Re: Apisto Groupings

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

Edison,

I don't think I can say one group is "easier" than another. It basically depends
on the biotope that they evolved to survive in and their behavioral traits. For
example, I believe that all nijsseni-group species are more difficult the keep
and breed than the average apisto for 2 reasons. 1. They are adapted to live in
blackwater environments. In the aquarium these conditions are more difficult to
make and keep stable. 2. They tend to form a bonded pair. They don't always mate
with just any other member of their species. If a male can't find an acceptable
female he often drives out other conspecifics - and will kill them if they can't
leave his territory.

On the other hand members of the caetei-complex are what I call "easy" because
they come from white & clearwater biotopes that are easier to reproduce and
maintain in the aquarium. They are not as "picky" about partners either.

Then there are groups like the pulchra-complex in which some come from clearwater
biotopes (like A. cf. pulchra Xingu/Blauspiegel), while others come from
blackwater biotopes (like A. pulchra & A. cf. pulchra Abacaxis/Wilhelmi). All are
preferentially polygamous so they aren't especially "picky" about partners.
Xingu/Blauspiegel is relatively easy to breed while Abacaxis/Wilhelmi & the true
pulchra require a lot more effort.

I think that grouping doesn't determine difficulty as much as biotope
requirements and, to a lesser extent, breeding behavior. A blackwater, highly
monogamous, species (like A. iniridae) requires much more work - and more
specimens - than a whitewater, highly polygamous, species (like A. cacatuoides)
to get successful reproduction.

Mike Wise

"Edison C. Yap" wrote:

> Thank you very much Mike for educating me with the topic.  I would now like
> to know if it is safe to say that there are certain groups that are easier
> to care for and breed, e.g. the Regani Group,  are all the Apistos in this
> group easier to breed and care for?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Edison
>
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