A. agassizii spawn

[Ekona]

I have a trio of wild A. agassizii in a 20 long with leaves and coconut caves as cover. One of the females is guarding a clutch of eggs on one end of the tank. Them male is somewhat aggressive. I would like to do everything possible allow the female to hatch and rear the fry. I think the water params are good with low TDS and temps about 77 F. My question is, would it be a good idea to remove the male and other female?
Any advice appreciated - this is a nice population virtually identical to agassizii form pictured at

http://www.rva.jp/zukan/apisto/ap_agasi_,manicore.htm

 

[Mud Pie Mama]

Wow, really nice photo.

I would definately pull at least the male. I have found male aggies to be naughty and quite bad at the Papa thing, when there's fry around. IOW, they'll do their best to eat the fry. Although, yours may yet be an exception, I'd play it safe with the first spawn.

There's nothing worse than to loose the fry, and then loose your nice male because Momma took out her revenge by chomping him good!

 

[Sharpfish]

Love the photo. If you are worried, than pull the pair and leave the mother with the eggs. They may spook her and if she feels the eggs are not in a safe place she will eat them and move to a new area. But, that does not ensure she will spawn again. Be safe and careful with your new little family.

 

[Mike Wise]

If you can pull the other fish without bothering your brooding female, then it's fine to do it. I, on the other hand, often put a partition in the aquarium to provide the female her own space. It then is easier to remove the other fish without disturbing the female. Nothing bothers a brooding female than panicky fish followed by a net.

 

[Ekona]

Thanks, everyone, for the advice, sounds like moving the other fish is the best bet. My main concern was whether the commotion of netting the other fish would frighten the brooding female - I like mikes idea of using the partition. Next time I'll actually set the tank up so a partition can easily be inserted, right now that won't work. So, I'll try deftly netting the other fish with as little fuss as possible.