Re: Fry tank

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

It's been over a week and I haven't seen anyone answer this one. Doesn't any
raise apistos out there? (LOL) Well I guess I'll put my 2¢ in. I tend to breed my
apistos in small decorated tanks (most under 30x12" or 75x30cm). The male's
behavior determines whether or not he stays with mom and the kids. I raise the
fry in the breeding tank for at least 8 weeks. After this, I move them to larger
bare bottom tanks to grow out. The only thing in them, besides fish, are the
filter and a large floating clump of Java Moss. Territorial aggression is low and
those that get picked on seem to find a hiding place in the moss. There have been
several studies and even more anecdotal evidence that overcrowded cichlid thanks
make it hard for any fish to establish a territory - especially if there are no
visual boundaries to work with. Cichlids who can't establish territories don't
seem to be as aggressive.

Mike Wise

hammer@idirect.ca wrote:

> I have been wondering what setup most use for their fry rearing
> tanks. I have been raising cacatuoides and have several spawns in
> various ages up to about 5 months. I tend to keep them among fry
> of the same size and generally considering the territorial nature
> they have done well.
>
> Now the interesting stage has developed. The 5 month old fry are of
> breeding age and the territorial behavior has ramped up to new
> levels. There is one to two dominant males per tank with the other
> males keeping well out of their way, which doesn't seem great for
> them. How is it best way to continue to raise them to a larger size?
> Is a plain tank with little in the way of breeding opportunities (or
> locations) best or is a tank with lots of hiding areas? Right now I
> have the latter setup and it seems to promote too much defensive
> behavior.
>
> My main concern is the males and what might happen to the
> lesser dominant ones.
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> Graham
> Toronto
>
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