Biotoecus Dicentrarchus

[Nick123]

Hello everyone, I am looking at possibly buying some Biotoecus Dicentrarchus, but am struggling to find information on them. does anyone have an experience with this species?

 

[MacZ]

The species is very close in their lifestyle to B. opercularis. Most of what you find about those is correct for B. dicentrarchus aswell. The likelihood you get actual B. dicentrachus is low. Is the ID confirmed?

 

[Nick123]

I was looking at getting them from Jeff at Aquatic clarity, so i assume his ID's are correct

 

[MacZ]

I live a continent over. Name and company don't ring any bells.

 

[anewbie]

I was looking at getting them from Jeff at Aquatic clarity, so i assume his ID's are correct

Yes I believe he is an 'expert' and he used to participate here - not sure how much of an expert but more knowledge-able then the average self proclaimed expert. At least that is my understanding; i don't know him personally or anything - i have ordered from him a few times as he frequently has hard to find dwarf cichild.

 

[illumnae]

I may be able to get Biotoecus dicentrarchus from Glaser soon, do you think the identification would be accurate?

It's been several years since I've kept any Biotoecus sp, and I've never managed to successfully breed them before. My tanks all have fine sand in them, are on a continuous 24/7 drip water change system with RO water (I can increase the drip rate for higher amounts of water changed) and I have a large stock of cattapa leaves and other botanicals on hand. How should I prepare my tank to receive and keep the fish, and should I be getting an unsexed group (they're not easy to sex especially as new imports) or try hard to get a pair of some sort of gender ratio? Should I be changing tank decor from my usual apistogramma/Ivanacara setups?

The tanks I have for them have Nannostomus marginatus in them to keep them cycled so those will be their tank mates.

Any other tips on keeping and breeding them would be appreciated!

 

[Mike Wise]

The easiest method is to look at the anal fin. B. dicentarchus only has 2 anal spines, B. opercularis has 3. When in doubt with sexing I choose 6, some larger and some smaller.

 

[illumnae]

The easiest method is to look at the anal fin. B. dicentarchus only has 2 anal spines, B. opercularis has 3. When in doubt with sexing I choose 6, some larger and some smaller.

Would a colony of 6 with just 1 female/male function ok as a group without any aggression or other issues in the event of a spawn?

 

[Mike Wise]

It really depends on the size and lay-out of the aquarium.

 

[illumnae]

It really depends on the size and lay-out of the aquarium.

It's about 15 gallons, roughly 55cm x 40cm

 

[Mike Wise]

IMHO your tank is much too small.

 

[illumnae]

Do they require much larger tanks than apistogramma and Ivanacara bimaculata? Both have bred and raised fry on my rack in the same and smaller tanks (10 gallon)

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

Do they require much larger tanks than apistogramma and Ivanacara bimaculata? Both have bred and raised fry on my rack in the same and smaller tanks (10 gallon)

It's about 15 gallons, roughly 55cm x 40cm

They aren't fish I've kept, and a pair might be fine, but I can't see that that is enough basal real estate for there not to be issues with six fish.

I'm not a very good fishkeeper, so I usually work on the theory that if I look at the tank and I can see fish? I have too many.

Cheers Darrel

 

[Mike Wise]

I agree with Darrel.