Re: [Killietalk] atratus

[Scott Davis <unclescott at prodigy_net>]

Wish I could be any help on the atratus Tim. I've a
query on keeping them with those livebearers, which
are legendary as fry eaters. About the only way I was
able to save fry (or even males was to have densely
planted tanks such as you describe and feed the female
Brachyraphis so thoroughly with rinsed, previously
frozen meaty foods and live foods until they waddled. 

Would they take a toll on any atratus fry? As a
(probably too general) rule Rivulus are far more
tolerant of a certain number of fry than those cousins
of the Gambusia.

That's not trying to throw stones. I've certainly
combined  dissimilar fishes for grow out situations in
order to use tank space more "efficiently."

> They are living comfortably with a Brachyraphis sp.
collected on a Panama trip in November.

> OK, I keep livebearers as well. I wonder how many 
killie keepers keep livebearers?

I'll bet most of us cut out teeth on livebearers
before  discovering (often reading about) killies.
Dropped by an ALA convention and knew enough of the
attendees, having met them from killie-related
functions, to feel immediately at home.

There will be a few killie purists who may feel
uncomfortable with that, just as there are a few 
livebearer purists likewise uncomfortable with that.
But there are a lot of similarities in care and
habitats between the two groups. And who do we think
most of the livebearers evolved from? ;)

Bill Allen's "Little Gray Ditch Fish" (sung to the
tune of "Brown Eyed Girl") works just as well for
Rivulus nuts as for wild livebearer enthusiasts.

> I'm working on a new livebearer site on the same
lines as the West African site. Some fantastic photos
coming in along with offers of help. Any help
appreciated.

Have you mentioned your site on the (American)
Livebearer Mailing List? It is a quieter list than
Killietalk. I would think that would generate a bit of
 interest and stir the pot a little.

All the best!
Scott

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