My observation with 2 baby armatus

[Aw3s0m3]

So I've had 2 baby armatus for about a week and from my observations, they avoid the high flow areas as much as they can. One is 2.5" and the other is about 3-3.25" and they tend to hang out under an anubias the entire time. They are only in a 10g atm with a hob filter, I forgot which one bc I am not home, but it's a marineland with the biowheel and a hydro powerhead. The only times they leave into the high flow areas is when they are going after a guppy. My question for you experts out there is when these guys are young, do they hang out in the calm waters close to shore with lots of plant coverage and move towards the high current areas, where most of us picture them being, as they get bigger? Just curious because I want to replicate their natural environment and how they naturally live as best as I can.

Here's a picture of the 2 little ones just so you guys can see them.




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[krichardson]

I don't recall mine hanging out in the turbulent areas of the tank when they were small and I kind of doubt they would do this in the wild.They likely wouldn't have the strength to deal with such water movement and they would be more vulnerable to predation...They probably do just what you see th doing in your tank...hide among the plants.

 

[Aw3s0m3]

So would it be better if I just unplugged the powerhead till they're bigger? That way they would feel more comfortable using the entire tank and/or add in more plants for coverage. What size were yours when they started exploring more and swam in the more turbulent areas?


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[krichardson]

I never used any power heads for extra movement and they would sit still for periods as well as move around the tank.

 

[DB junkie]

I've never understood people's fascination with current when it comes to these guys. All mine always seemed to hate it.

In a ten gallon?

 

[amazontank]

Awesome little Armatus. My Armatus sits in the calm area of his tank most of the time.

 

[Aw3s0m3]

I've never understood people's fascination with current when it comes to these guys. All mine always seemed to hate it.

In a ten gallon?

Just temporarily. I want to put some size on them first and make sure they're healthy. Then they're going in a 40, then in a 150 and I'll have a 300 by the time they outgrow that.


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[krichardson]

Sounds like a good plan except into experience with them they don't like to be disturbed or moved....they react violently to the point of injuring themselves.I don't see a problem growing two inch fish in a ten gallon for now.

 

[krichardson]

I meant for it to say,in my experience with them....damned phone.

 

[DB junkie]

To each their own......

I think the smallest I ever started them was a 75. Mite last a half year there, another half year in a 180 then......

I'd be worried about stability in a 10 gallon more then anything. How many dead stuck to the filter fish and how long would it take to screw up 10 gallons of water? I've also heard that large water changes aren't good for them either. I couldn't fathom caring for a 10 gallon tank, but hey if it works no harm done.

I definitely agree on them HATING being moved, and definitely the potential for casualties with EVERY move.