Re: Anomalochromis thomasi question

[Mike & Diane Wise <apistowise@bewellnet.com>]

Michael,

A. thomasi is a wonderful little cichlid worthy of keeping & breeding. Like the
related jewel cichlids they are difficult to sex, especially when not fully
mature (>2.25 in/6 cm). When fully mature the females are "chunkier" in the body
and usually don't have as many blue spangles on the flanks. At < 2 in./5 cm sexes
look very much the same to anyone who hasn't kept & bred them before. There is a
very good possibility that the 2 larger, territorial, fish are males. If I were
to choose, I would buy 1 territorial fish and one of the smaller fish. Then I
would buy 2 more intermediate size fish, preferably some less dominant ones. That
way you would have a pretty good chance of getting at least a pair and the others
could be used as target fish of the parents while they are tending their eggs.
I've found this species needs something to distract them from thinking about
eating their eggs, but once they become freeswimming fry the adults are very good
parents.

Mike Wise

Michael Brock wrote:

> My local Petsmart has A. thomasi (which, besides kribs, are the only
> dwarf cichlids they've ever had).  From what I find out, sexing them
> is a little "indefinite".  The fish in the aquariums at the store
> have set up something of a territorial arrangement.    Two of the
> slightly larger fish, which also have darker coloration, have
> established territories on opposite ends of the tank.  Is it safe to
> assume that these two are males?  I'd like to purchase at least a
> pair and try to breed them in a well planted 10G.  Should I take a
> chance and buy only 2, hoping that I get a pair.  Or could I purchase
> one of the "males" and 2 or 3 of the other smaller, lesser colored
> individuals and safely keep them in such a small tank?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Michael Brock
>
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