ID: What is this Apistogramma? - Apistogramma gibbiceps

[nicktc]

Can someone point me to the ID of this apistogramma?
From NKS recent shipment.

Both are about an inch or lesser.

Thanks.

[genes]

A. gibbiceps. A nice one too

[nicktc]

Thanks gene

[genes]

NKS got new apisto shipment? Time to go take a look guys! Also, more pics nick! Close up of him flaring in the mirror!

I've not heard of anyone in AQ breeding this species. Hopefully you can be the first one but pull the pH down first to get them into the mood. These guys are polychromatic and sometimes the offsprings can have a very beautiful yellow or orange face. Hence their trade name yellow cheek apisto.

[joopsg]

They need low pH to spawn like at least 4.5. Hard to achieve this pH?

[genes]

Not hard...just use combination of ADA africana and sera peat. No need those messy ketapang leaves. My africana with peat tanks are hovering around pH 4.5 to 5.

[nicktc]

Not hard...just use combination of ADA africana and sera peat. No need those messy ketapang leaves. My africana with peat tanks are hovering around pH 4.5 to 5.

Hi genes, will the egg hatch in a ph 7 environment?
My pair just laid eggs. Female is looking remarkably pretty.

Had to remove all my canarensis as the are as stressed as the female gibbiceps I think.

The eggs were laid on one of the nanas leave

[EvolutionZ]

congrats bro! time to hatch BBS if they manage to hatch.

[joopsg]

congrats nick.
Its is hard to find a compatible pair to spawn.
most cases, the female got killed by the huge male.

[iwishweallcouldwin]

Not hard...just use combination of ADA africana and sera peat. No need those messy ketapang leaves. My africana with peat tanks are hovering around pH 4.5 to 5.

Hi genes, what's your method of introducing peat? As a base layer or just clumped into a filter bag?

[genes]

Its is hard to find a compatible pair to spawn.
most cases, the female got killed by the huge male.

I would tend to disagree on that.

Hi genes, will the egg hatch in a ph 7 environment?

Sorry nick, missed out on this post. I'm not so sure for gibbiceps as i've no experience in spawning them before. Some species do require a lower pH for successful hatching. But since they are a clear water fish. ph7 may be ok. I will prefer pH between 5.5 to 6.5 for them. Do keep us updated on the situation. Would be a great reference for apistofanatics!

iwishweallcouldwin, i introuduce peat by placing them in a filter net and submerging them close to the outlet of the filter.

[nicktc]

unfortunately, there was a 5hr power shut down in Hougang on Friday. Returned home at night to find that my pump also decided to call it quit.

Both fishes were hiding and the eggs were no longer on the leaves.

On a brighter note, I have provided them a dedicated 1ft cube tank.
PH is still hovering at 7, I have added peat to the filter but don't think it will bring the ph down because of the small quantity used and the lapis sand base that i have at the moment.

The female is feeding well and is sharing the cave with the male.

[genes]

There will always be more spawns to come with frequent water changes. Good to hear they have a tank of their own now.

Pack more peat. I pack around the size of a tennis ball and my pH in my lapis tank drop all the way to 5.

[iwishweallcouldwin]

genes thanks for the tip.

nicktc, don't be disheartened. outcome of your fishes could have been worse! i'm sure they will spawn for you again soon.

[nicktc]

Here is a picture of them last Saturday, back in their very own 1ft tank.




Here's them tonight. I think feamle has laid eggs again. The 'swollen' belly has disappeared and she is guarding the cave. Funny thing is, she is not aggressive towards the male.




Notice the pile of gravel she has stacked up in front of the cave.

[genes]

Hopefully you get to see free swimming fries this time round. If not, i suggest you lower the ph more for the next spawn.