Apisto posturing observation

[Orchid]

Today I spent quite some time watching my 50 gal tank. After all the fish realized I wasn't going to feed them, the smallest of my three A. boreli puffed up and started posturing towards the middle sized male. The blue and red markings on Small's face colored up brightly as Small backed up and slapped it's tail towards Medium. Large boreli swam up to this event and Middle swam away a bit. Small, who has always been timid, puffed up and tail wagged towards Large, who returned the behavior. They drifted towards medium in this posture and Medium joined in. So here is this trio, puffing up and posturing and flashing colors at each other totally engrossed in this behavior, paying no attention to me or the rest of the tank. BAM, Juvy male Checkerboard lunges into the trio and scares every one away, nipping the slowest to flee! :lol: Gosh, I love the very animated dwarf cichlid, beats tetras and every time. Now I am setting up a third tank for them. I think my addictive personality has just found another addiction. Do I want to be helped?

I can see it now, Dwarf Cichlids Anonymous. At least I have the help of this forum, whenever I need a fix I can find solace with other hobbyists. Thanks to one and all.

 

[Randall]

I think my addictive personality has just found another addiction. Do I want to be helped?

I can see it now, Dwarf Cichlids Anonymous. At least I have the help of this forum, whenever I need a fix I can find solace with other hobbyists. Thanks to one and all.

Dear Chris,

Welcome to the club! Dwarf cichlid keeping does have a way of growing on you, doesn't it? Like you, I started with one 55-gallon tank and am now up to nine tanks total! Don't forget to consider a place to grow out the fry. Should you decide to start up that 12-step program, please count me in.

Thanks!

Randall Kohn

 

[Scooter]

Hey Orchid, you've done a nice job portraying part of the appeal of keeping dwarf cichlids, especially Apistos. I have a pair of male gibbiceps in a 75g and the dominant male will fully extend his fins when the other male approaches. What an awesome display! That behavior alone is one reason I'm such a fan of Apistos. Thanks for sharing your observations. Can I join you in Dwarf Cichlids Anonymous?

 

[aspen]

who wants a cure?

rick

 

[jeb]

The cure is more fish,Right?

 

[Scooter]

That's exactly what I thought. More tanks + more fish = 100% cure. I'll be completing part of that equation next week (more fish) so I guess I'll only be partially cured :lol:

 

[Orchid]

No, no, no...it's not a cure, it's a fix! A fix I tell you! A cure would be to not want more fish. Do you get a bit sad or anxious about wanting a new specimen? Think back, is there about a specific amount of time between new fish aquisitions or tank set ups? These are your fix's. :lol:

Recognizing the first signs of addiction and admitting it to yourself is the first step towards help. Now that I realize I am addicted, I can HELP myself to new fish aquisitions.