did they breed?

[Howe]

hey guys,

long time lurker! first time poster

anywho, two weeks ago I got my first batch of apisto's they were labed "double reds apistos" later research, I found out they're Apistogramma agassizi

I managed to get 1 male and 5 females (mind you for the life of me I can only ever find 2 or 3 females at a time)
but over the last three days one of my females turned bright yellow with bold red fins, and sitsunder a fake slate rock all day.
and now the male who used to chase her, is chased off by her and just tries to beat up my rams (which just take the abuse and don't seem to even mind it)

now I can't find any eggs just by look as she picked out a spot were I can't see all of the cave, but does what I discribed here mean theres a good chance I've got some eggs in there some were? or is this some other behavor I haven't read about and I'm mistaking it for post spawning behavor?

 

[jase101]

it sounds very much like it - the turn-about bullying and bright colours would suggest there are eggs. don't disturb things, just see what happens - but keep an eye on your sub females - they could be in for a hammering if the alpha has babies.

 

[ed seeley]

I'm having the same thing happen to me. I have 1m 3f A.agassizii 'Double Reds' in a metre long tank and all three females have laid eggs at different times over the past couple of weeks! Still no fry yet though!

I fend them quite aggressive little fish so Jase's advice is definitely worth heeding.

 

[Howe]

I have noticed one female getting picked on more then average, but it seems she's smart and runs behind the canister filter out take, then the male that chases her usually gets blown away by the outflow, while she hides behind it.

and now I've got three females showing bright colours, happens the ones I couldn't find made they're own caves

I tihnk the rams are helping to keep the apisto's busy so they don't beat on the other sub females too badly.

 

[Sharpfish]

If there is to much pressure from the other fish in the tank the female with eggs may eat them, and look for a more secure place to spawn. Females that turn a bright yellow with heavy black markings signifies that she is ready to or already has spawned. I agree with ed seeley and jase101 wait and watch for fry to appear and overly beat on sub-dom females. Love those aggassizzi!!