Apisto Pantolone

[fredmir1]

Hi

I just got 7 of these wild Apisto Pantolone
Has anybody bred these before??
What little info I found so far, there suppose to be hard??

George

 

[Mike Wise]

They have been reproduced in aquariums many times. They aren't really much harder than many other apisto species with a more aggressive nature and more extreme demands on water. Put them in a suitable aquarium (55 gallon or larger), with extremely soft and acid water, quality live foods and tank maintenance and they will readily breed. The truth is that EVERY apisto species known has been successfully reproduced in the hobby - with one caviat: it was imported more than just one or two times.

 

[fredmir1]

Are they that aggressive that I need a 55 gallon tank??

Thanks for the info
George

 

[wethumbs]

You must not be looking very hard for the info. Dr. Uwe Romer spent over 20 pages talking about Apisto Pantolone in his Cichlid Atlas 2 book that was published in 2006. I would suggest you buy both Mergus Cichlid Atlas 1 and 2 if you like to read up on S.A dwarf cichlids.

 

[fredmir1]

I do have both books and read them already
That the only info I found so far ,beside the info Mike Wise gave me

 

[Mike Wise]

Seven A. pantalone in a tank smaller than a 55 is an invitation for multiple deaths. Once breeding pairs form, they viciously defend their breeding territory. When two fish attack one, bad things happen.

 

[fredmir1]

How would 1 pair do in a 15- 20 gallon tank

Thanks again

George

 

[Melanochromis]

So far, this is the only dwarf cichlid I keep that doesn't show any slightest sign of breeding whatsoever. They are very healthy and look pretty, and the female is often in the gorgeous breeding colors, but all they want to do is trying to kill each other. I guess the reason is not the conditions, they are just picky fish that stubbornly refuse to pair up.

Anyway, they have been interesting fish to watch. I hope you'll enjoy keeping them. Like Mike Wise said, use extremely soft and acidic water and they should do fine.

They aren't really much harder than many other apisto species with a more aggressive nature and more extreme demands on water.

For breeding, I have to say they ARE much harder than many other apisto species DUE TO the more aggressive nature (and stubbornness).
LOL

 

[Mike Wise]

A well-bonded, compatible pair should be fine in a 15-20H, like any other nijsseni-group species. Otherwise, you will have the same experience that Melanochromis has: an incompatible pair looking for an acceptable partner. Some nijsseni-group species are more 'picky' than others, so don't expect just any male and female to 'hit it off'.