Introducing Adult Festae To Breed

[Murrayt]

My Female is larger than the Male by a few inches. The Female initially ruled the aquarium, but about a week after the introduction of the Male, he now dominates the aquarium and she tends to hide in a cave on the opposite side of the tank. Female is about 8", Male about 6-7". Tank is a 6'x18" 135 gallon.

As they have been introduced as adults, I would like to know approximately how long it may take for them to pair (months/years)?. Is there is anything I can do to expedite the process, or are they are likely to be incompatible at this current size.

All other tips are welcomed!

 

[justarn]

what else is in the tank mate?

 

[duanes]

Cichlids respond to different stimuli at different times.
Some are seasonal spawners, and respond to heavy water changes of slightly cooler water, or water with low conductivity, as if spring rains were occurring.
For some of my cichlids, I would store rain water, and do an 80% water change.
Some cichlids need target species in their tanks to help cement the pair bond.
I sometimes put a divider in the tank with the pair on one side, and some others of the same species (usually smaller and subordinate), or another pair on the other side of the divider. This way they have targets to turn toward, as opposed to focusing aggression on each other.

I usually leave a space for the females to pass thru, just in case each decide the other male is more suitable for one than the other.

 

[Murrayt]

Right now with them I have a 4" Male Salvini, an 12" Ornate Bichir, 12" Fire Eel, 5" Pink Tail Chaleus, and a 5" Clown Loach.

Should I be looking to add another Cichlid to compete? If so, what type could work and what sex?

 

[Murrayt]

Should I try to add a convict pair or a female salvini?

 

[duanes]

There are enough targets in the tank already, and remember if they do spawn, and you want to see any fry survive, you will need to remove most if not all the other fish.
Although if they do spawn, they may, to your dismay, do that for you over night in a sudden and violent way.
Then again, sometimes you just need to wait until they have cemented their pair bond themselves, and are ready.
It may tank a month, it may take a year.
I have cichlids that have been together 2 years, and have yet to spawn.

 

[Freshwaterpredators]

There are enough targets in the tank already, and remember if they do spawn, and you want to see any fry survive, you will need to remove most if not all the other fish.
Although if they do spawn, they may, to your dismay, do that for you over night in a sudden and violent way.
Then again, sometimes you just need to wait until they have cemented their pair bond themselves, and are ready.
It may tank a month, it may take a year.
I have cichlids that have been together 2 years, and have yet to spawn.

^^^ I agree, you may even cindider dividing them till they show intrest. Then add the dithers once you get them paired to attempt to spawn


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