Xenotilapia sp. "papilio sunflower" question

[Changongo]

Hi all,
I would like to know how X. sp. "papilio sunflower" behaves as group in aquarium. I had a F0 couple years ago and they spawned regularly, and behave as described in the wild, that is, as a well bonded pair.

Many thanks

[Thomas Andersen]

I´ve always found them to be rather aggressive when kept in groups ending up with one dominant couple that chase and harass the others.

I think it was Eric Genevelle who wrote in a Cichild News article, that he observed sunflower couples claiming a feeding/breeding territory of no less than 40 square meters - no wonder they can be so aggressive in the aquarium!

All the best,

Thomas

[Clayn]

My experience with them falls in line with the what Thomas said. I started with a group of six and ended up with a pair and one odd male. The odd male is harassed but does keep the pairs bond strong.

Thomas...Your comment about the size of their territory in the lake is very interesting. I can believe that because in my experience they chase the others to death. I have no idea why the pair allows the one odd male to remain in my tank?

[Changongo]

Many thanks Thomas & Clayn.
I have the chance to get a group of young adults and due the difficulty of sex them, I guess I will get 5 or 6 and let them pair off. Have you observed any other sexual difference at this stage?

Best wishes

[Thomas Andersen]

Clay, I have the exact same situation in my tank right now with my Sunflowers from Chituta. A steady couple and a single male that get chased quite a bit. I´ve actually considered removing it, but as you also mentioned, it´s good for the bonding between the couple to have a target for their aggression.


Changongo, sounds like a good plan, they are nearly impossible to sex at a young age

All the best,

Thomas

[karel]

Hello, Changongo, Clayn and Thomas, I had 4 Tembwe II half year ago. As mentioned above, I remain 2 now, and they behave as a couple. A few days ago, I added one from Isanga, the male Tembwe became very crazy, chased the Isanga, also the female Tembwe. I finally removed it to other tank. I try to post the photos and share to you all.

[karel]

Hello, friends, I typed the wrong name, the new one is from Kantalamba, not from Isanga, so sorry.

Here's my album from a Hong Kong website, so excuse for the poor quality. Anyway, hope you all like.

Tembwe II
http://hkfishstreet.com/gallery/display ... 228&pos=97

http://hkfishstreet.com/gallery/display ... 228&pos=98

Kantalamba
http://hkfishstreet.com/gallery/display ... 228&pos=77

http://hkfishstreet.com/gallery/display ... 228&pos=78

[Thomas Andersen]

Nice fishes you got there, Karel

Here is one of my Sunflowers from Chituta:

[karel]

Thank you, Thomas. Your fishes are quite beautiful too.