New Checkerboards

[BigDaddyAdo]

I picked up 5 of these today. They are still quite young and not sexable so i picked the 2 largest and 3 smallest hoping to get 2 males and 3 females.

A few pics taken 15 minutes after being released into the tank.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh264/BigDaddyAdo/IMG_7168.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh264/BigDaddyAdo/IMG_7167.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh264/BigDaddyAdo/IMG_7166.jpg

Has anyone had experience with these guys?

[gingerbeer01]

These are a facinating fish

They are often reports of sex change for this species. It is claimed if there is a group and no male the biggest female will change sex to a male. Not sure if I believe this myself.

The females will develop red fins after first spawn reportedly. Certainly red fins is a definite female sign.

The males will develop a definite stripe and lyretail fins as he grows.

Very soft water with low TDS is necessary to breed these - I would be happy just to get eggs myself. I have got to eggs but never hatched. Might hav to get some myself again. They are a great looking fish.

They will breed in the open on driftwood or flat plant leaves.

[BigDaddyAdo]

It appears that they are not nearly as common as i though. I plan on addingin an extra water change each week to help the liitle buggers along but from what i have read they sound incredibly difficult to spawn let alone hatch and raise fry.

They school better than almost any other fish i have kept. ;)

Having these means no Apistos though. ;(

[gingerbeer01]

Why no apistos. Apistos live in the same waters.

Also the biggest reason for aggression is surrounding breeding. The fac that checkers and apistos do not complete for breeding space is a positive.

Maybe a regani species - alacrina are great and robust fish with a nice difference in shape and colour. Borelii would be a good choice. I would steer away from the bigger more aggressive species and as always keep body shape different is a good way to limit problems.

Big school of cardinals and rummy nose - few whippies - I can feel some new fish being added to my discus tank - you are giving me ideas.

[BigDaddyAdo]

I have wanted a pair of Alacrina for ages. So you think they would do fine in a 3ft tank with the Checkerboards?

Would a pair of Panduro be suitable? Or may some Aggies?

[BigDaddyAdo]

I guess Aggies may be too similar in shape.

[Hassles]

My understanding, with regards to checkerboards, is this.....you're pushing the perverbial pile up hill unless you house them in a tank no less than 4 foot with a fine, light colured sand, substrate. The water parameters also, obviously, need to be met. I have been tempted many times by these handsome little buggers. All the best.

[Rod]

Fishchick has some stunning filamentosa in the shop at the moment.....nearly bought a pair of them this week

Opted for the last pair of their cousins......maculatus instead

I believe they can change sex.....I'm sure they were all females in the tank a few months ago
Also Westside pets had a tank full of filamentosa that were female.....ended up a couple turned to be males....I don't think they can make the switch once they have spawned....female filamentosa develop bight red ventrals after spawning....maculatus yellow

[BigDaddyAdo]

I would love to sees ome pics of the Maculatus Rod.

[Rod]

No worries....the male hates his own reflection
Will take some images tomorrow

[Rod]

Not my best work....
Doesn't do justice to the fish....but it will give you the idea
Magnificent when he goes off

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n3/A_H_Sprite/Fish%20stuff/maculatus.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n3/A_H_Sprite/Fish%20stuff/maculatus2.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n3/A_H_Sprite/Fish%20stuff/maculatus3.jpg

[BigDaddyAdo]

Awesome mate !!!!!!

[briztoon]

Purty feesh Rod.