Do Apistos Have To Be Kept In Pairs?

[Rynofasho]

Im thinking of some apisto cacatuoides for my new tank and was wondering if it is a must to keep them in pairs or if they are ok solo? If pairs, definitely male and female pair?

 

[soybean]

I have a solo female and she seems quite happy alone, a nice bright yellow, but I'm trying to find another good quality male and female to go with her. I believe they do best as at least a trio, though pairs are possible. Multiple females to one male, each with their own little territory, is the ideal.

 

[minnnt]

A singleton will be fine but to get full colouration from the fish they should be kept in pairs. This will encourage them to 'show off' to one another. You may find that if your tank is too small or not very well designed/laid out a same sex pairing will squabble due to their territorial tendencies.

 

[kyleb2003]

I have a solo male and he is doing just fine, good colour, very alert and eats EVERYTHING I put in front of him. As far as I know they would be best with 2-3 females instead of just the 1 for a single male.

 

[ApistoNut]

i have 4 pairs lol i am getting rid of 2 tho and maybe narrow down to 1 male and 2 females im not sure tho? they colour up real nice when females are present as minnnt said they will show off

 

[Whitey_144]

i have 1 male and 2 female in a 30G, they don't fight that much, theres enough plants in the way and i put a cave at each end which the females tend to use. The male preferes to chase the Angelfish!

1female does seem stronger, more colourful and bred twice than the other...not sure if the male keeps choosing same one or alternates? I suppose the best looking wins huh!

 

[minnnt]

i have 1 male and 2 female in a 30G, they don't fight that much, theres enough plants in the way and i put a cave at each end which the females tend to use. The male preferes to chase the Angelfish!

1female does seem stronger, more colourful and bred twice than the other...not sure if the male keeps choosing same one or alternates? I suppose the best looking wins huh!

Sounds like you have a very nice trio!

 

[Whitey_144]

i have 1 male and 2 female in a 30G, they don't fight that much, theres enough plants in the way and i put a cave at each end which the females tend to use. The male preferes to chase the Angelfish!

1female does seem stronger, more colourful and bred twice than the other...not sure if the male keeps choosing same one or alternates? I suppose the best looking wins huh!

Sounds like you have a very nice trio!

they are very nice! my first time with apistos and i love them...i'll get some photos up

 

[minnnt]

Yeah, be sure too, look forward to them!