THx Mike, I understand that you're a pencil nut as well as an apisto nut. The dwarf pencils are less shy now and have been coming out even when i'm in front of the tank. Earlier they would hide whenever there was movement. And they are definately not a schooling fish. But they are still very pleasant to watch. I am thinking about leaving out the apistos and allow the pencils to "do their thing." Their diet consists of frozen bloodworms and flakes. no live foods yet. david p.s. I tried to send this message privately to you mike but kept getting it bounced back. ____________________________________________________________ woof! woof! I'm @dog.com Get your free @dog e-mail at http://www.dog.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@listbox.com. For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help, email apisto-request@listbox.com. apisto-digest@listbox.com also available. Web archives at http://lists.thekrib.com/apisto Trading at http://blox.dropship.org/mailman/listinfo/apisto_trader