Apistogramma Agassizii

[kunaldiscus01]

Hello guys!
I am looking forward to hear some experiences about A.agasizii.
I have always been fascinated with these little buggers,but never really had the chance to hand on some,they being still rare in India.
One of my dealers has come up with some agasizii which are labelled as wild.Considering the price for each specimen,I am skeptical over them being wilds.But the price is fair enough for domestic ones.
So experts fire away your expert advice.Thank you!

 

[Mike Wise]

A. agassizii (sensu lato) is an interesting species phylogenetically. Right now I consider it a 'superspecies' - a species that is becoming several different species. I wouldn't be surprised if it eventually is split into 5 or more distinct species. For hobbyists like you and me it really doesn't matter much which of the forms you keep. They all breed and behave similarly. They are a polygamous harem breeding species. They are very adaptable to different water conditions. They will reproduce in soft, acid water and moderately hard, slightly alkaline water. I personally prefer keeping them in moderately soft (<10° dH) and slightly acid (pH 6.5) water.

 

[kunaldiscus01]

Thanks for the headups Mike!
I am a little concerned about tank size though
I plan on having 2 females and a male in a biotopish tank (dimensions 2.5x1x1),with a group of 10 nannostomus beckfordi.
Is this mix going to work?
Do you think there would be any troubles down the road?!

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

I am a little concerned about tank size though. I plan on having 2 females and a male in a biotopish tank (dimensions 2.5x1x1),with a group of 10 nannostomus beckfordi. Is this mix going to work? Do you think there would be any troubles down the road?!

It probably depends on the amount of cover in the tank.You may find the dominant female is very aggressive to the other female, and if she loses condition the male is likely to be aggressive towards her too.

<"Nannostomus beckfordi"> are likely to eat any fry, they are much more like a Tetra in behaviour compared to the other Pencil fish. The other Nannostomus species should be OK, or you can use Black Neon Tetra (<"Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi">)

cheers Darrel

 

[kunaldiscus01]

Hi dw1305,
Cheers for the reply.
I think I should go for a pair only and add lots of hiding places for the male
I have heard the females get quite aggressive and can turn on to the male,not sure how legit this information is!
On another note,I was thinking then about the beckfordi
They look too big to me to be called "pencil" fish lol
The dealer has both neons and black neons in stock
Wjich one should I go for?
The black neons are larger in size
Do not they pose more threat to the fry than the regular neons?!
Thank you,

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

I think I should go for a pair only and add lots of hiding places for the male.
I have heard the females get quite aggressive and can turn on to the male,not sure how legit this information is!

The tables are definitely turned after she has spawned, and she may be aggressive towards the male (and other fish).

On another note,I was thinking then about the beckfordi
They look too big to me to be called "pencil" fish lol

Nannostomus eques is probably the best dither, but Copella arnoldi was fine as well.

We really don't know for a lot of "Pencil Fish", I've got a two Pyrrhulina australis at present and they are OK and very surface orientated, and a single Copella "nigrofasciata" which eats everything in sight, travels all around the tank and isn't intimidated by the Cichlids at all.

TomC's web site is probably the best source of <"information about Lebiasinidae">.

The dealer has both neons and black neons in stock
Which one should I go for?
The black neons are larger in size
Do not they pose more threat to the fry than the regular neons?!

Neon Tetra are great fry hunters, I think most "black-water" fish will try and eat any food that is available. Black Neons tend to remain a lot higher in the water column, and I kept them with Apistogramma cacatuoides without any problem (although they must have eaten some fry).

cheers Darrel

 

[Mike Wise]

We all guess that your tank dimensions are in feet. If that's the case, then it should be fine for a trio of agassiizii if properly decorated. I personally prefer to keep polygamous species in harems. It distributes the aggression around better. As for dither/target fish, size is less important than their feeding practice. As Darrel wrote, N. beckfordi - despite its small mouth - is a fry predator by nature, as are the Neon and Cardinal Tetras. Black Neons, although larger, are less predatory.

 

[kunaldiscus01]

Thanks for the reply guys.
Mike,yes the dimensions are in feet!
Agassizii are maternal brooders,wouldnt the female pose a threat to the male after breeding?
Does he have to be removed after it spawns with the female?

 

[Mike Wise]

If the tank is properly decorated so that each fish (including the male) has its own territory there is less danger. Females are usually only aggressive when a male can't leave the brooding territory. Moving the male is a good idea if he is continually attacked, but disturbing the tank while trying to catch the male can lead to the female eating her fry.

 

[kunaldiscus01]

Okay thanks Mike!

 

[Haxixu]

I have a pair of agassisi fire red my female spawns every 2 week but they had never hatched can anyone tell me why plsss

 

[Haxixu]

I have a pair of agassisi fire red my female spawns every 2 week but they had never hatched can anyone tell me why plsss

 

[Mike Wise]

Hard to say without more information. Many factors can be the problem: water values/conditions/maintenance wrong, nutrition wrong, aquarium decor wrong, other fish in tank wrong (too active, too aggressive), etc.