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Saw a pair of 7incher at my LFS yesterday.

They seems to be laying at the tank floor all the time but move when i provoked them with a net. they refused tubiflex worms when i requested a "test" feed at the store.

anyone have any info on these species ? like max. size etc ?

how active are they ? what's the diet ? can I sex them at this size ? (I've observed that one is pretty dark while the other specimen is much more lighter).

do i expect them to be like my Ageneiosus polystictus, swiming agaist the current all the time ?

Thanks

ben

amiidae wrote: They seems to be laying at the tank floor all the time but move when i provoked them with a net. they refused tubiflex worms when i requested a "test" feed at the store.

With all due respect Ben, but what would you do in the same situation. Also I don't think fish will eat on command, especially when just being provoked.

amiidae wrote: anyone have any info on these species ? like max. size etc ? can I sex them at this size ? (I've observed that one is pretty dark while the other specimen is much more lighter).

Sizes of Ageneiosidae differ somewhat, but you should count on at least 15". It may be to early to sex them right now, but what you're looking for is a thickened genital papilla in the anal fin of the male. That's the first thing that shows. Thickened barbels and elongated ventral spines show up later.

amiidae wrote:
how active are they ? what's the diet ?
do i expect them to be like my Ageneiosus polystictus, swiming agaist the current all the time ?

How active is your polystictus? What does it eat? I think that if you house them properly, they will become as active as the polystictus. Normally LFS conditions are worse than your own situation. Tanks too lightly lit, not enough current, loads of people passing by etc.
But it is normal for these fish to lie motionless for quite some time during the day. They rest, because they are nocturnal fish. Their food should be feeders and/or large frozen food. They need places to hide (preferably driftwood). Sometimes you need some patience with fish.
But they will reward you.
Hope this information will help you out a bit..
Wish I had an LFS stocking these....

well, i guess maybe i didn't give enough details.

the "provoke" (light tapping with a net) & feeding part, was done over 2 seperate day. that's why i'm concerned abt the stability of these specimens.

my Ag. poly are active all the time i.e. swiming 24/7 agaist the current. I have never seen them hiding and they take feeders & processed food.

That's why these Ag. Vitt don't seems "normal" to me.

It may sound strange Ben, but as far as I know the behaviour of your A. polystictus seems less normal than that of the A. vittatus.
However, if they are healthy (the polystictus), who am I to state that they are not normal? I have no problems with fish swimming 24/7.
The A. vittatus on the other hand display perfectly normal Auchenipterid behaviour and that should not be the reason not to buy them.

Thanks for the input Marc.

any second opinion or advise ? esp. those with hands on ?

You're welcome Ben.
BTW: I don't quite understand your last remark (esp. those with hands on). Could you explain pls?

it means people who kept this (Ag. vit.) species before.

Sorry never kept vittatus,

Out of interest though, I have kept 2 pairs (at seperate times) of marmoratus. Mine were very active too - and didn't behave nocturnally. they weren't remotely interested in sitting under bogwood.

It took a week for them settle them. At first they would only take feeder goldfish, which is not my usual practice by any means, but then they started to take mussels, tilapia chunks, cockles, prawns and even doromin.

As with your polystictus, mine loved to swim against the powerhead, appreciated plenty of swiming space and as pointed out, could be a bit jumpy if you approached the tank too suddenly.

Can't advise on whether you should take a chance and buy then, but my guess is - if you like them and they look healthy - you might regret it if you don't!

Good luck,

Nick

like most of us, the next best thing is to make comparison with another similar species. like my Ag. Poly & yours Ag. ma.

thanks for the input.

amiidae wrote:like most of us, the next best thing is to make comparison with another similar species. like my Ag. Poly & yours Ag. ma.

Somehow I get the impression you think I got all my knowledge from books or anything. However, the things I told you were based on my experience with Ageneiosus magoi, which I have kept for several years.

Marc van Arc wrote:

amiidae wrote:like most of us, the next best thing is to make comparison with another similar species. like my Ag. Poly & yours Ag. ma.

Somehow I get the impression you think I got all my knowledge from books or anything. However, the things I told you were based on my experience with Ageneiosus magoi, which I have kept for several years.

seriously Marc,

i did have that impression at first

but in any case, all your inputs are just valuable to me.

cheers !!

ben

That's alright.
More important: did you actually buy them??

I'm taking my time re-visiting the store.

will try to check them out again (for the 3rd time) this weekend.

Got them today

http://www.arofanatics.com/members/amii ... peheadcat/

Well done and nice pictures too. Of course you know - being an amateur just like me - what these fish are going to need the next few weeks: proper food, preferably plenty!
Pls let me (us) know in due course if they behave the same as your A.polystictus.

Just did a check with my touchlight, they are now swiming non stop near the water level (less than 15min after being introduced into the tank)

best part is... they are now eating frozen blood worm