Ancistrus shifting to more protein diet?

[wijnands]

I just got back from a 2 weeks vacation. Was glad to see all fish were doing fine especially my precious ancistrus one of which seems to have grown a bit. Did notice somewhat fewer shrimp than before I went but since I'm still left with about 30 that's no real concern.

One change I did notice is that they now are more interested in protein in their diet. I noticed them rather actively hunt down the few pellets that are overlooked by the other fish and actually reached the bottom. So yesterday I fed a corydoras wafer, something which they previously ignored, and they really went for that.

Does this change in food preference mean anything?

[elephant]

Not an expert, but they'll jump in soon, I'm sure...

My female Bushynose (A. cirrhosus) http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/sp ... cies_id=49 had her 1st batch of fry about 8 months ago & now, and every 30 days since, she's laid another clutch. She eats ravenously & seems much more interested in meaty foods (shrimp pellets, earthworm sticks, bloodworms, etc.) during the last week-10 days before she lays eggs. I'm guessing she's naturally looking for more protein to create all those eggs? It's a form of "growth" I suppose & just like wound healing, tissue growth requires protein I think...

Any possibility your Ancistrus is gravid? Mine is albino & you can actually see the eggs begin to build up in her belly (about 2.5mm around maybe?) Or was there a significant weather change during your absence? I've noticed that affects my fish's appetites too...

Best of luck!
Amanda

[wijnands]

Just looked back at the weather, seems there were a few rainstorms when we were gone. These fish, A. Claro in my case, do seem very sensitive to drops in air pressure. No idea if they're gravid, one does seem very chubby.

[elephant]

I don't know A. claro (sorry!)... but if she goes from "chubby" & full-looking to "flat as a board" in a few days, you'll have your answer

Is one of them guarding a cave excessively, or darting in & out of a cave a lot, cleaning it as obsessively as one cleans for a new mother-in-law?

Best of luck! A

[wijnands]

No. The most slender of the three has claimed the outside of a cave as a new resting place.
Realistically, these three are still very young, not expecting much before the end of the year really.

[wijnands]

Was observing them some more and thought, got my phone here, why not another video.