I have four Altolamprologus calvus "White Chaitika" in a 30 gallon mixed tank that includes two species of rainbows (Melanotaenia kamaka & Bedotia geayi), a redtail shark (Epalzeorhynchus bicolor), a small group of Copadichromis trewavasae "Lupingu", and a single blue phantom pleco (Hemiancistrus sp. 'L-128'). I have noticed a couple of them acting suspicious. One large individual - roughly 3" - and a smaller one - roughly 2" - have holed themselves up in a crevice formed of several pieces of slate. The male is visible guarding the area and the female rarely leaves the cave. I suspect they have spawned and am very excited about it. I have kept this species only once before and the experience was less than positive. The male of the pair continually abused the small female until she eventually passed away. The male lived to be a beautiful adult specimen only to then be knocked off by a female Sciaenochromis fryeri recuperating after having held a batch of eggs for nearly three weeks.
This time the prospects are more promising. I haven't noticed any aggression between the four fish, and I suspect there are two males and two females. That suspicion is based on the size of the fishes and the behavior exhibited. I look forward to taking a stab at raising some of these slow-growing fry.
Below is a video containing glimpses of the two males:
This time the prospects are more promising. I haven't noticed any aggression between the four fish, and I suspect there are two males and two females. That suspicion is based on the size of the fishes and the behavior exhibited. I look forward to taking a stab at raising some of these slow-growing fry.
Below is a video containing glimpses of the two males:
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