How apisto male fertilizes the eggs?

[mobile2007]

Just curious, anyone knows how do the apisto male fertilize the eggs?

Do they mate? or the male leave the sperm in the cave and female then lay the eggs on it?

[Csababá]

I'm interested in this topic as well since males often don't fit in the entrance of the 'cave', I think.

[Jitticus]

I recall seeing a video where the males were seen spraying milt into the hole where the female laid her eggs.

[marle]

I recall seeing a video where the males were seen spraying milt into the hole where the female laid her eggs.

Yup, i should think so. "The eggs are fertilised by a combination of the male wafting his milt through the cave entrance and the movements of the female inside the cave." These are for the non mouthbrooding apistos.

For the mouth brooding apistos, i am not sure how they do it but my guess is that its more crude.

[mobile2007]

Hmm, interesting. My further guess is that, if the entrance of cave large enough, some male may enter and perform his duty. If the entrance is too small, he will have to "waft his milt through the cave entrance and the movements of the female inside the cave", best effort.

From what i observed, prior to mating, the male fish will actually select a cave/location and clean up that cave/location ( some will build the substrate blockage) , then he will try to guide/shoo the female to that location/cave. Very smart and interesting behaviour.

[Csababá]

In my tank the female blocks the entrance. She even moves malaysian trumpets.

[exotic_idiot]

Not laid eggs first then fertile the eggs?
I think they will court first if both side agree then go in the cave together

[genes]

After female lays her eggs. Males goes into the cave to fertilize the eggs. If the cave is too small for the males. They would spray from the opening and fan the sperm into the cave using their fins.

I always prefer to use smaller caves so that it makes it more difficult for the male to enter and cause any disturbance to the brooding female after the spawning ritual.