Auchenipterichthys coracoideus behavior

[nvcichlids]

Hello, I am picking up 5 more Auchenipterichthys coracoideus this weekend and I was wondering if I have more of the current behavior to look forward to. My two current ones (both females) go into my pleco breeding tubes (1.25-1.5" diameter) and are both in the thing, I have no idea how they both fit. Will more of them attempt to enter the tube? Also, woudl you recommend adding more tubes (with or without closed ends) for them to use, or removed them to ensure they are out socializing? There will be 7 in my 33 gallon XL (48x12x12"). I have also debated on adding some of my Microglanis iheringi to the tank as well, but I want the Auchenipterichthys coracoideus to breed and not have the Microglanis iheringi eat all the eggs.

[Richard B]

if there is somewhere to hide, these will, so more tubes is a good idea (i prefer open both ends for these).

If breeding is your goal, i'd avoid microglanis. Some dither fish would be acceptable though

[Marc van Arc]

Give them plenty places to hide. No fan of tubes myself, I work with wood and plants. Works fine. No hide outs = no breeding, so pls don't remove possible hiding places. They will feel much better with them. Also, let the fish decide when to socialize; don't force them by offering them a "bare" tank.
If you want the eggs to survive, don't add Microglanis - or any other scavenger.

[nvcichlids]

Thanks guys for the quick responses. I wouldn NEVER give a fish a bare tank, I love aquascaping so that is something that will never happen. Would you recommend more wood or more plants for them? And would a Red Light for the daytime be better to draw them out over the standard flourescents?

The bumblebees will all stay in their own 33 XL (all 38 of them now)

[Marc van Arc]

And would a Red Light for the daytime be better to draw them out over the standard flourescents?

I wouldn't do that. It's a way of forcing them into unnatural behaviour imo. Besides, having lots of experience with them, I almost guarantee you that when kept well, they will become rather visible for an auchenipterid. When being fed I see them all the time.
You could however choose a yellowish or purple colour instead of white (or any daylight colour) to get a dimly lit tank. But that can also be achieved by using wood & plants, or even a combination of light and materials.
Keep us posted.

[nvcichlids]

I will have to look into the yellow and purple. Are their any other speices that could/should be kept with them

[sidguppy]

not if your aim is breeding them.

[nvcichlids]

They are egg scatterers correct? C. perugiae wouldn't work in there (my few loners that have made it through the hard times.)

[GW_NL]

Mine seem to be very fond of Echinodorus. They like to hide in the leaves.

I takes quite a while for them to gain enough confidence to get out of hiding during the day. I hardly saw them in the first months, but nowadays they come out for food now and then during the day.

I bought mine from Marc btw.

[nvcichlids]

I love mine, that is why I have a custom tank just for them. I think that they are neat, just wish I knew a trigger to draw them out more.