Diamond Sifter Goby Growing Eggs?

[Wandering Albatross]

Hey all, quick question.

These guys took about 4 months, but by all accounts seem to have finally bonded. Recently, the smaller of the 2, presumed female, has a noticeably rounded abdomen, where the other more established male does not. They eat and sift the same way, same amount. She doesn’t seem bothered by it.

My gut says she’s growing eggs. Any chance she’s just harmlessly chunky with no eggs while her mate is somehow perfectly normal in the stomach? (Yes his gills are a little inflamed, he’s currently being treated with prazipro)

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

IMO - if she isn't showing any other problematic symptoms, she is indeed gravid. The swelling is posterior to the stomach, so I don't think that it is food.

I made a list of all causes for abominable swelling in fish:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/causes-of-abdominal-swelling-in-fishes.1098720/

 

[Wandering Albatross]

IMO - if she isn't showing any other problematic symptoms, she is indeed gravid. The swelling is posterior to the stomach, so I don't think that it is food.

I made a list of all causes for abominable swelling in fish:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/causes-of-abdominal-swelling-in-fishes.1098720/

Thanks Jay, I was hoping it was eggs. My gut said eggs based on behaviors leading up to now, and appearance, but I wanted to get a second opinion. I was worried they just wouldn't pair at all for a while there.