Too many Apistogramma agassizii "Amadeus"

[stonespot]

Hi I just started this hobby few days ago. I bought 9pcs of F2 juvenile ones (less an a inch) from Biotope for my 2 feet tank. Too many? Inside still have 5 small size tetra cardinal. The aquascaping is rocky with japanese hairgass.

[genes]

Its depends on what you are after. As in are you buying the lot to admire them or want to breed them. For admiring, no its not a lot. With 9pcs, the aggression will be spread so that no one piece is stressed consistently by the alpha. Which means there is lesser concern (not none) with deaths as a result of male aggression.

When you want to do breeding, its advisable to house a pair in a tank. Not only does it prevent deaths of other pairs in the tank. You will also have a higher chance of a successful spawn.

[mikhail]

I've had 5 agassizii juveniles in a 2ft tank before with 5 cherry barbs and they managed to live peacefully and matured in it. There's some aggression but did not reached a point where a piece is stressed too much. As what bro genes mentioned, aggression was spread. My 2ft tank had a lot of hiding places like java ferns, floating plants, woods and caves so each of them had claimed their respective spots or territories. I also think that for a successful breeding, it is best to put only a pair as too many fishes means too much disturbance for a breeding pair.

Wow, you got those cute agassizii "Amadeus" juveniles from Biotope . Saw their parents, they look spectacular . All the best on your apisto keeping!

[marle]

Okay.

These 9 apistos are only the beginning.

[stonespot]

Possible to have trio as in 1 male 2 females? or 2pairs in the 2feet tank? I bought 9pcs beacuse unable to determine the gender.

[marle]

Possible to have trio as in 1 male 2 females? or 2pairs in the 2feet tank? I bought 9pcs beacuse unable to determine the gender.

1 male 2 females is fine as long as ample hiding spaces is provided. However, during times of breeding, the other female might be killed. Currently keeping a trio in 1feet tank without any problems yet.

2 pairs in 2 feet tank is not good unless theres a divider to separate the pairs.

[mikhail]

Agree with marle, trio (MFF) is possible in 2 ft tank. If you're gonna put another pair, you can put a divider (those plastic ones) to split your 2ft tank into 1ft / 1ft. You can put not more than a pair on each compartment. Managed to breed successfully under this setup. The divider is also good in diverting the aggression of the male. Female will not be constantly harassed because the male can see apistos on another side and his focus will be diverted to them from time to time .

[stonespot]

Meaning to say if they start to bite the fins, i will have to separate them or until breeding starts.

[doppelbanddwarf]

When there are signs of fins being bitten its best to remove the injured fish to a seperate tank to recover. Else you might risk losing that fish.

[stonespot]

bitten fish is what gender?

[marle]

any FTS for us to assist you further? i saw your first post states your aquascape is rocky with hairgrass. Personally i don't find it suitable for your apistos(thus the evidence of agression) unless ample hiding space is provided.

[stonespot]

They are growing up but maybe want to get 1 pair of german blue rams to replace them. Should i change? *sad*

[marle]

how can german blue rams ever replace agassizii? lol.

[stonespot]

Able to figure out what gender in the picture above?

[genes]

Its a female. Add more woods in the scape to break line of sight. If not, add much more apistos!