New Apistos in New Zealand

[Jordan]

Hi all,

In the last few months I have gotten some new apistos not seen in NZ for at least 15 years or more.

I have Hongsloi and Bitaeniata which are breeding in a colony situation quite successfully, 2 males and 4 females of each in tanks with lots of leaves, sticks and driftwood.

Just today I had Elizabethae and Borelli delivered from the wholesalers, 2 males and 4 females of each.

I have done my research on both species, I'm confident with breeding the Borelli as they are unfussy and will breed in most standard aquarium parameters, however I am looking for more information on breeding the Elizabethae, from my understanding they need quite a low pH, which is not difficult for me, I can quite easily get it below 5 using my standard tap water and some botanicals.

I believe the Elizabethae are Sao Gabriel, due to the coloration, collection locations were not given to the supplier.

are there any more tips on breeding these guys? Out of 20 come into NZ I have my hands on 6 and would like to establish them more.

thanks in advance.

 

[Mike Wise]

Given proper water values A. elizabethae are not especially difficult to spawn. The problem most hobbyists have is raising the fry for the first week or two. This is why one rarely sees domestic fish offered for sale. The fry seem very sensitive to poor water quality so careful feeding and frequent, small water changes with close-to-identical water is important. One apistophile I know succeeded by feeding the fry with an eyedropper and counting each BBS added to the tank.

My guess is that your A. elizabethae were collected in the Rio Uaupes. The 'Sao Gabriel' name is from the town where the collecting station is - not the actual collecting location.

 

[Jordan]

Given proper water values A. elizabethae are not especially difficult to spawn. The problem most hobbyists have is raising the fry for the first week or two. This is why one rarely sees domestic fish offered for sale. The fry seem very sensitive to poor water quality so careful feeding and frequent, small water changes with close-to-identical water is important. One apistophile I know succeeded by feeding the fry with an eyedropper and counting each BBS added to the tank.

My guess is that your A. elizabethae were collected in the Rio Uaupes. The 'Sao Gabriel' name is from the town where the collecting station is - not the actual collecting location.

Thank you very much.

Once again Mike, your encyclopaedia of knowledge has been very helpful.