[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: A. ortmanni (long)
Tim Kastelle/Nancy Pachana wrote:
> Hello Everyone-
>
> So here are my questions:
>
> 1. Does this sound like A. ortmanni?
Yes, for the most part. The photo in Richter, p 115 top left, is a good
representation of a laterally displaying male A. ortmanni
> What are the other options to consider?
A. regani, maybe A. gossei, A. geisleri, A. sp. Smaragd, A. sp. Sao Gabriel/Alto
Negro, A. sp. New Blue/Blue/Steel Blue (a probable hybrid).
>
>
> 2. If the are ortmanni, what are the odds of them showing up in
> New Zealand?? (rhetorical)
Surprising but not impossible, but most fish sold commercially as A. ortmanni are
actually A. steindachneri. Yours don't sound like it, however, since they have a
long caudal spot while steindachneri has an oval spot that usually doesn't cover
more than the center 1/3 of the caudal peduncle height.
>
>
> 3. How do I sex them? The resources that I have at my disposal
> (L & S, Richter and the internet) have pretty much nothing on this topic.
> In the fish store, I used the characters for A. regani as the closest
> proxy I could come up with. If this works, it appears as though there
> was only 1 female out of 7 fish there, as only one had a rounded tip
> to the anal fin.
Regani-group species are rather isomorphic. Once they are fully mature the males
have more color and normally have pointed tips on the caudal and anal fins. The
ventral fins are larger on males and the front edge is black on females.
>
>
> 4. In our 40 gallon tank we now have 6 Rummy-nosed tetras, 8
> rams and the 3 apistos. Based on the level of aggression that we have
> had since putting the apistos in, I suspect that while our bioload is fine,
> we may have too many cichlids in the tank. Does this seem to be the
> case?
Probably. I'd remove about 1/2 of the rams and see how it works out. It's a good
excuse for buying another tank!
>
>
> 5. Our total hardness is about 5 degrees, and the pH is about
> 6.8. Once the tank gets a little more settled, I intend to bring the pH
> down some more. Any suggestions on water parameters?
Hardness & pH should be OK for maintenance. I'd lower the KH to 1 or 2º if it is
above this range (I doubt it is on you volcanic island home). A pH in the low 6
range would be better for breeding purposes.
>
>
> 6. Any other suggestions in general?
Grow the up and enjoy them.
>
>
> They are absolutely beautiful fish. I hope that we are able to provide them
> with good living conditions.
>
> Thanks for the help.
>
> -Tim
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 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.
> Search http://altavista.digital.com for "Apistogramma Mailing List Archives"!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Search http://altavista.digital.com for "Apistogramma Mailing List Archives"!