T. abei at LFS

[irene]

The LFS appears to have a bunch of T. abei. They did not know what they were and are keeping them in light brackish conditions. They look quite thin too. I'd like to get a few for my heavily planted 55g, how many would be too many? 3? 4? They would be the only occupants. And also, how can I transition to FW after being kept in brackish? I am pretty sure they are T abei, but if I was wrong I'd be willing to set up a brackish tank for them. I'll post pictures after I get them.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Irene

[Hilly]

They are extremely aggressive to one another, there is a possibility that it will become carnage once they gt a little bigger and try to establish territory. I would be inclined to put 3 in a 55g but if you cant seperate them if it kicks off then get 1 in a smaller tank.

[irene]

Ok, so would 1 be ok on a 20g long? I could do that and then move my 2 SAP to the 55g.

Irene

[Hilly]

Should be fine in a 20 long. I had mine in an 18g for a year then moved him up to a 26g.

Time for more SAPs then.

[irene]

So I decided to go with 2 abei's in my 55g. I figured SAP's are available often but it's pretty unlikely I'll see abei's for sale again. I'll take some pics for a positive ID once they've settled down a bit.

Irene

[irene]

They are doing great so far, they have colored up beautifully and are eating well. So far they are not showing aggression to each other, but they are not full grown yet either. I'm sooo tempted to go and get a third but 2 is probably enough in that tank.

Irene

[crazedpuffer]

Don't get a 3rd. If these two are fine together you wouldn't want to ruin the balance.

[Hilly]

You have a long road ahead its very early days in terms of aggression. Be vigilant with keeping an eye on them. Good luck.

[Pufferpunk]

Most of their carnage happens overnight. Be sure you have tons of decor in there, with lots of broken lines of sight & territories for them.

[Rocker]

This is certainly one species I would not keep together. All the aggression of a Fahaka IMO. Woland had troubles with his two and one eventually died. Tyson and Holyfield if I remember correct.

[irene]

Here are a few pics:

I didn't get a third, the 2 seem pretty happy together, for now. The tank is pretty heavily planted, and I will watch them. I hope they continue to get along ok, I really like them! Maybe someone could give me a positive ID?

Irene

[Hilly]

They look like Abei to me.

[groovitudedude]

LOL everybody keeps saying the word "Territory", and I keep on having this weird idea that what if the Halo announcer dude announced something in an aquarium? He'd be all like "Territory controlled" and stuff!

Yeah, I'm crazy.