Apistogramma Nijsseni

[Jellylolac]

I am thinking of these of apistos for my final choice my problem, however, is this- I read these fish require a tank of at least 40 inches - my tank is 24 inches... Does this mean I can not keep them in there? Any comments would be helpful, particularly from those who have kept nij.

 

[Jellylolac]

Anyone?

Can anyone help me with this?? :roll:

 

[Neil]

Jellylolac,
Nijsenni is one of the more aggressive apistos, so it would be understandable that some would suggest larger quarters than what you are intending. However, I have bred nijsenni in a 10g. before and, currently, have a pair with 3 different spawns in a 15g (24"). Now it is a bit nippy in there at times, but not down-right deadly. I think that it is totally reasonable to keep a pair in a 24" tank. You may want to make sure that there is plenty of structure with alot of caves, rocks, and plants for one or the other to escape if necessary. Also, if you add dithers (tetras, etc.) it will moderate the aggression a little. Don't believe everything that you read. I have bred 2 Pelvicachromis humilus and 2 Crenicichla sp. in a 24" tank, which I was told was impossible. Maybe not the smartest :roll: , but obviously not impossible. Give it a go and just keep a close eye on things. You may have problems, but it is more likely that the aggression will just be the usual breeding stuff(just a little threatening and roughing up, but not serious injury or death).
Neil