Apistogramma Breeding & Behaviour

[Wadie025]

I am after some advice to help me in my breeding of apistogramma's. I recently set up two 24" x 15" x 15" x tanks for the purpose of breeding the apistogrammas.

The tank setup is a fine gravel base, sponge filter, and a variety of hiding places ( Rocks, Clay Pots, Bogwood ). The tanks have been cycled proir to the arrival of the fish for a period of two months. The water parimeters are as follows ( Ph 6.8 - 7.0, Water Soft to Neutral ( >6 ) and the nitrates are low and balanced.

I recently introduced two breeding specicis one into each tank. One tank has a setup of Apisto Agassizi ( 1 Male, 4 Female ) and the other tank has a setup of Apisto Borellii ( 1 Male, 3 Female ).

Please can anyone help me with any useful advice they may have in regards the breeding of the above fish. I have noticed over the past few days some of the Agassi females are turning the trade mark yellow, with darker black stripes. I feel these fish are happy and breeding should take place soon. A concern i do have is the Borelli or as i have renamed them ' The Aliens' - ; You know there, there but haven't seen them'

The Borellii are constantly hidden from view, and i have to check each morning by lifting the objects in the tank to do a head count. I wish not to do this as i feel it will distrub the fish. Though can anyone offer me advice into wether this is usually behaviour for apisto when introduced into a new tank.

Also is there a need for Brackish water or RO water as research i have done seems to give conflicting stories, please can anyone clarify this for me.

Thanks

:?: :?: Craig

 

[farm41]

With the aggies, I would remove 3 of the females, and lower the Ph to 6, and use about 60-75% RO water. 1 pair aggies will need the entire tank.

The borellii, I would let them get settled in their own time, they may gain confidence sooner if you don't tip their caves every day, disturbing them less.

Live food may help condition them for breeding, if you have some available.

 

[Neil]

Wadie025,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

Matts advice is good. Borellii and naturally somewhat of a shy species. If you are going crazy not seeing them, you can try some dither fish to help them get more comfortable. But it is likely that they will breed when they are ready whether you get to see them or not.

The condition of your current water is fine. They do NOT need brackish water.

Neil