Apistogramma Baenschi

[Hako]

Hi,

So I got 2 pairs of apistogramma baenschi around 10 days ago. They have been sitting at the bottom of the tank hiding ever since I put them in. I have kept all kinds of fish and apistos before but never had any fish like this before. I mean I read that some fish being really shy but wondering what else could be wrong. These are not wild fish so is it possible that they have never seen any other fish and a bit scared of that? I only have a couple of Pyrrhulina spilota, Hyphessobrycon peruvianus, Poecilocharax weitzmani in the tank. Water hardness is around 60ppm.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
H

 

[Mike Wise]

Most keepers don't consider A. baenschi a shy fish. If your tank is properly decorated, it might be that they just need some time to get used to new surroundings.

 

[Josh]

Congrats on the new additions. I hope they come out for you soon -- so you can snap some photos for us!

 

[Hako]

Thanks Mike! Still waiting

Sure thing Josh, as soon as I get a chance I will take some pics.

h

 

[sfapisto]

Hi,

So I got 2 pairs of apistogramma baenschi around 10 days ago. They have been sitting at the bottom of the tank hiding ever since I put them in. I have kept all kinds of fish and apistos before but never had any fish like this before. I mean I read that some fish being really shy but wondering what else could be wrong. These are not wild fish so is it possible that they have never seen any other fish and a bit scared of that? I only have a couple of Pyrrhulina spilota, Hyphessobrycon peruvianus, Poecilocharax weitzmani in the tank. Water hardness is around 60ppm.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
H

I have apistogramma baenschi and they did exactly the same thing. I eventually put some lampeyes since they like to swim near the surface. The baenschi became less shy, but only less shy. They like to hang out near cover.

 

[Apistomaster]

I have kept this species many times and always found them to be very shy.
I have tried all the "tricks" I know to no avail.
One way I have found helpful with all Apistogramma species is to keep them at the highest level possible so they aren't subject to passing shadows.
Pretty much as I have always done with my breeding pairs of discus.

 

[georgedv]

I had three pairs, but I lost two of the females. The last pair is in a 29g hi on the waist level rack. In their tank reside two male platies. The tank is well planted and has two coc/nut shells and a small clay pot, plus lots of wood thown around every where....lots of hiding places. The first week I rarely saw them. Now they are up front and center, gracefully swimming around the tank with no worries. Now if I can get the darn pH to drop a few more points, I might have some fry and be able to keep me a colony of this beautiful fish.

george