A. cacatuoides breeding tank

[Jonathan Aquari]

I got some female A. cacatuoides for my male and I am going to attempt breeding them. should I try a planted tank or go with a biotope.

If i do a biotope for the tank, can I use Indian almond leaves.

 

[Mike Wise]

Either type will work. Just make certain that the tank has well defined territorial boundaries and each as at least 1 (preferably 2) caves.

 

[Jonathan Aquari]

how big of a tank do i need? will a 5.5 gallon work, or do I need a 10 gal

 

[Mike Wise]

It's possible in a 5.5, but I wouldn't recommend it if you want both parents to live. Fontaine Weyman, the original master apisto breeder back in the 60s - early 80s, used 5.5s, but he had decades of experience. You might even have problems when using a 10 if the tank isn't adequately decorated. I personally don't recommend anything smaller than a 15 for the hobbyist with average experience. Next questions: do you have plans for separating the male and female if/when fighting arises, and how do you plan to grow out 25+ fry to at least juvenile size without a grow-out tank of reasonable size?

 

[henkh]

Personally i think that 15 gallon are an absolute minimum for a lot of Apisto's but preferable is a bigger tank for species like Cacatuoides. Specialy the measurement for depth and wideness is important. Heigth is less important is my experience. Apart from having hiding places, specially sight breakers (don't know if this correct english) are very important.