Spawning question

[DaRe]

I have a group A. atahualpa in a 720liter tank and they have spawned a couple of times. I have no other species.

I have not seen the male enter the cave with the eggs. Does he spray his seamen outside or have I've just missed the occasion?

Also while the female is guarding the fry prior that they are free swimming the male is in my casse moving away and spaws with one of the other ladies. Anyone else seen this? Is it common?

 

[slimbolen99]

In all my years keeping A. atahualpa, I have never witnessed the actual spawning action. The holes on my caves (inverted clay flower pots with a hole in the bottom) is probably not large enough for the male to get into; so the idea that he "crop dusts" her eggs is plausible.

My male resides in a 75 gallon (283 litre) tank with four other females and spawns with all four on a regular basis. He's a happy camper.

Hope that helps.
Brian

 

[DaRe]

Thanks. I love this Apistogramma they are beauties