P. Taeniatus variants - conditions?

[Tom2100]

Hi,

I live in the UK and have kept many fish over the last 15 years.

I currently have a pair of kribs breeding like rabbits and have got a bit bored of them (no offense) so I was looking into the more difficult to keep/breed Taeniatus.

Can someone provide a link or some info. on the best tank conditions please?

I currently have a 28gal tank set-up with just 6 L260 plecs and nothing else. Its full of bogwood, temp is 82F and it is well filtered with a strong current. Water parameters. Nitrate 30mg pH 7.2 GH 180 KH 8. I live in a hard water area so I gather I will need to add RO water to breed these fish. Can I keep them in the current tank water or will they need RO water to live happily?

What should I add/remove or alter to best keep Taeniatus?

I particularly would like a pair of Dehane, with Wouri or Moliwe coming in a close second if I cannot get Dehane.

Any advice on how best to care and breed this fish would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Tom

 

[Randall]

Husbandry of Pelvicachromis taeniatus

Hello Tom and welcome,

The husbandry and breeding of Pelvicachromis taeniatus is very similar to that of P. pulcher. Aquarium strains of the later, however, are often perceived as easier to keep and breed.

For P. taeniatus, then, your water should be considerably softer for breeding (KH <4, pH <7). Ideally, the tank should be well-decorated, contain plants and the water kept at 76-78 degrees F. 82 degrees is much too warm. Like P. pulcher, P. taeniatus is a cave spawner. Your plecos may eat their eggs and/or fry. Including small dither fish (tetras, Nannostomus spp., etc.), however, is a good idea.

Good luck!

Randall Kohn

 

[Tom2100]

Hi Randall,

Thank you for your reply.

I have ordered a pair of Taeniatus Dehane today. They should be with me this time next week.

I am in the process of altering the tank for their arrival. The temp. is lowered to 78F, I will add more plants this week.

I was thinking of getting some dither fish, what species would you recommend?

Many thanks

Tom

 

[Randall]

Dither fish

Hello Tom,

Any of the small, peaceful tetras or Nannostomus species will do. Ted Judy, here in the forum, is partial to platies (Xiphophorus maculatus); I generally use Nannostomus spp.

Good luck with your new arrivals!

All the best,

Randall Kohn

 

[tjudy]

Platies... colorful, peaceful, tolerate the soft water well, stay up top... and are very, very cheap.

 

[dhm325]

White Clouds are also excellent dither fish. They are very cheap hardy little fish, actually quite pretty and they won't bother the fry. Also they tend to stay in the top/middle of the water column.

 

[Tom2100]

Hi

Many thanks for your suggestions. I will see what is available near to me.

Hopefully be getting my pair of Taeniatus on Tuesday!

Regards

Tom