Atipa

Reproduction begins with the rainy season (December-January). The male, at times helped by the female, builds a nest made of a cluster of mucus bubbles and vegetal matter. Responding to a nuptial parade, the female lays down her eggs (5,000 to 20,000, measuring1.8 mm in diameter) which are fertilized by sprinkling sperm previously collected in her mouth. The male guards the eggs during incubation and becomes very aggressive (Ref. 35381).

Inhabits swamps (Ref. 11225). During the rainy season, adults consume a great quantity of chironomids associated with detritus. During the dry season, they feed mostly on terrestrial insects, microcrustaceans, aquatic Diptera, and detritus. Absorbs a great quantity of anaerobic bacteria from the substrate (Ref. 27188).

Inhabits swamps (Ref. 11225). During the rainy season, adults consume a great quantity of chironomids associated with detritus. During the dry season, they feed mostly on terrestrial insects, micro-crustaceans, aquatic Diptera, and detritus. Absorbs a great quantity of anaerobic bacteria from the substrate (Ref. 27188). First reproduction occurs after one year (Ref. 35381). Used to be cultured commercially in Guyana (Ref. 7306). Cultured in Trinidad on a semi-commercial scale (Ref. 11225).

fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial