 

[anonome]

Originally Posted by PerfectDark
How is your water chemistry after the split? They should be fine together and the clone is prob just acclimating itself and getting adjusted to things after the split. Observation is key for now along with making sure it eats well and its tenticles are sticky. Good luck
Not sure if this comment was for me?

I think it was since hers hasn't split yet. My water is good, the corals are all open and expanding or growing daily. The fish are super. It did however, take him awhile to settle in. I fed the momma and baby tonight and yes, its tenticles are sticky. It is now bubbled up for the first time. I really think all is good.
But, I still am wondering about the potentcy? Could the clones have a weaker one? Does this change?

 

[perfectdark]

Originally Posted by Anonome
Not sure if this comment was for me?

I think it was since hers hasn't split yet. My water is good, the corals are all open and expanding or growing daily. The fish are super. It did however, take him awhile to settle in. I fed the momma and baby tonight and yes, its tenticles are sticky. It is now bubbled up for the first time. I really think all is good.
But, I still am wondering about the potentcy? Could the clones have a weaker one? Does this change?
Yes it was for you sorry. As for the "potency" of the clone. A reaction from corals or surrounding animals is an indication of physical aggressivness, however everything your anenome comes in contact with may not get stung. If they seem to be happy with one another where they reside you may never see any signs of stinging. If its eating and is inflated and generally happy then its most likely as potent as its "mother" or any other BTA for that matter. IMO.

 

[anonome]

I got a good pic of the clone today, note it is attached to the open green brain. Going on day 8. Strange place to adhere too, but to each its own.

 

[porthosandjazz]

Originally Posted by Anonome
I got a good pic of the clone today, note it is attached to the open green brain. Going on day 8. Strange place to adhere too, but to each its own.
Your yellow leather is gorgeous!

 

[anonome]

Originally Posted by porthosandjazz
Your yellow leather is gorgeous!
Thanks!!
Azfishgal how is your clone to be going? (Sorry to hijack your thread!)

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by Anonome
Thanks!!
Azfishgal how is your clone to be going? (Sorry to hijack your thread!)
No problem, it's the same subjedt, so no hijack thoughts here.

The BTA split is complete. The one that was on top of the rock, while it was splitting, has moved down to the other one. I believe it finished splitting yesterday morning. How soon should I spot feed them. I can't make out a mouth in either one of them at this point, where they are at in my tank. Will they be ok right next to each other?

 

[perfectdark]

Yep they will be fine right next to eachother. Cloning is the only sure way to keep multiple anenomes in the same tank in harmony. You can try to spot feed it right away if its not ready it wont take it.

 

[azfishgal]

OK, thanks. I will try and spot feed them later tonight, of course they are in a difficult spot, but I'll see what I can do.

 

[perfectdark]

Good Luck...

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by PerfectDark
Good Luck...

I just paid attention to your avatar.

That is fantastic.

 

[perfectdark]

Thanks...