Putting 2 pairs of Apistogramma in a community tank?

[nicktc]

I am now keeping 2 pair of Apisto in a 2’ x 1.5’ x 1.5’, tank with lots of wood and plants.

Some very interesting observations.

The first pair of occupants was the pair of elisabethae which spawn unsuccessfully.

To give the female a break, I added in a pair of viejita and it works, the male elizabethae was more interested in chasing the viejita pair.

Just last night, the ‘Hero’ turned ‘Zero’. He was chased by the female viejita.
The male viejita wouldn’t let him come close to the female viejita.
But the female viejita wasn’t friendly to the male viejita either.
The female elizabethae was seen trying to ‘bite’ the male elizabethae too, I think she is getting ‘horny’. The male would swim away, as if his ego was hurt.

This morning, male and female elizabethae was together, both taking turns to be the aggressor but still staying away from the viejita pair.

Wonder what would be the situation like when I reach home tonight?

[JL23]

Well, I do hope the best happens. Maybe breeding for your pairs. hehe .

Do take note of the weaker Apisto that is being chased or bullied. Check if his eyes is blurish, gills moving fast or fins got nipped very badly or even staying at top of the water surface. These are sign of it under lotsa stress. Do remove the Apisto from the tank should it show this kind of symptons. If not it will mostly ended up dead most of the time.

[nicktc]

Found this last night in the 2 pairs tank.

Female viejita is guarding the fries.
Male viejita is nearby but female would let him come close.
Male viejita wouldn't let the other pair any closer even

Can you see them

[doppelbanddwarf]

Nice red bellies on the fries. Would you remove the other pair? Or ar eyou going to leave it as it is.

[nicktc]

going to let it. It too difficult to remove any fishes plus it will create more havoc I think.

[trident]

it's breeding season! looks like members here are having a wonderful breeding season, so many pairs spawning. My caca spawned too, mummy came out with fries today. wasn't successful the last 3 times. I think papa ate the fries. Last time tried to net papa end up in upheaval in the tank and papa eating up the fries, so this time leaving him inside.
congrats nick!

[genes]

Probably due to the cold and rainy weather.

[koel9]

Practically all the apisto and sout american dwarf over here now are asian-captive stocks from indonesia, malaysia or thailand.

That's why they acclimatise and spawn well.

[mobile2007]

lots of babies. Great. Congrats, nick.