[gmoses]

I saw these guys in my lfs show tank... i like them but not finding to much specific information on them. I did some reading and hearing mixed results... First of all what is their general care? high or low ph? i read some people said they keep them with fish and shrimp no problem and others say they are terrors... Is this just one of those cases where is is personality of your cpo or is it about giving them the right environment?
how big do they get? what is a fair price and are they hardy (can i buy from a lfs or should i worry about quality)
Thanks

 

[ravensgate]

Ok, fair price is about $8-10 a piece IMO. pH ranges I've read are from 6.8-8.0 I haven't even tested the pH in my tank. I have 5 in a 10 gallon. You have to have LOTS of hiding spaces or they will fight and can maim or kill each other, especially after molting when they are soft. They aren't as aggressive as other species I've read about. I've only seen about 3 real good fights in my tank but no injuries yet (they are still growing). I think max size is about 2 inches. As far as fish I've hear varying reports. I put a female betta in with them but she tried to hunt them and they started hiding all the time. Though they did get some licks in on her fins while she was sleeping apparently. I took her out after about 3 days so they could come out again. Some folks keep them with shrimp, I haven't personally tried this yet. I've got 2 caves for each CPO plus a couple extra hiding spaces. They are way cute and super fun to watch. Their fights never make me think 'Oh no I have to break this up!' Most of it is silly pillow fight with claws type stuff. I've only had mine a little over a month and I'm still learning about them myself.

 

[gmoses]

is it easy to breed or even sex these guys?

 

[ravensgate]

You can sex them a couple of ways, something about a V shape on the belly (males) and their little swimmerretts being more flexible (females). As far as breeding mine aren't breeding yet so can't tell ya personally there. The mothers eat their young so without enough hiding places or LOTS of moss, survivability will be slim.

 

[gmoses]

are they all orange? as some seem redder or not as bright orange...