Auchenipterichthys coracoideus breeding!!

[nvcichlids]

I have been watching these guys closely, to ensure perfect health (or the best that I can give them.) I added some breeding caves for the L129 plecos, but the

Auchenipterichthys coracoideus

have taken to one of them. They both had breeding tubes down and there is now always one within the cave if not both. I am 90% sure I have eggs, although I have not had a chance to see them seeing there is always one guarding/fanning. They both share the cave during the day and take shifts out to eat at night. Does this behavior reflect how the breed? I will try to post pics on Sunday.

[Marc van Arc]

Does this behavior reflect how the breed?

Not ime. These have internal fertilization and - like all other known auchenipterids - the males are not known to guard the eggs. Moreover, in only very few species the female guards the eggs. Most of the time the - already fertilized - eggs are laid in clutches which are protected by some kind of jelly and remain unharmed until they hatch - provided the tank doesn't contain larger predators for these will eat the eggs.
I've seen my Zamora ladies lay eggs a couple of times. The clutches were relatively small and deposited thoughout the tank in plain sight. My Exodons were having the day of their life because as soon as the eggs were dropped they were eaten by the characins. On another occasion exactly the same thing happened, although I hadn't expected that from a relatively peaceful species like Gymnocorymbus bondi.

However, maybe your fishes behave differently and you do indeed have eggs. We'll soon find out

[nvcichlids]

I will be watching to see if I can get a picture to verify anything.

[nvcichlids]

Only picture I could get. They will not leave eachother's side.

[Marc van Arc]

They probably just share their hide out. It's not uncommon in Auchenipteridae to do so.

[nvcichlids]

They probably just share their hide out. It's not uncommon in Auchenipteridae to do so.

Thanks, I did however notice that when the L129's went to move back into their cave, that they "kicked out" some eggs (which could only have been from teh Auchenipteridaes). They were then eaten rather quickly by the rest of the tank inhabitants (trilineatus corys, and the other L129 (left out female)) Will get pics the next time I see eggs though!

[nvcichlids]

I saw a breeding tube on the female down again last night, but actually witnessed her laying eggs on various plants. they were small and clear, and I couldn't get a focus with my camera. If they are still there tomorrow, I will get pics. I am excited, cannot wait to see little ones scurrying around.