Apistogramma agassizii breeding behavior

**HockeyPisces14** · 25th Dec 2010, 00:52

After many dry years, I just set up a freshwater tank again: 46 gallons, planted and inhabited by a school of 14 Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi (Black Neon Tetra), 5 Otocinclus and now a pair of Apistogramma agassizii that were called 'Gold Flame Tail' at the store, but may be 'Flame Red' considering some online research.

This is my first attempt at SA Dwarf Cichlids. Completely to my surprise the pair seems to have spawned yesterday after less than two weeks in my tank! The female is defending her cave ferociously.

I have a question for those with experience: The female exhibits normal behavior and treats the male anything but gently. So, the already somewhat timid male now hides in the smallest corner and is starting to look a little over-stressed. It is hard to get him to eat anyway.
Is there anything I could do to make his life easier? Unfortunately I don't have any other tanks, where he could find refuge.

I appreciate any advice. Thanks!

DSC_0923_A.jpg
Male

DSC_1027_A.jpg
Female

**Lucrado** · 25th Dec 2010, 01:46

Nice Apisto pair you have there

You can use the floating(breeding) tanks supported by the suction pads temporarily

**HockeyPisces14** · 25th Dec 2010, 02:31

Thank you! They certainly did their best to lure me into taking them home.

That in-tank plastic refuge sounds like a good idea. Maybe I could throw in one of those cichlid stones, so that he can hide.
Thanks!

**Lucrado** · 25th Dec 2010, 02:37

Hope the fries do well

**HockeyPisces14** · 25th Dec 2010, 04:10

As someone completely unprepared for this quick development, so do I!

**Lucrado** · 25th Dec 2010, 13:30

Do get ready fry food- (bbs or diaphnia) to feed the fries once they are free swimming.

**Apistoinka** · 25th Dec 2010, 14:53

Nice pair you have... And so lucky of you they breed so fast... So envy...

**Fingerling** · 25th Dec 2010, 16:32

Originally Posted by HockeyPisces14

After many dry years, I just set up a freshwater tank again: 46 gallons, planted and inhabited by a school of 14 Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi (Black Neon Tetra), 5 Otocinclus and now a pair of Apistogramma agassizii that were called 'Gold Flame Tail' at the store, but may be 'Flame Red' considering some online research.

This is my first attempt at SA Dwarf Cichlids. Completely to my surprise the pair seems to have spawned yesterday after less than two weeks in my tank! The female is defending her cave ferociously.

I have a question for those with experience: The female exhibits normal behavior and treats the male anything but gently. So, the already somewhat timid male now hides in the smallest corner and is starting to look a little over-stressed. It is hard to get him to eat anyway.
Is there anything I could do to make his life easier? Unfortunately I don't have any other tanks, where he could find refuge.

I appreciate any advice. Thanks!

DSC_0923_A.jpg
Male

DSC_1027_A.jpg
Female

Id advise you to remove all the tankmates, as in due time, the fries will start exploring around the entire tank, and could be fish food for the neons. One way you can feed the male is to introduce more hiding spots to break the line of sight between the pair, sprinkle the food directly above the area he's hiding at, else just seperate him from the tank if hes getting seriously beaten up.

**HockeyPisces14** · 26th Dec 2010, 01:47

Well, crisis averted, I guess: Ms. Apisto must have gotten hungry for a midnight snack before I even got a chance to buy any in-tank breeding containers etc... But at least Mr. dares to show his fins around the tank once more.
Thanks everyone, for your responses! I will prepare for similar events in the future.

And, Apistoinka, I really am lucky!