Food quality is definetly a factor in my opinion, as well as, female size and age. There will be howls from list members but I use live black worms to condition my female cacatuoides (which are about 18 months old). I typically get 70 or more fry per spawn...younger females do have fewer fry the first few spawns though. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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"!