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A pair of Apisto Tefe Bitaeniet are settling in their new 23.7G home. LFS told me that these are not often in Australia, but I don't know if that's true. Main thing, I think they're very nice. They are juveniles & the male's colour is not fully there yet, but the pic that LFS showed me of an adult male is very nice. The female fairly plain.

I did a google search for info on this fish, but only came up with the other variants of A.Bitaeniet (not the Tefe). Only found conversations on various forums about them, but not really a profile or pic.

Does anyone have any info or pics for this fish? Any advice on them would be appreciated.

They also have 2 otos in the tank with them. I'll also add 6 corys - one of the smaller ones. Apart from that, I'd like just one school of small middle/top level fish. I like harleys, neons, cardinals or rummys. What would work best and what size school do you think for this size tank? Its 23.7G. Any suggestions would for the tank mates would be appreciated.

Thanks for any advice.

Cheers
TW

Little Fish gave me this link http://images.google.com/images?svnum=10&hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=Tefe+Bitaeniata&spell=1 showing pictures of the Tefe Bitaeniet. Thanks LF.

Cheers
TW

You got yourself some nice fish. This species isn't common in the U.S., and judging from what I've seen on Internet forums it is uncommon in Australia too.

This cichlid lives in blackwater areas where the pH is low and dissolved solids and hardness are rock-bottom. However, they will still tolerate water outside of this range. Basically a typical Apistogramma. I don't know if the Tefe region's version of this fish is any different from the above, but I doubt it.

The cardinal and rummynose tetras do fine in the same temperature water as these cichlids (27 degrees), so they are both possible. Just be aware that both species are known to be delicate. Also, many Corydoras like cooler water. Be sure to choose a species that doesn't mind slightly warmer temps if you decide on the catfish.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Oh, thanks sirbooks

LFS told me it was rare, but I guess you never know. I'm pleased to hear he has more than likely told me the right thing.

I didn't know about the temp or blackwater. So, I need to raise my temp to 27 degrees? I have 3 otos in there & profile here says their max is 26 degrees. Will 26 degrees be ok for the apisto? I have ADA soil "Amazonia" in the tank which is said to keep the pH at around 6.5pH & mimic the water of the Amazon. I just tested and it is down to 6.3pH and kH really didn't even register. (You count the drops until colour changes from blue to yellow. The first drop was yellow!!!) So are these parameters ok for this fish.

Do I need to change my water to blackwater & how do I do that? Is that where my water turns yellow? I prefer it not to be yellow, but these fish are very special to me, so if it needs to be blackwater, so be it.

How many cardinals or how many rummy's could I add (not a combination - would rather just the biggest school of one type). One or the other species be more or less likely to be successful at eating eggs/fry?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Cheers
TW

Your water is fine for them already. Again, they are very adaptable fish. I don't think one degree of temperature or a slightly higher pH will throw them off at all.

The rummys would probably be a little better at raiding the cichlids's nests because they are a little larger and faster. I bet the Apistos would still be able to hold them off for the most part though. With the catfish and cichlids in there, I would suggest no more than eight of either tetra species. If you are going to try breeding the Apistos, the baby fish will also take up space once you get that far.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Thanks sirbooks

Is it a definite that I can't have harley rasboras in the tank, with a temp of 26degrees? It's one degree above what their profile here says they like. They're my fav. little schooling fish - but don't want to cook them. The other thing is, that due to Sydney's hot summer, all my tanks are likely to hit between 27-29 (as they did just this summer past).

If not harleys, then I guess it's the cardinals - but what do you think, could the harleys be OK?

Not sure if corys will be added or not - only if I can find small ones (don't like big ones) that like the temp. I'll look into their profiles.

Thanks for responses so far & any further advice re the harleys.

Cheers
TW

Very nice looking fish. I have found a LFS not too far from me with some baby Tripple Red's. That I might have to get my hands on. If not them I am going to have to try something else.

Best wishes!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

I don't know much about the rasboras, I'm not a big fan of them. They're a tough enough species that I would think it'd be okay, but I'm really not sure. Maybe check with some other folks who deal with a hot summer/winter like yours.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

First I'd like to say congrats, those are gorgeous fish

I don't remember cories being mention in the recent threads about apistos. Is there a chance they'd eat or attempt to eat eggs?

As far as mid-level tankmates I think I'd personally choose something simple so that the apistos would stand out. If they're anything like the photos you have some beautiful fish!

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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

Thanks Theresa,

I really love these fish, so thanks for the compliment. I'm not going to bother with corys at all now. I think they'll all get too big & by the time you get a school, I think that the bottom will be too busy for the apistos - so I was already thinking like you - not a good idea if I'd like eggs to survive.

So far, these apisto's are much shyer than my others and, as expected, they stay on the bottom. I do want them to be the dominant fish in the tank, so the male shows best colours, but also would like something to look at in the upper water level.

What schooler did you choose to go with your apistos? What would you suggest? I'd like to get them this coming Saturday. I'd be interested in your suggestions.

Cheers
TW

These guys have eggs now too. Again, like my other apistos, the eggs have been laid on the underneath of some driftwood. Wish me luck.

EDIT - what about Golden Tetras as tank mates?

Cheers
TW

I don't see a problem with them. Gold tetras are pretty cool fish, and peaceful too. They shouldn't bother the Apistos, though they may take a swipe or two at any fry that are out in the open. Any fish with a chance will do that.

Good job on the eggs from these guys.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."