Ancistrus Triradiatus question...

MollyMan · Post by **MollyMan** » 15 Jul 2003, 10:42

OK, heres one from left field...

I have 2 Triradiatus in my 95G Community tank along with 2 Hoplogenys (they are a fair bit smaller). Now I have had the Female BN (Gobbler) since February where she was only about 1 inch in length when I picked her up... I picked up the Male BN (Spike) a few months ago, and he was exactly the same size as her at that stage, approx 2 inches...

Now, ATM they are both only about 3 inches in length and have filled out nicely, and I would be assuming they are no older than 6-8 months, is it at all possible that they are ready to breed??? I was under the impression that it took them 1-2 years before they actively bred. The main reason I ask this is Spike has barely been seen in 3 days now, he is hiding in a nice little driftwood cavern at the very back of the tank, he never comes out for food (he used to be the first there, and the last to leave the feeding zone). At first I was concerned that he may have gone to the place upstairs, but after shining my torch in and around all the nooks and crannies he bolted out of his hiding spot and "Took Gaurd" of the opening... what was even more bizarre is, he kept flaring his bristles/spikes on the side of his head and kept charging 1-2 inches forward towards the light source.. all the time he also appeared to be fanning something with his tail... it didnt look normal so that is the best way I can describe it.

He looks healthy, his skin colouration is the same and he isnt sluggish or anything, more jumpy/edgy always popping his head up if a Clown Loach or something else tries to look into his spot... I am dropping small sections of algae tablets into that area, hoping that he will eat them, and basically crossing my fingers...

The other problem I face is, if he is gaurding a batch of eggs, it is going to be next to impossible to get not only him out, but the liitle ones as the tank would almost have to be totally re-arranged to access him, and other fish would have to be removed as they would make a very quick dinner out of any little 'uns...

Any advice or suggestions greatly appreciated...

Yann · Post by **Yann** » 15 Jul 2003, 12:55

Hi!

At 3 inches they sure could be able to breed, I had common Albinos Ancistrus breeding at that size...
and by what you are describing you might well have a batch of young...

What are the other tank mates in the tank?
If there is only these 2 Ancistrus species, you can let the whole group together, they won't harm the young...
Congratulation...
Cheers
Yann

MollyMan · Post by **MollyMan** » 15 Jul 2003, 13:10

Yes, only the 4 Cats in the tank, 2 Regular BN's (although they are far from regular

) and the 2 Hoplogenys, which as I mentioned previously are only half there size...

I am a little concerned though regarding the rest of my little community, and I am sure you will understand once I get through the list... 6 Bala/Silver Sharks (@ 3.5"-5"in) 6 Clown Loaches (3"-4") 5 Velifera Mollies, 3 Lyretail Mol's, 6 Gold Swordtails, 12 Mixed Tetra (Neon/Cardinal/Rosy), 5 Chinese Algae Eaters & 4-6 Kuhli loaches... (before you start to think that is a little crowded.. it is, but the clowns and balas will be moved into there own tank, prob a 234G (US Gallons) plus filtration is running at approx 14x p/h)

I was half expecting what you said Yann, but I honestly thought, or thought I had heard that breeding doesnt commence with these guys until at least 2 yrs or 5 inches... go figure...

I am going to see if I can try to further protect the area where Spike is with some items such as rock features or other pieces of Drift/Bog wood, or if I can, remove the fry once they are free swimming by way of siphoning them into there very own tank... or would you suggest just letting things be...

BTW, thanks for the prompt feedback...