Good morning,
Four days ago, I was very fortunate to obtain a pair of Pytchochromis sp. Taransty. The male is approximately 5in, female is approximately 3in. They're in a 10g isolation tank. The plan was to keep them there for a few days after arrival then house them temporarily with my 3in female Bleekeri, 3.5in Cyrtocara Moori trio, Etroplus Maculatus, Aulonocara Bicolor 500 and syno multis. Were planning a large Malagasy tank in the fall.
Interestingly, 2 days after arrival I noticed a large oviposter and spermduct on the pair. They're spending alot of time in the corner, between a resin decor piece and the sponge filter. The female is eating more than the male. Temp is 80, ph 7.5, natural light only. Last pwc was yesterday. They're eating sinking 2mm NLS pellets and shrimp pellets soaked in aminomega vitamins. Theyre both still very shy, but the female less so than the male.
While I realize their current quarters are cramped to say the least, I'm unsure how to proceed with this unexpected surprise. How long should I wait to move them? Is there anything else I should be doing? Is the presence of an oviposter and spermduct only apparent prior to spawning or ongoing with sexually mature fish? Ive seen conflicting info. Should I place a terra cotta tube in the area where they're hiding or leave them alone? While its highly unlikely I will have a successful pawn, I'd at least like to let them try. However, I do realize they should not be in such a small tank....
Input and suggestions are most welcome. Thanks folks.
BTW, I've been unsuccessfully trying to get good pics every day and will post as soon as I have clear pics.
Four days ago, I was very fortunate to obtain a pair of Pytchochromis sp. Taransty. The male is approximately 5in, female is approximately 3in. They're in a 10g isolation tank. The plan was to keep them there for a few days after arrival then house them temporarily with my 3in female Bleekeri, 3.5in Cyrtocara Moori trio, Etroplus Maculatus, Aulonocara Bicolor 500 and syno multis. Were planning a large Malagasy tank in the fall.
Interestingly, 2 days after arrival I noticed a large oviposter and spermduct on the pair. They're spending alot of time in the corner, between a resin decor piece and the sponge filter. The female is eating more than the male. Temp is 80, ph 7.5, natural light only. Last pwc was yesterday. They're eating sinking 2mm NLS pellets and shrimp pellets soaked in aminomega vitamins. Theyre both still very shy, but the female less so than the male.
While I realize their current quarters are cramped to say the least, I'm unsure how to proceed with this unexpected surprise. How long should I wait to move them? Is there anything else I should be doing? Is the presence of an oviposter and spermduct only apparent prior to spawning or ongoing with sexually mature fish? Ive seen conflicting info. Should I place a terra cotta tube in the area where they're hiding or leave them alone? While its highly unlikely I will have a successful pawn, I'd at least like to let them try. However, I do realize they should not be in such a small tank....
Input and suggestions are most welcome. Thanks folks.
BTW, I've been unsuccessfully trying to get good pics every day and will post as soon as I have clear pics.
