Florida Flag Fish questions-

Good question. I also plan to add Apistos to my tank when I upgrade to a 55 gallon.
 
I've never had Apistos, but my flag fish have never chased any of the others. In fact, when I first introduced them into the tank, they took one look at the tetras and "ran" to hide (my tetras are pretty big and VERY active). Now everyone gets along very well.

As far as getting at least 2 to keep each other company, that's what I did. My LFS said I should probably get 3 or 4 so they feel more comfortable together, but I decided on 2 since I didn't want to overcrowd my tank.
 
Well I went to my LFS and asked them to see if they could order them on Tuesday. They ended up arriving at the LFS today! I specifically ordered 2 pairs. I have two tanks I can separate them into if necessary! Anyways, when I looked at them in the tank, the LFS owner and I only found 3 in a very small bowfront tank he's letting them sit in. He gave a good idea and said it would be best to let them stay for a few days to settle. They are in the tank alone, except for one small common pleco.

I did not notice any difference in the way any of them appeared (male vs. female) and asked him if he got in two "pairs". He said that's what he ordered, but he wouldn't guarantee that's what came in!:rolleyes:

He's gonna charge me $4 each if I take all 3 (that's all we could find). Is this a decent price? I think the price at the online site you named was about $15 for a group of 5! Hmmm! Also, is it going to be a problem if they are all males? They seemed to be huddled together in the LFS tank (which is understandable, since they just got there today), but not overly stressed!
 
Still that isnt that bad of a price for them. I remember seeing them at either a petco or petsmart a few years ago for under $2. But I wasn't sure what they were, now i could've kicked myself in the but. But i have a nice pair and plan to maybe get some more at my lfs for my 55 planted.
" The female sports a false eyespot in the center of her side, directlybelow the start of her dorsal fin, and another in the rear base of her dorsalfin. " from the NFC website.


jim
 
I agree, not a bad price at all. I got mine for a little under $3 each. I'd like to have a 55 planted to put more in! heehee (not enough room)

By the way, if anyone decides to breed these guys, let me know how it goes. I'd be interested in trying it in the future.
 
Here is an update.

Well, Lastnight I was sitting in the room where I keep my flagfish tank and noticed something swimming around. Well, low and behold there was a small fish, for a second i thought i placed a live bearer in the tank. But it was a half inch fry, looking very nice and healthy, never saw any of the other fry and it looks like he be the sole survivor. There were a pair of mystery snails in the tank when the eggs may have been laid, and may have eaten the other eggs.
But my tank is proof that they will breed in a 10 gallon tank. :D

jim
 
Ok, from what I noticed, with the behaviour of the fish, is that the male cleared a spot on the substrate (using flourite) and enticed the female. I also had heavy top cover but they seem more prone to lay eggs on the gravel. I gave them multiple things for them to chose from a flat rock, gravel to a top covering of hornwort and duck weed. The mating and protection of the eggs is very similar to that of sunfish behaviour. This explained why he chased the female so much and tormented the large snails I had with them. Snails are being promptly moved to livebearer tanks.

jim
 
Congratulations!

Think mine have a chance in a community tank like I have (20 gallon) or should they be kept alone?

1 Betta
2 FFF (male and female)
6 Neons
4 Corys
4 Ottos

Lots of plants

???
 
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