Appistogramma Cacatuoides

[lowthy76]

hi just a quick question, today i noticed my female cacatuoides has turned from a grey colour to a yellowish colour. is this normal?
thanks dan x

 

[minnnt]

How long has she been in the tank? Maybe she is feeling more settled and conditioned.

 

[lowthy76]

just under a month now, but i introduced a new male on tuesday, maybe that has something to do with it?

 

[minnnt]

Lol, i would say she is beginning to colour up for breeding purposes.

 

[Westwood]

Yellow are there Breeding colours, look out for young ones! also the pair will become more aggressive.

 

[lowthy76]

but the new male chases her away from his little cave, very unlike a male to turn down a good time from a willing female lol, will he soon change?

 

[minnnt]

She will be trying to interest him in her hence the colour change... Give him chance to settle in.

 

[lowthy76]

but he's in the cave not her, will it still happen?
sorry for all the questions lol

 

[minnnt]

Is it just one female and one male? The male has obviously claimed his territory. Once he has settled in then he may change his behaviour towards her.

 

[lowthy76]

yes, but i also have a pair of non breeding vaijita's in the tank to but there are never any quarrels

 

[minnnt]

I would just be patient. Let them all settle in and get into breeding condition. Feed them a variety of frozen foods for a week or so and see if anything happens. If the female is up for it and in seemingly good condition then this will be more appealing to the male.

 

[lowthy76]

ok i will, thanks very much for your help mate

 

[minnnt]

ok i will, thanks very much for your help mate

No problem mate. Never had them myself so i am not totally sure, but that is the experience i have had with other cichlids. Try doing a large waterchange with colder water to see if that makes anything happen also.

 

[lowthy76]

do you use ro water from yout lfs? i find that helps

 

[minnnt]

Nope, i don't have anything that is particular sensitive to water parameters. Are you sure your tank is big enough for two pairs of Apisto's? This could maybe have something to do with the lack of breeding interest between the two.