Aphanius Mento Tuerkei

[ricko10]

Hi,
does anyone have any info on hatching, raising fry and breeding this killli?
thanks

 

[BigC]

Hi Rick,
I have to be honest in saying that I have never kept or bred this species to date or any of the genus for that matter, But I do have some BKA/AKA literature to hand which may be of some help, So I will relate to that for this reply.
Firstly I see that the males are highly territoral and will avidly kill rivals or non receptive females. Good sized tank is required. Clumps of Hornwort and Java Moss should be provided to afford cover. The water conditions should be hard and alkaline and a temperature of 24'C for breeding.
Breeding should only be attemped with heavy gravid females. (watch for signs of aggression) You can also provide both floating and bottom spawning mops. The eggs take 2 weeks to hatch and the fry are large enough to take newly hatched brineshrimp from the outset. Growth is slow and the fish mature around 6mths. Regular water changes are very important for survival rates. Aphanius mento from inland Turkish regions will easily survive a british winter as long as their quarters dont freeze solid a small amount of salt can be added to the water to prevent this.
I hope this was of some help as I reitterate I have no personal experiences to share with you regarding this specific species. Maybe I'll give them a try using local tapwater which where I live would probably be almost ideal without too much intervention.
Many thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Regards
BigC

 

[ricko10]

Hi.
Thanks for letting me know.
i stumbled accross this fish by accident, but as you may agree its a beautiful looking fish.
I am looking for books myself on the subject. Is there one that you could recommend?
jamie

 

[Biulu]

Looking in internet for this species, I found that all references were in German. You might want to try some German hobbyists to get more info on this species.

If you have a look at this Austrian site, you will be able to track down all the Aphanius Mento breeders, and maybe approach some of them personally for more info: http/killifish-international.com/zuechte...199&lang=es

Good luck!

 

[BigC]

I dont think you will find any books on the specific subject, you may find generalised killifish books (I have an extensive library of killifish books) and only some of them would briefly mention the genus. The internet and personal breeders literature is the way to go with this species. Admittidly there will be less around that the popular African species but you will get enough info to make a start. This will allow you to setup and get a breeding program established, all the while you should be making your own notes and logging them for future reference.
Regards
BigC
http/www.aka.org/ark/mento.htm
If you are looking for killifish books in general, let me know and I will give you an indication of which ones to buy.

 

[Amerce]

Got some Aphanius Mento last year in the killi auction local, they are very nice fish but damned hard to keep, you constantly have to keep an eye on the male in case he attacks the female, just like looking after betta's it was. Never got mine to spawn and not seen any at the local auction the last time I was there.

Worth putting a word out on the BKA site to see if there is a breeder willing to part with some of his precious eggs

 

[orange shark]

theres a seller on ebay selling aphanius mento eggs and is a member of the BKA, pm me if you want his username. I dont think he has any for sale now though