Strange apisto behavior...

[Mez]

Hello all..
As most of you know, i got a pair of Apistogramma cacatuoides a few days ago...
Now, the male will go infront of the female and perk all his fins up and kinda shake his tail at her...
Is this normal Apisto behavior?
Thanks for any help,
Mez

[Simon]

yup mez, thats the dancing or courting ritual of the apisto.. this tail whipping is sometimes used to ward off other males too

[Mez]

Hm...
just before this started happening, i added a great looking peice of wood that my convicts used to spawn on, and the female LOVES it!
Now the male wont stop flaring his gills at his reflection in the glass..
Do you think they could spawn? the female is only 1"..
Also, is a 2 foot tank big enough for 2 apistos and fry (if the do spawn)?
Thanks for all your help,
Mez

[Simon]

yes, they can spawn.. jus observe the coloration of the female

[Mez]

What should happen to the female? should she go lighter? darker?
Remember, me new to apisto!
Mez

[Simon]

turn yellow, sign of breeding mood

[Mez]

Ok thanks simon.
She isnt turning yellow..yet!
Mez

[Simon]

remember to change water every 7-10days.. try feeding them with live food..

[Mez]

Live food is very rarely available here, but i will try. If not, will frozen bloodworm be ok?
I change 25% of the water every 7 days...
Mez

[Simon]

frozen bw is fine.. I'm oso feeding them with that

[Mez]

Thanks simon.
Mez

[benetay]

A 2ft tank with a pair of cockatoo will have no problem inside and the 2ft tank also can be a place where the fry grows up too..if u dun further intend to breed your pair so soon again =)