How many in a harem- Dicrossus filamentosus

[mk_ultra]

I have the opportunity to acquire some Dicrossus filamentosus. I should say save since they are in deplorable conditions.
Any how, I grabbed a pair last night. I have read that they are harem spawners. I really don't care about seeing them spawn(although it would be very nice). I put them in a heavily planted 55 with a pair of Bolovian rams, corydoras and a whiptail. How many more females should I add to keep them safe witht the male?

[tjudy]

:) My experience with this species is that if they are harem spawners, it is not the female's idea... Maybe in a large tank like a 55 a few females will be able to stay away from each other enough to be amiable. I used small tanks (10 and 15 gallons). The dominant female and the male would harass the extra female mercilessly in that small of a space.

If you want to try to start a harem, I would put in five females and let them figure out the right number for you. They will let you now...

[mk_ultra]

Well, then here's another ? for you. Would a ratio of 5:1 in a 55 do better than a pair I saw sticking together (these I grabbed) and putting them in a 10?

[tjudy]

:) I personally think that if you want to spawn them and produce fry, you will have an easier time maintaining the soft, acid water parameters in a 10 gallon than in a 55. How much RO do you have to work with? The eggs like it SOFT..

[mk_ultra]

well, really- i have a large supply of RO if needed. I can get it where I work. Like mentioned before I am not overly concerned with breeding them as I am with keeping them successfully. I would just like them to live as natural (peacably) as possible. I can add anothe male if they equals more harmony.

[tjudy]

:) So long as the water parameters are at least moderately soft and neutral in pH, the fish will thrive and behave normally. Their eggs will probably not develop well though.

[mk_ultra]

I think my water my at least keep them alive:

Temp- 81 deg
PH-6.0
GH-7
KH-3

Weekly water changes. I run a H.O.T Magnum Pro filter.

[tjudy]

Those conditions are actually pretty good. You will not have any problems. The eggs do not develop well at GH 6 / KH 3, but if that is not an issue for you, don't worry about it.

[mk_ultra]

Thanks for the info, ted.

[Bissot_J]

i raised and spawn D. Filamentosa.
but here is my story.

in the begining i have an harem of this fish , 1 male 3 females in 33galons.
nerver get them spawn.

as soon i put ,what i see as a couple, in a 10 gallon tank , i get fry.

so they say the like harem , mine doesn't :)

an other things, the male was not beautiful and big as an other male i have , so i decide to replace him by my beautiful male, nice , healthy and with amazing color.
what a mistake..... the new male almost kill the poor female, i have to use to much effort to save my female.
after the female getting better , i put the original male back , and what happen ?????
they spwn again .......

so one thing i learn , test , the fish will tell you if you are in the wrong way :)

[mk_ultra]

I will give it a shot. my only ten is full of Colombian red fins though.