Archocentrus centrarchus (photos)

[Lee Nuttall]

Here are a couple of photos to share from a recent spawn. Initially thought as a failed spawn, only around 20-30 fry were produced from a very large spawn. Hopefully the male does a better job next time?

More can be found on the blog: http://leecichlids.blogspot.co.uk/

[Nuchal Man]

Great shots Lee and congrats on the spawn! I haven't kept this fish in a while and it's one of my favorites. Just got a group of F2 fry from Lago Nicaragua I'm growing out that I'm pretty excited about. Did your's hang the wrigglers at all? That's one of their coolest behaviors in my opinion.

[smitty]

Thanks Lee for the nice photos. I don't know if I ever told you this but you gave the greatest looking black belts.

[Lee Nuttall]

Great shots Lee and congrats on the spawn! I haven't kept this fish in a while and it's one of my favorites. Just got a group of F2 fry from Lago Nicaragua I'm growing out that I'm pretty excited about. Did your's hang the wrigglers at all? That's one of their coolest behaviors in my opinion.

To tell you the truth, I haven't spent that much time observing the pair, except for when I photographed them, so haven't seen this behaviour, shame. Hopefully next time when they have a larger spawn.

[Lee Nuttall]

Thanks Lee for the nice photos. I don't know if I ever told you this but you gave the greatest looking black belts.

No problem smitty, The black belts have turned out nice, perhaps I'll post a thread with a full tank shot with the pair?

[Piotr Koba]

How large are the parents? They are said to be one of the milder Centrals, what's your experience? I thought about them as next species for my 110x40x40cm aquarium, but they seem to be large fish - and thus would look ridiculous in such a tank, regardless of their behaviour.

[Lee Nuttall]

Hi Piotr,

The male in the photo is a little over 5", however some aquarium specimens are reported to grow up to 8", but this would take time. I believe one of our members on the EACG has such a sized fish? Personally I experienced faster than normal growth rates, much faster than other small to medium sized centrals I've kept.

I always believe tank size dictates cichlid aggression, so while they're kept in a 8 ft tank, the trio have displayed very little aggression, except when protecting their spawn, I have no idea on temperament in smaller tanks. I think your size tank would be OK for a young breeding pair, as they become sexually mature from a smaller size. Long term, they would eventually need a larger aquarium.

Lee.

[Piotr Koba]

Many thanks for the info.

[sixar lewis]

i love these! since reading your write up Lee, iv orderd a pair myself and cant wait to get them settled in. i dont spose any of you know of a book that specialises in archocentrus?
i have thomas wiedners south amercan earth eaters book and was hoping there was something similar for these guys

thanks