N. anomala

[aarhud]

Hello guys,

Are N. anomala known for being shy? I have a female guarding a ton of wrigglers in a 20 long, but I never see her. Granted, the tank is packed with cover because I was worried about the female killing the male before I could move him.

In a 55g I have a different pair that are alone. Do you think introducing some type of tetra would bring them out more? Since I already have the fry in the 20 long, I do not mind loosing some fry. I just want to see for myself how much of a force a female anomala is when guarding fry.

Awesome species by the way for those of you who have not tried them. The black and yellow pattern of guarding females is arguably my favorite looking fish so far.

Thanks,
Aaron

 

[regani]

in my pair the female is staying quite close to the young fry as well and coming out in the open that much, she only leaves them briefly at feeding time. once the fry are a bit older she takes them around the tank a bit more.
I have some pencil fish (Nannostomus beckfordi) in the tank as well, that seems to help a bit as the female occasionally feels the need to chase them off. and the female can be quite fierce when protecting the fry, the male usually stays well out of her way and hides a lot as well when she has fry - he has learned to keep his distance after his fins were in tatters during the first few broods.
And I agree that they are really beautiful fish, the contrast between the female in breeding colors and the metallic male is quite remarkable.

 

[aarhud]

Moved two males and two females into a 125g (72"x18"x21") tank along with some Guinacara and Laeatacara. The fish are out and about after a few weeks of being in the tank. N. Anomala is one of those fish I will always keep! I have some fry growing out hoping to keep the strain going.

The two males do not fuss much. Occasionally they will flare, but I have not seen any type of contact yet. No torn fins, marks, ect.