Apistogramma cacatoides Question

[Paul S]

I put a pair of triple reds in my 20 gal planted tank. They rarely come out of hiding, even when I add food to the tank. Is this normal behavior?
Paul

 

[iamzrad]

My guys always hid. Eventually they started to come out when food was being dropped. Are you using floating or sinking?

 

[Paul S]

Just black worms and flake food. The female comes out occasionally, but the male (who is easily double her size) stays hidden almost all the time. He made a place to hide behind a rock and he stays there. I use a turkey baster to squirt black worms to him. I can't see him so I guess he's eating them because if he wasn't, he'd be dead by now.

 

[mscichlid]

You should rearrange their tank a little. Put the flowerpot or coconut shell towards the front of the tank. Another method would be to get dither fish.

 

[Paul S]

Actually, I don't have a flower pot or coconut shell in the tank. Could that be part of the problem?

 

[rsretep]

well apistos do like a cave to hide in for security

i keep a few in planted tanks and unless they have tankmates they do like to hide....give them some danios or tetras for tankmates and i think you all will be happy

good luck :lol::lol::lol::lol:

 

[Paul S]

I'll give it a try. I've go a couple ottos in there already. Thanks.
BTW, is that what's meant by the term "dither" fish?

 

[kaj41354]

From PFK:
Dither fish
Fish that spend their time in the open and by doing so encourage more nervous species to come out and be seen.

I'll give it a try. I've go a couple ottos in there already. Thanks.
BTW, is that what's meant by the term "dither" fish?