At what age/size and colour question

[Corine]

First off, at what age or size are ap. cacatuoides ready to go to the shop? The LFS will take any I want to sell, but they're about 5 weeks old now, about 1cm in size. I thought at 3 or 4 months, but is that right?

And some of my fry are turning see-through. A lot of them are still grey with some colour coming in, others are now see-through with only a faint black stripe on their little faces. Are the see-through ones female or is this just a stage they go through?

Thanks!

 

[Mike Wise]

Maturity (size/color) is not related to age as much as in warm blooded animals. It depends more on water quality, frequency & quality of food, and temperature. With optimum water & food, and optimum frequency of feedings and water changes, A. cacatuoides has been reported to be sexable as early as 90 days. This is unusual. Most people's fish become sexable somewhere between 6 - 8 months.

 

[Corine]

Thanks Mike, you really are a fount of knowledge!

And the colour issue? I have some that have gone entirely transparent/milky white-ish and I was wondering if it had to do with what I read in another thread (http://www.forum.apistogramma.com/showthread.php?t=7623) or if it is a normal stage in the development.

 

[Mike Wise]

This is not normal. There is a good possibility that you have yellow-gold mixed in with your strain. These fish are like the marble angelfish that when trying to produce the black (chocolate actually) strain. They are good healthy fish, so why not sell them. Of course, it wreaks havoc for those who want a pure strain.

 

[Corine]

This is not normal. There is a good possibility that you have yellow-gold mixed in with your strain. These fish are like the marble angelfish that when trying to produce the black (chocolate actually) strain. They are good healthy fish, so why not sell them. Of course, it wreaks havoc for those who want a pure strain.

Oooo, yellow gold are pretty! I have another tank..... oooooooo. :biggrin: