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I had the odd pairing and subsequent spawning of a male GT and female blue acara. Recently the GT became more & more agressive to his tankmates, and plans were made for a lfs to take him. Unfortunately while doing a major tank cleaning he decided to jump and I didn't find him in time

Now I have what appears to be a lonely, sad acara. She hides and doesn't seem to eat...is this something she's going to get over with time? Because of his agressiveness I had no plans to replace the GT, and I'd rather not get a male acara and go thru the breeding agressiveness. Any thoughts?

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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

I had a pair of Texas that were a mated couple. She was very devoted to him while he was unwell and stuck right by him. When he passed away she did pep up but your gal may require a dither fish.

Maybe without her mate signialling all is fine in the tank (by swimming freely in the mid region) she is timid. Just a thought ????

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~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~

It's odd; large cichlids seem able to discern between certain feelings; a testament to their brilliance. We had a pair of flowerhorns in the store. Though rather aggressive towards one another, they spawned many a time, producing multiple broods of fry. Then, one day, without an explanation, while separated by a divider, the male was found dead for no apparent reason. The female really never did perk up after that, though it is reputed by her new owner that she is currently cleaning the tank with his large male; a spawn is likely to come. A new mate is probably the best option you can provide her with.

Last edited by Cup_of_Lifenoodles at 18-Aug-2005 00:07

Nice story noodley, thx for sharing.

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~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~

Maybe without her mate signialling all is fine in the tank (by swimming freely in the mid region) she is timid. Just a thought ????

I think this is what is happening. Are there any other fish in the tank or is she now left alone. She is probably simply stressed from being the lone fish in the tank when she was used to defending an area with a mate. I think another mate or simply some dither fish would help her out.

I don't believe in the idea of a "mated pair." Sure a pair will form and they will bond to spawn and raise the fry and they probably will continue to spawn again and again. However, they only do this so long as the conditions are right for them to do so. If you move a "mated pair" from one tank to a new one, they may spawn again or they may wind up killing each other.