Apistogramma erythrura

[Duxdad]

I recently purchase what was sold as a pair. Looking for any information on best conditions for raising and breeding. I have the pair in a 20 long, rock piles at each end with Java fern and some moss's in between and a clay breeding hut. So far they are extremely shy and don't spend a lot of time with each other although they do "spar" when they are together. Also would like to confirm they are male and female
The attached picture shows what I "think" is the female and off to the leftyou can barely see what I "think" is the male because of the more prominent blue sparkles around his head.
Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Duxdad]

Additionally, I have two young long fin paleatus with them. Would addition of some diter fish help them? What kind?
Thanks again

 

[rasmusW]

hi!

i think you need to post more/better pictures to get any help. to difficult to tell anything from this one.
one other note. i think you should consider fine sand instead of the gravel. something for the fish to sift for food.
also, how big are they?

-r

 

[Mike Wise]

The fish in the middle is a male. I have never seen a female with a red caudal. Remove the corys; they are a distraction.

 

[Duxdad]

The fish in the middle is a male. I have never seen a female with a red caudal. Remove the corys; they are a distraction.

Thanks for the not so good news Any idea where I could pick up a female or two. Was really hoping to breed them. I know they are not common.
Thanks

 

[Duxdad]

Thanks for the not so good news Any idea where I could pick up a female or two. Was really hoping to breed them. I know they are not common.
Thanks

The other fish also has a red tail, even redder

 

[Aquaticloch]

I agree with mike, you have a dominant male on the left and a less dominant one on the right.
Are you located in Canada by chance? I have 2 extra adult female erythrura.

if you are located in the United States if not wetspot or apistogramma breeders on band.us have them often!

 

[Duxdad]

Thank you for the info. Mike is correct , I seem to have 2 males. I purchased them from Aquatic Arts , contacted them and they will make it god. I also contacted Wet Spot and they are able to sell me two females as well.
I want to thank everyone who responded and helped me.
Aquaticloch, any tips for raising/breeding these?
Thanks again all!

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

I have the pair in a 20 long, rock piles at each end with Java fern and some moss's in between and a clay breeding hut.

Aquaticloch, any tips for raising/breeding these?

It looks a bit bright and open to be ideal as an Apistogramma set-up, particularly not for A. trifasciata type Apistogramma spp., where the males are <"fairly aggressive">. Java Fern and Java moss are good plants, you just need a lot of them.

As the others have said you definitely need <"silica sand as a substrate">, probably a choice of <"breeding caves"> and a more cover. I like a <"floating plant"> and some <"structural leaf litter">.

Have a look at @apistobob 's web site, it has a <"wealth of information"> and @Tom C 's <"web pages">, I'll warn you that you will need to be settled in with a cup of coffee before you start on these, because they are highly addictive and you are likely to be sat there for a long time.

cheers Darrel