Apisto reproduction and catfish

[ShonV]

Now I've read here before that keeping Loricariidae together with Apistos isn't really helpful for the reproduction of the Apistos.

However after reading these two threads:
http://www.apistogramma.com/forum/threads/breeding-a-cacatuoides-what-size-cave.5775/
and
http://www.apistogramma.com/forum/threads/hiding-coconut-cave.18398/

I began thinking that this might be a solution for this. Now feel free to correct me if I'm wrong because I hardly have any experience with this and this is merely a thought at this time.

From what I have read the main issue with the the catfish is that they seem to prey on the eggs and force their way into the caves. But what if the entrance to the caves are too small for them?

And if that would work, then what size would be preferred by the apistos?
Having had a look at how to furnish my tank I came across these:
http://www.legholen.com/grotten/52-grot-glad-medium-bruin-030302.html
http://www.legholen.com/grotten/53-grot-glad-medium-met-rond-gat-bruin-030002.html

I sent an email to the guys who make these and the holes are approximately 2,5 cm x 3 cm for the first one and a 2,5 cm diameter for the second one. He also noted in his email that he was willing to produce them with a customized size if that was needed.

The tank that got me thinking about this is a 100x40x50 cm with currently three adult Peckoltia vittata ( L15 ) ( http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=75 ) and I would like to add 4 A. cacatuoides (1m/3f) to this tank.

I do realize that breeding the Apistos is not something I should count on with the catfish but I would like to give them a good chance. So what do you experts think? Would limiting the size of the entrance to the caves help with keeping the eggs safe? and if so what size would the opening have to be for the female apisto?

 

[Mike Wise]

My guess is yes, if the opening is only large enough to allow the female to enter, but not the Peckoltia. The only question I have is whether or not the Peckoltia, being more or less carnivorous, would try to eat freeswimming fry. My guess, again, is it's unlikely. I'd give it a try - if the tank is large enough to allow each loricarid and cichlid an adequate personal territory.

 

[ShonV]

Thanks for that Mike, I am currently trying to get an idea if the peckoltias would fit through the 2,5 x 3 cm hole.. Seeing as I am currently halfway across the world from the three fish. I posted the question on planetcatfish to see if the experts there have the answer to that one.

Again thanks for the insight Mike.

 

[Mike Wise]

Why is the hole so large? Most female apistos can enter 1x2cm openings. They readily enter by swimming on their side.

 

[ShonV]

That is the way they are made. I was seeing if I could go with the sizes they offer or if I had to go custom.

But seeing that that might be the best way, is there any sort of design that would be preferable for Apistos?

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
"But seeing that that might be the best way, is there any sort of design that would be preferable for Apistos?"

They like a very small hole that the female may block up altogether with sand. The male doesn't have to enter the cave to fertilize the eggs.

Have a look at this thread:
<http://www.apistogramma.com/forum/threads/ideal-spawning-cave.15329/#post-81261>.

cheers Darrel