Apistos in Community

[GulfCstAquarian]

I'm looking for information on Apisto's, specifically temperment. I've got a 55 gallon heavily planted tank with 3 adult Angels, 7 Harlquin Rasboras, 8 Pristella Tetras, 3 Clown Loaches, 7 Otocinculus and a Large Sailfin Pleco.

Would any of my fish trouble the Apisto's or vice versa? Should I just get a single male, several males or a pair? (Obviously I have a preference for the more colorful males). If several males are kept in the absence of females, will there still be aggression?

Thanks in advance!

[superstein61]

Gulf - Well, most would tell you get a pair of Apistos - BUT I will tell you getting a couple males will not be a problem.

In a 55gallon that has lots of territorys/ hiding spaces, adding 2 to 4 apistos with your mix of fish shouldn't be a problem.

I have 2 male Apisto Triple red Cacutoides in with 2 pairs of other Dwarf Cichlids, half a dozen clown loaches, various catfish, Gourami's and tetras. While I don't have expereince with Angels - my guess is you should be ok - as apistos stick more toward the bottom of the tank and angels to the mid levels

On the male / female issue - some of my dwarf cichlids are pairs - but the Triple red Cacutoides are both male. You could put 3 or 4 males in. however, one (the dominant one) will show the best color). the others will be colorful - but not as much as the dominant one.

[GulfCstAquarian]

Thanks, stein. Does anyone else agree? I've done some more reading on www.apistogramma.com and I think I might go with 2-3 male Triple red Cacutoides and a one or two German Blue Rams. My tank could use some color!

[superstein61]

Gulf, the folks on apistogramma.com all tried to stear me to just keeping pairs of a species - not all males. Their reasoning was you can watch the fish breed, observe more behavior, etc. Not that just males would be incompatable

But the breeder I purchased my fish from (I spent several hours at his place checking things out, etc) helped calm my fears about going with just males. As long as you are not worried about breeding them - then for the color, going with all males can't be beat

Good luck

[GulfCstAquarian]

I did notice that they seemed to default their advice towards breeding only and I thought that was odd. There's nothing wrong with keeping fish for ornamental purposes! That's why we keep aquariums in the first place - to enjoy observing animals we otherwise might never see in nature.

Now to find a good source for Dwarf Cichlids. My LFS has the lamest selection anywhere.

[superstein61]

Gulf - right, I couldn't agree more. While some people like to breed fish, others enjoy them for the ornamental or viewing purposes. Most folks don't buy cats or dogs to breed - so . . . .

Anyway, good luck with finding some nice apistos - I know what you mean about the LFS store selection. I ended up buying mine from a breeder whjo sales mail order via the internet - but who happens to have his facility close to me - so I could just stop in his shop and pick out what I wanted.

Where are you located ? i have seen dwarf cichlid breeders on Aquabid - from PA, MD, Oregon, and Florida if I recall correctly. If by chnace you are close to one of those, you should look into contacting them

[GulfCstAquarian]

Yeah, I found a Killie breeder/importer in Baton Rouge so I hope I can find an Apisto breeder within a few hours drive. If not, then I might just have to become one! hehe

[superstein61]

Baton Rouge - I wonder if you are referring to Toyin at Rehoboth Aquatics. I've gotten some great plants shipped by him - and I know he imports fish from Africa as well. Never purchased any fish but the plants were awesome

[GulfCstAquarian]

That's exactly him! When I'm ready to try breeding killies, I'm going to go meet him to pick up my fish to save on shipping and reduce stress from shipping. I didn't know he had plants as well! Anyway, I think I better not think about more plants. I've got too many as it is.

[superstein61]

LOL - yea, small world.

He definitely has plants - mainly a whole host of Anubias species plus some other African plants. I can tell you - although I know you aren't in the market for them LOL - his plant quality and price is great.

For instance, one plant seller who is highly recommend by folks in the Plant thread is selling some Anubias plants for $8 each - and they have 4 leaves (which is consistent with my local stores when they have them). From Toyin, I paid less per plant - and the plants I received had 8 to 12 leaves. So 2 to 3 times as large for less money.

Anyway, good luck with the Apistos