I'm new to apistos (not to fishkeeping), and am in the process of getting a 40-gallon breeder (36x18x16") set up for Apistogramma cacatuoides. I've done quite a bit of research on the forums and I would first like to thank everybody on here for contributing. There is a vast wealth of knowledge on this site, and it is very much appreciated.
Once it's ready, I plan to stock my tank with a group of six young (1/2" to 1") cacatuoides, in hopes that I will get at least one breeding pair. My question is once the fish get old enough to pair off, would it be unwise to keep the remaining male apistos in the tank? Or will the dominant male try to kill any others?
I'll have a sand substrate with lots of larger, complex driftwood pieces (caves, crevices, etc.), rocks arranged to form additional caves, and plants in the corners and back of the tank, as well as plants growing on and among the wood. Several inches of leaf litter (mostly oak and magnolia) will cover any exposed sand, except for a larger patch toward the front that will be left open for the apistos to sand-sift, should they desire. I'll also have some floating plants (Amazon frogbit and/or Salvinia minima).
Tankmates will be 10-12 black neon tetras, 7 pygmy corys, 3 whiptail cats (Rineloricaria spp.), and eventually, 6+ Otocinclus.
I'm particularly curious for insight on the process of going from 6 juveniles to an established pair or group - especially if I can minimize casualties. Any other comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Once it's ready, I plan to stock my tank with a group of six young (1/2" to 1") cacatuoides, in hopes that I will get at least one breeding pair. My question is once the fish get old enough to pair off, would it be unwise to keep the remaining male apistos in the tank? Or will the dominant male try to kill any others?
I'll have a sand substrate with lots of larger, complex driftwood pieces (caves, crevices, etc.), rocks arranged to form additional caves, and plants in the corners and back of the tank, as well as plants growing on and among the wood. Several inches of leaf litter (mostly oak and magnolia) will cover any exposed sand, except for a larger patch toward the front that will be left open for the apistos to sand-sift, should they desire. I'll also have some floating plants (Amazon frogbit and/or Salvinia minima).
Tankmates will be 10-12 black neon tetras, 7 pygmy corys, 3 whiptail cats (Rineloricaria spp.), and eventually, 6+ Otocinclus.
I'm particularly curious for insight on the process of going from 6 juveniles to an established pair or group - especially if I can minimize casualties. Any other comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
