I've had 2 groups. I started with 12 in September last year and gradually lost one by one till I only had 1 female left. The breeder I got them from needed her back so I gave her back. In return, he gave me 12 more very young fry. The biggest was about 3/4". So far this group is doing much better.
I had a hard time getting them to eat as well. Of my first batch, I had 2 pairs form and spawn very quickly. Shortly after that, they started going downhill. I tried many different flake food, pellets, frozen foods. The only think they would eat was frozen brine shrimp.
My current batch are eating fine. At first, all I could get them to eat was HBH Flake Frenzy Cichlid flakes. They now will eat almost anything I offer. They don't seem to like any of the Omega One flakes I've tried.
Water quality must be very good. I was told by the breeder that he does 20% weekly water change. Anymore or any less causes problems.
I am also just using a sponge filter this time. I think the HOB filter I was using before created too much current for them. Not 100% sure but they seem to prefer the sponge setup.
They are very cool fish. I really hope I can get them breeding. They are still quite rare up here too. I have seen some on Aquabid. They will be cheaper than Rapps.
http://www.aquabid.com/cgi-bin/auction/ ... 1212162196
http://www.aquabid.com/cgi-bin/auction/ ... 1212197344
Here is a link to my pics. These are all the first group I had.
http://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f223/ ... anoluteus/