Fossochromis Rostratus Spawning

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A

APAC

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 14, 2009
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Indianapolis
I may be picking up a trio of Fossochromis Rostratus in a few weeks. The seller claims that there is a 5" male and 2, 4" females. My questions:
1. Is there anyway to know for sure what sex a rostratus is before they get 7-8"?
2. Do they have to be 7-8" before they are sexually mature enough to spawn?
3. Has anyone out there successfully bred this type of fish?
-thanks for your help in advance.
 
I was able to tell sex by 5" but we only have two. I have read where a male might not color up with another dominant male present.

Our female is now 8" and our male 10", we've had both a year now bought them at 2" and they have not spawned yet. The male is interested but the female is not ready yet.
 
You could always vent them using a jewelers loop.
 
i just bought a trio and supposed to be be 1m 2f but the largest fish (male) is maybe 4-4.5in and showing signs of color when do males color up and is this too small to sex? did my guy cheat me on the sale what do you think
 
Our male started to color up at 5". Just a trace of powder blue under the dorsal. Around 7" and red started appearing. 8" and green/ gold. Now at 10+ there is purples and maroons. The males go thru quite a change in variations compared to the smaller silver girls.
 
Typically only one male will show significant color. Around 5-6" you should start to see slight metallic white splotches showing up on the upper head and back. Also the hint of red aft of the gill covers and blues of any sort are indicators.

Probably about 8" minimum to show good coloring, and they will not color up if being harrassed by more dominant fish.
 
I thought I had a pair. I have an 8" male who is going through the green color stage. The 6" rossie, who I had hoped was a female due to its smaller size and lack of color, stated showing color on his face. Lately the larger (dominate male) has been harassing him. I may end up taking him to the LFS.
 
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