Altolamprologus breeding sites?

Q&A About Lake Tanganyika Cichlids

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ViTxLz
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Joined: Fri Jan 03, 2014 8:36 pm

Altolamprologus breeding sites?

Post by ViTxLz »

Hey Pam,

What are some good spawning sites for altos? I know shells are commonly used but I've heard of altos being trapped in them so if I use shells do you have a kind to use?

Thanks in advance,
Sean
Pam Chin
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Re: Altolamprologus breeding sites?

Post by Pam Chin »

Hi Vit,

Altolamprologus are too large for the shells you would typically use for "shell dwellers." In the wild they do not utilize shells, and are found spawning in cracks and crevices formed on the rocks. These areas are extremely narrow, and when the female is protecting the eggs and larvae she protects them by wedging her self over them in these crevices. Its is quite fascinating.

Aquarist have found that they love larger shells in the aquarium, but the biggest down side to that is when they get stuck. And they do, often when startled they will dive in so hard and so far inside the shell they can't back out. So if you do decide to go with shells be sure its larger then your fist or even larger.

Hobbyists have addressed this issue with spawning caves, which many will also take too. One of the new items they have come up with is what they call a "toaster", to 4 - 5 inches high, 4- 5 inches deep, very narrow caves.

Here is an example;
http://www.plecocaves.com/Caves.htm/spe ... caves.html

There are several places that sell these, I see they make singles too, I would still get two and put them together. Place these types of caves between two rocks and that works well. Google spawning caves and you might find someone close to you, or you can mail order.

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