Fishy babies!
I just went to move the fish and plants from their temporary bucket, back into the tank. I discovered four babies! They were born sometime this evening, since I caught the adults with the net to transfer them (so I couldn't have accidentally scooped up a baby and not seen it). Four is a lot less than the 30 or so they're supposed to have, but I'll take what I can get. I've read that stress can cause the females to give birth prematurely, but these four look healthy and finished, at least.
Update! I just saw babies number 5 (head first) and 6 (tail first) wriggle out of their mom. I can see at least one more pair of eyes inside her belly. The other adult fish were following her around like a viviparous Pez dispenser, but there should be enough cover to keep most of the babies hidden. Plus, the gravel is the exact same color as the babies.
Update! I just saw babies number 5 (head first) and 6 (tail first) wriggle out of their mom. I can see at least one more pair of eyes inside her belly. The other adult fish were following her around like a viviparous Pez dispenser, but there should be enough cover to keep most of the babies hidden. Plus, the gravel is the exact same color as the babies.