Theraps lentiginosum - Sexual Maturity

[Rick Thibert]

I have a young group of Theraps lentiginosum F1, Rio Corzo. Which I've had for a year or so now. They are SO slow growing. In a 400 liter tank, 10 of them with some livebearers. Lots of regular feeds and good water changes........... but still slow growing, I suspect this is the norm.

However, does anyone have any experience with how young or small T. lentiginosum are when spawning. Some will say, sexual maturity is age and not size related, but I was still suprised to see a pair guarding a nest..........

I have other videos, but they are worse than this one. Pardon the dirty glass please.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srqrou1UqQg

Rick

[Rick Thibert]

Does anyone have any input on the matter??

I was just wondering if the pair having gone clear white and jet black stripes and defending a nest could possibly be sexually mature at this size. It seems obvious that they are, but I left them to it and never saw any eggs or fry.

Rick