L273 - Breeding group, what mix?

[Cydone]

Hi,

I have found an importer that has some 10cm L273. And so I was wondering, if by any stretch of the imagination, I was to get a group of these magnificent creatures, what would be a good mix?

I know that it will take more than beginners luck to breed these. But please play along!

Cheers
Thomas

[FrankNL]

My thoughts, keep it simple, 1 male 1 female or 1m 2f.

[Cydone]

You think 3 of each would be too intense?

Footprint of the tank is 180x80cm

[FrankNL]

Not when u raise them from 10cm, but with adults I would put a pair in a tank. If I would have two pairs, I would use two tanks.

[Cydone]

Alright.

I wonder if 864L will be space enough for guys like these. I mean, for a pair, that would be ok.. but for 4-6, with perhaps some geophagus and corydoras. My tank will seem mighty small real quick.

[Chouin]

Like most pseuda, they grow quite slow, faster than L24/L25, but slower than L114/L160 for examples.
I have 5 at this size, 3 red and 2 yellow, territorial and a bit shy.
I'm not sure you will be able to tell M/F at that size ?
Maybe start with 6 and separate them as they grow to only keep the best looking pair.
I don't think you will have issues in a tank that size, in Asia, they could put a lot more in that volume LOL
Good Luck !

[Cydone]

I should probably get 4-6 and then go from there.

Is there any info available on where they are caught? The closest I can get at the moment is "upper Tapajos".

Sand, wood, roots, rocks, water flow etc. Do we know anything?

[Chouin]

You have a lot of info here :
https://www.planetcatfish.com/common/sp ... ies_id=234

I personally prefer sand, if you go with geo/cory, that would be best.
Some wood/roots, they like to have a lot of hiding places and their own little territories.

[Cydone]

That is what I hoped you would say.

But I still wonder if they live around the many "Cachoeiras", like many plecos in rio Xingu. Those places are more like sand/rock, high water flow.

I read that page over and over again, but still find it lacking in specifics about what their habitat is like.

I'm trying to get a hold on Heriberto Gimênes Junior (Brazilian biologist), who took one of the few wild photos available. He should be able to shed more light on what their habitat is like.

[Cydone]

Heriberto Gimenez (Brazilian biologist at IMASUL- Instituto de Meio Ambiente de Mato Grosso do Sul), has responded in regards to where he finds L273.

"In rock crevices in the middle of sand bottom..
1-25meters
But 2 meters is more regular.."