P. signatus

[mlaursen]

Hey guys,
Already posed this question to some of the members. I have a group of Pelvicachromis signatus 1.2 in a 33gallon tank with dithers that just don't seem to want to spawn. any thoughts on triggers, (i'm hoping an impending move might get them going)

michael

 

[ste12000]

Try a large 50% water change with very cool water, also add a mirror to the side glass and let them think they have some competition. It usually works with me. This assumes that your fish are well fed with a varied diet and are in spawning condition.
If it does not have the desired effect, then remove the mirror and continue with the heavy feeding for a week and try the water change and mirror trick after a week has passed. Another trick with Pelvicachromis is have 3-10 caves and make sure a couple are well hiden from view, fill the caves with gravel so the Pelvicachromis signatus can dig them out, this seems to be a major part of the spawning routine. My tanks are very heavy in coconut caves and bogwood splinters covering the bottom, my Taeniatus create a lunar landscape when preparing to spawn. And often dig out the caves as well as hollows under the pieces of wood.
Good luck and let me know how you get on..