iporangensis and digging

[bbortko]

I have 4 iporangensis, 2 of which are a breeding pair. None of them sift like true geophagus and the 2 non-breeding ones never dig at all. The pair dig themself a pit as quick as I can fill it in. This isn't a big deal but it made me wonder, if i add a couple of flat stones to the tank will they take to the stones and stop digging their pits?

 

[Azedenkae]

Don't really know much about Geos, but many cichlids dig pits to prepare for their fries later on. This seems to be exactly the case as they're a breeding pair. I personally would just let them be so that they can do what they need to do in peace.

If they're like other cichlids whom dig pits for their fries, then no adding flat stones won't help. They'll (well the female will) lay eggs on the flatstone and when they hatch... off to the pit they go.

But hey again, I don't really know what Geos do to do what they... do, so besides just suggesting that you should leave them be and let them dig their pits, can't really say much else.

 

[bbortko]

Never thought about the fry, but then it's a community setup with 2-10"+ plecos so eggs dont last more than a night. Thanks