Steatocranus irvinei

[Longstocking]

So, I picked up a few of these fish at the last ECC auction. I now have a pair that are digging pits etc...


At what size can these fish spawn? I know they get quite large so I wasn't expecting digging or anything for quite a while. The male is only 3 inches or so atm.

[Troy]

Hi Sarah,

At their current size, these fish have the capacity to OVERRUN your fishroom with fry.

I had 3 pair that were spawning regularly at that size and at one time had about 300 of these little guys. I let many many spawns go in the tank because I just could not find anyone that wanted them at the rate they were producing.

I use the 2"x6" closed end spawning caves from www.southcentralcichlids.com and they seem to love them. Mine also spawn in just rock caves after they excavate them.

Also, you are nearing the size where they can get MEAN. Both males and females can be pretty rough. My 3 pair were fine in a 125 until they got to be about 4-5" then they got wicked mean.

Peace,
~Troy

[Longstocking]

Thanks Troy I figured they were close to spawning but seeing that I haven't kept too many westies I didn't want to assume.

[Longstocking]

They bred in a 20 gallon :becky: Don't yell at me ;)