The Latest With My Tank - Bandit Fry

[Alex.]

Well guys, its been a few months since I came on here - had a really busy time and been all over the place so not had chance to post on here much!

A few of you will know a few months ago my Apisto's had a batch of fry which I transferred to a separate tank to look after. This was my first experience with fry and i'm happy to say out of the original 20-30 I have around 12 left which are approaching 1cm in length now and zipping all over their tank. As this is my first time i've no idea when they will be big enough to move out, but when they do i'll be giving them away and as long as they go to a good home anyone on here is welcome to have some!

Anyway - a few months ago i also added a couple of Bandit Cichlids to the tank, no idea if they were male or female, but there isn't a great deal to read up on these guys, they seem one of the rarer cichlids but someone feel free to correct me!

They've been fascinating fish to watch, really full of character and although not as colourful as some of the smaller Apisto's, they make up for it in character. They're both between 3-5 inches in length now i'd say, so a decent size.

They're also the first fish i've had display digging activity! They've literally made mountains out of my sand, and i just thought this was them doing their natural thing - i had no idea what I was in stall for. They've been doing this for a while now... but I came back from work today to this...

I don't know how clear that is to you guys - but yes thats about a hundred fry! The parents have been lip locking and chasing each other for a while, so i actually thought they were two males - clearly not!!! The problem i have is, i genuinely don't know what to do now?

The parents are far too big to just be able to buy a small tank and stick them in. And i've already got one 'fry' tank with the apisto's in, and just bought my first saltwater nano reef tank for my bedroom! So i really can't get another tank at the moment in time! Are they likely to survive in my tank? Or does anyone fancy catering for some Bandit Cichlid fry?!

Some recent pics of my tank:

The hair like stuff on my java fern - is this some form of algae? The fish seem to like nipping at it, so i haven't bothered removing it.

A pic of one of my favourite fish:

And finally - my new investment for the bedroom!!

Any help / comments is appreciated guys!

 

[Squidward]

I like the Severum.
Does it not destroy your plants?

 

[Alex.]

Doesn't touch them to be fair mate - despite what you'd read! Although I must say the plants are 90% java fern or java moss - few crypts in there but he doesn't go near them either.

 

[thereverendturtle]

They'll make great parents for 6-8 weeks, by then the fry should be big enough to move in with the apistos. Where are you located?

 

[Alex.]

I hope that's the case! Do I need to feed them anything different or will they naturally care for the fry?

I upped the temp in the tank to 28 last week after one of my rummynose had suspected ich so I don't know if this has brought on the breeding?

I'm based in bolton. Was going to sell my fry tank (fluval edge - not the best but does the job) after the apisto fry went - looks like I'll be holding onto it!

 

[thereverendturtle]

Frozen baby brine shrimp or crushed flake will help supplement what the parents spit into the cloud of fry.

To bad your on the other side of the Atlantic, I would love to get some fry. The parents are gorgeous.

 

[Alex.]

Well I hope they survive long enough to make it into the fry tank!

The fry are well up and running now, swimming all over the place in their corner. I'll try to get some more pics up soon!

If anyone in the UK wants some apisto fry when they're big enough just give me a shout. There's not a lot but the parents were stunning.

 

[star4]

I like those bandits what size to they get? I have a 200l tank I am looking for something for

 

[Alex.]

They're great fish. I remember seeing them in the LFS and they weren't as colourful as some others but they have a great green sheen on them usually and as you can see they really get distinct markings when they're spawning.

From what I know the males get 5-6" and females 4-5". As you can see in the pics above the female is noticeably smaller. I just can't believe how many fry they've had!

 

[star4]

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed you manage to raise some of the bandit fry. I would like some if you can post fish as I am in Birmingham.

 

[RaynoVox]

<random>
That first picture looks like he told a hilarious joke and he is waiting for you to laugh.
</random>

 

[Alex.]

Is it normal for the parents to swim round all areas of the tank with their fry? They spent so long making a little corner for them and now they're the opposite side exposed but guarding them fiercely! I do worry this will result in fry being picked off sooner or later.

I'll try to put some new pics up later today. I need to do a water change today - it's gonna be a struggle vaccing the sand and avoiding them!

 

[Alex.]

A few new pics...

 

[minnnt]

So... when are you next comming to Notts?

Great pics, you have had some great results!!!

 

[Alex.]

I've actually been down there twice in the last 4 weeks, and am due to down again in January and Feb as far as I know!

You're more than welcome to any of the fry if they make it - they're currently all over the bloody place, but still being guarded by mum and dad!