Help in identifying this species

[Lankyrob]

I should just add that my GTP hasnt eaten since october 2012, am not expecting him to start again until february or march 2013 - this is perfectly normal

[lady_bug87]

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

I should just add that my GTP hasnt eaten since october 2012, am not expecting him to start again until february or march 2013 - this is perfectly normal

Its also a well established adult

[Lankyrob]

Originally Posted by lady_bug87

Its also a well established adult

His is going through its colour change so is hardly a neonate

[lady_bug87]

I still don't think you should be comparing the 2.

Smiley faces aside, no it isn't a neonate but it IS a juvenile which is not subject to the same hunger strikes as well established adults of breeding size during brumation

[Lankyrob]

My guy isnt brumating as such, he hasnt had a drop in temps and i am still offering food whereas i wouldnt be if he was brumating.


And also juvenile males can go throughh the breeding season "break" as well as adult males.

[lady_bug87]

Instead of a lengthy debate I'm going to have to suggest we agree to disagree.

[Lankyrob]

I was awake for most of last night so started some light reading.

I wanted to quote this paragraph from the "Bible" The More Complete Chondro by Greg Maxwell

"Seasonal fasting is just a fact of life for those keeping mature male chondros. It usually lasts several months, with no harm caused. The male will resume feeding when he is ready, and if he was eating rats when he went off feed, he will eat rats again when he is ready for food. No fancy tricks or special food items are needed. Most of the time these tricks dont work anyway. The male is off-feed because his instincts are telling him not to eat, and he hasn't suddenly lost his appetite for rats. The best thing you can do is relax! Males can begin fasting as early as a year and a half in age, and fasts of two to five months are common. I offer fasting males food each time i feed teh collection, and suddenly one night they will resume eating, just as if they had never stopped. Males can go off food at any time of the year, but most individuals will fast at the same time period each year. I repeat this advice many times each year, yet some keepers become almost frantic when one of their animals refuses food for a month. You must accept fasting as a normal part of the life of chondros, especially males. Fasting males do not cause me a bit of concern"