7 replies to this topic

[Redevilz]

Hey all,

I have 4 geophagus Tapajos in a 120x36x45cm tank. At the moment they are approximately 6cm. I have noticed that a pair has formed and they are protecting a corner under the filter of the tank.

The suspected male of the pair has become aggressive to the other 2 (not his female) and his pelvic fins have gone black. They have been courting and the female is going a weird little swim with her tail up high around the male.

I was wanting to know if these fish would be to small to spawn?

[Poncho]

A bit on the small side but it wouldn't be unheard of. Geos have a lot more complexity to their social behaviour than most other cichlids and this might be pair bonding for the sake of establishing a pecking order rather than spawning. If they start meticulously cleaning a rock face, glass or wood then you know they are preparing to spawn.

Keep us updated, sounds like you're enjoying some cool fish

[Redevilz]

Yeah the little guys are awesome to watch, they have lots of gentle lot of mouth offs and now when I wave to them they come up to the top for food. They are my favourite fish I have and they are still small.

The spot they are protecting is surrrounded by lots of sand and a lot of the food comes down to there after I feed them so maybe they are protecting the best sifting grounds. They don't touch my plants in there (java fern, java moss, Anubias. Last night I saw one pick up a strand of java fern and take it away from their corner.

[malawiman85]

Yeah I seriously like my geo's. I bought 5 but still want to grab a couple more.... they are always busy and they are good natured for cichlids. The little bit of biffo is more amusing than concerning as it can be with other cichlids, particularly other Americans. 

Where did you get yours from Red? 

[Redevilz]

Yeah I'd love to grab a few more to. I got them in the auction

[Kleinz]

Try putting a rounded river stone in that corner  and see if they spawn on it.

 

Though lovely fish, Redheads can get a bit annoying in their keenness for food.  They tend to go up and down facing the glass when they see you. Sometimes I like a fish to just go about its business as if you aren't there. I tend to feed them food that keeps them occupied sifting for ages.

[malawiman85]

Exactly Kleinz! I often get irritated by fish that beg and get too interactive.

[Redevilz]

Yeah there is a river stone in that corner Kleinz.

I made a mix of finely chopped Basa fillets and peas, would this be good to feed to my geos?