New to Apistos

I would suggest you have chosen the best starting off point to breeding Apistos with Cacs, they really are about the most hardy and subsequently one of the easiest to breed and rear young.

As you say you've already done some research, I'll not go through the breeding information but will tell you that the tank-bred strains are really not too fussy with water perameters...just avoid extremes and you should be fine.

I will suggest that when you buy your stock if your tank water is appreciably different in either pH or hardness to the water the fish arrive in then pay particular attention to equalising the water differences - being tolerant of higher/lower water readings doesn't mean that tolerance will extend to 'immediate' changes.

As with most South American Dwarf (and other) Cichlids they do not like even the slightest hint of Ammonia or Nitrites and you should be especially vigilant with your water changing to keep the Nitrates and other impurities in check.

That's about all that comes to mind at the moment but if you have any other questions ask away, someone here will be able to point you in the right direction.

Oh yes, one thing I forgot is that for preference a slightly higher temperature is preferred when breeding Cacs (and other Dwarfs) say the low eighties (not sure what that is in 'new money' though) this will also help the eggs hatch a little bit more quickly and give the fry a bit of a 'head start' in life too.

John

Another great reply Derek,
You are right about the Cacs' mouths becoming distorted, all my males seem to develop this deformity at around six months of age. I have been trying to breed out this deformity by selective breeding - but with no success this far. Strange, though, the females' mouths remain perfectly normal!

John