sex change in apistogramma?

[ApistoJacky]

here is my first post

i've heard that apistogramma will change sex. does it limit to only certain type?

i took a 5 hrs drive to buy my A. trifasciata. i bought a pair and ended out 2 male!! (didnt look close enough for their fins, they dun have much color yet) any chance that one of them change sex?

 

[mervin]

Hi Jacky,
Don't think that your fish has change sex.

sometimes with a Dominant male around, other males will take on or show female colouration. i guess this is to prevent attacks from the "big mean chap".

remove the dominant fella and the rest will show their true ID and colouration.

sometimes during spawning, these "females" will sneak in and disposit their sperm without the true male knowing !!!! seen this with a friends spawning fish !!!!

regards,
mervin

 

[Rolo]

Hi,

I think Mervin is right....

but anyway, it IS possible, that apistos could change their sex.
These specimen are able to breed in both sexes, but that's rare.
In most cases, when people tell about sex change, it's this subdominant behaviour of males, as Mervin said.

greetings,
Rolo

 

[ApistoJacky]

Rolo and mervin, thank you :wink:

i'm new to apistogramma as you know. Anyhow, could any of you can tell me what is the breeding ritual for this cichlid?? i have another pair of A. cacatuoides “Tripleredâ€Â, male and female fight a little bit.... while the male dance to the female sometimes...

 

[Neil]

ApistoJacky,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

i'm new to apistogramma as you know. Anyhow, could any of you can tell me what is the breeding ritual for this cichlid?? i have another pair of A. cacatuoides “Tripleredâ€Â, male and female fight a little bit.... while the male dance to the female sometimes...

The breeding ritual for trifasciata and cacatuiodes is much the same, but can vary quite a bit among individual fish. Usually, the male is somewhat aggressive towards the female. If she is unwilling or not ready to spawn, the male may get increasingly aggressive to her, while still "dancing" to her inbetween chasing. She may either run or might try influencing him by whipping her tail and displaying, "dancing" herself. But this is usually only moderately helpful in keeping the male off her. When she is ready, she will sometimes turn the tide on him and start harassing him.

Usually the aggression does not become overly dangerous and is all a part of the whole spawning process. It may even be critical for showing each other their value as a suitable mate for the inevitable protection of their young.

After spawning, both species usually split responsibilities of the female taking direct care of the young and the male guarding the area. But I have seen a greater degree of direct care for the young in both species. Alot depends on the individual fish that you have.

Have fun with them!

Neil