Mating of Tatia perugiae observed

apistomaster · Post by **apistomaster** » 05 Oct 2006, 22:38

After a period of what I have called benign neglect I began making frequent water changes in my tank containing 20 Tatia perugiae. One pair was observed today swirling around each other with the male jocking for position to fertilize the female. It appears that what works best for the male is to follow the female into a pvc pipe section too narrow for them both to enter simultaneously thus giving the male an opportunity to wedge tightly along the female while furiously swimming to keep them both pinned at the cave entrance. I believe fertilization is being attempted at this time. I will remove both fish to a separate tank and then remove the male a few days later to allow the female to choose a nest to lay her eggs and guard them to the extent she may. I do not know how long after a successful fertilization the eggs are layed. This is the first behavior I have seen them engage in that could be construed as courtship and/or mating behavior.

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 05 Oct 2006, 22:46

Larry,
It's good to hear that a mating (attempt) has taken place. I know you're really keen on breeding this species; let's hope everything works out fine. Don't remove the male too soon, for they may need some time to get used to their new environment first before starting to mate (again).
Good luck.

apistomaster · Post by **apistomaster** » 05 Oct 2006, 23:22

Marc,
I just finished moving the pair plus one other fat female to a smaller tank with fine sand(per previous discussions).
They are not alone but it was the best I could do on such short notice. There is a trio of Dicrossus filamentosum and a pair of Paraotocinclus spilosoma.
Now we wait and see.

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 07 Oct 2006, 15:50

Sounds good, Larry.

What size tank are they in?
Amanda

apistomaster · Post by **apistomaster** » 07 Oct 2006, 15:57

Amanda,
They are only in a ten gallon tank, while the main group is in a 20L.