Apistogramma cacatuoides & Tiger barbs

[Hilde]

I have a 29 gallon planted tank. I have 4 Tiger barbs. Thinking of adding a pair of Apistogramma cacatuoides to the tank in June.

Does anyone know if this is possible?
Has anyone done this?

 

[Mike Wise]

If it were my tank, I would add 4 more tigers for a nice community. For breeding, I'd remove the tigers. Tiger barbs are quite active and probably would make short work of a batch of apisto fry.

 

[ElectricSnowman]

A few years ago I had a 29 gallon tank with about 8 or so Tiger Barbs, and added a pair of Apistogramma cacatuoides. The Tigers mainly left the A. Cacs alone, but one thing I did notice is the Tigers would out compete for food.

After about a month both of my Apistos eventually became VERY skinny, and died. I'm not sure if it was lack of food, or some internal parasite, or water condition, but regardless they didn't make it.

Now I have another pair of Orange Flash with 6 Serpae Tetras (who also go crazy at feeding time) but these Apistos are healthy and happy.

Hope this helps

Matt

 

[Hilde]

Very interesting info!

I like to have a few babies to make up for deaths so I am going to trade the tiger barbs for some more albino cory's.

Breeder says I need to have more plants. I can't afford to buy so I will have to wait for the plants to grow.

 

[ElectricSnowman]

Trading the tigers for corys sounds like a great plan. Corys will make great tankmates. The LFS may even trade some plants for your Tigers rather than getting more corys.

 

[Hilde]

Trading the tigers for corys sounds like a great plan. Corys will make great tankmates. The LFS may even trade some plants for your Tigers rather than getting more corys.

I am uncertain if having cory's is a good idea. I may have to take them out when the cichlids breed. For I have read that the cory's would eat the eggs. Is this true?

Unfortunately local LFS doesn't carry plants. It is at least 20 miles to a chain with plants, thus only when I am in the area I check out the plants.

 

[ElectricSnowman]

Unfortunately I do not have any personal experience with successful breeding, so I'll let somebody who does take this question.

However, it would seem that as long as you provide good enough caves the eggs should be protected. I use tiny terra cotta pots with a hole cut into the lip, then flip the pot upside down. The hole is only big enough for the female Apisto and she protects it well during breeding.