View Full Version : Suggestiond for 125g Central American
Rare Cichlids
08-13-2003, 12:47 PM
I recently moved a 125g out of my bedroom and into a place that will get more attention from visitors. The tank has a few fish in it already, but nothing permanent.
At first I was going to try
1 Vieja heterospila - male - 7"
1 Vieja zonata -male- 6",
1 Tomocichla tuba - 4"
3 Astatheros rhytisma - 2 males, 1 female - 3"
But now I'm thinking about going with a single wild caught male Labiatum to raise for show, along with some small and but very aggressive cichlids that can take care of themselves. Maybe some Geophagus stiendachneri, Neets, and Panamensis.
What do you guys think?
DarthV
08-13-2003, 12:51 PM
Why not try a breeding pair of motaguense, festae, managuense or similar large and aggressive fish ? A divider would be a good idea for that as well.
peifc
08-13-2003, 12:59 PM
Why not get something colorful? As mentioned, Vieja usually has great colors.
Personally, I like Vieja bifasciatus, Nandopsis Haitiensis, Beani, and name a few :D
You mentioned to me in the past that you have 40+ CA, so I don't know what you own right now or have owned.
Since DarthV sent ahead of me...now made me wanna question you one thing...are you looking for just CA?
Rare Cichlids
08-13-2003, 1:01 PM
If I devote this tank to a single large fish I'd rather go with a Red Devil. They're just more attractive IMO. Amphilophus seem to do very well at shows, but not Parachromis. Also, a divider is not very attractive for a show tank, and if there wasn't a divider the fish would get beat up.
So...you are talking about more of a community tank? If that's the case, you got more choices. Many of the Geophagus and Gymnogeophagus got great coloration.
Rare Cichlids
08-13-2003, 1:05 PM
I have 4 Bifasciatus, but have never kept Haitiensis or Beani. But that reminds me. I may be getting some wild Beani from friend of mine in Mexico. That may be a good choice.
It really doesn't matter what I have already and what I don't. If I already have the fish then I probably like it and could move it over to this tank. I already have 8 Red Devils (Wild and F1) but wouldn't mind another.
Thanks for the replies.
Rare Cichlids
08-13-2003, 1:07 PM
No, I would be fine with a single Huge killer. But its got to be something I really like. Such as a wild Labiatum or Beani.
125g can give you better and wider choice than most people who have 75g :D
Did you look at cichildscene website? He had the ACA convention pictures up...showing a Beani. Beautiful fish!!
I think Amphilophus, Nandopsis (except for dempseys, salvini...and name a few), and Vieja are great fishes to own. And I think you can have your pick there.
DarthV
08-13-2003, 1:14 PM
Well if you can find a managuense that is as nice to look at as MoJo's Jumbo, then I'd say go for one of those!
Originally posted by DarthV
Well if you can find a managuense that is as nice to look at as MoJo's Jumbo, then I'd say go for one of those!
He said that he doesn't want parachromis.
Did you try out Amphilophus Lyonis? That is one beautiful fish too.
DarthV
08-13-2003, 1:24 PM
Ooops, how about a nice barred midas?
Rare Cichlids
08-13-2003, 1:34 PM
I was at the ACA convention. There were some nice fish there. I've never kept Lyonsi, and don't think I want keep one in this tank, although I may try it in another.
I have a few barred Midas. And might move the largest male to this tank. But I don't know. I have a specific Labiatum that I might move to this tank. He's barred but has mottled pink all over him, like he's in the middle of his color change. But he's a couple years old and has been like this for a while, so its permanent. But I'm not sure if he is in show condition. I think he may have had a couple pectoral rays broken.
I've never seen Barred Labiatum. That is interesting. Is he wild or F1?
Rare Cichlids
08-13-2003, 5:07 PM
The barred Labiatum is F1 and is gorgeous. His coloration is very unique. He's 8"+ and has been consistantly breeding with an F1 yellow Midas for several months.
How about a pair of wild oscars along with some of the smaller fish you already mentioned? Or a couple of syno's and maybe some nice target/dithers.
A couple of pairs of satanopercca.
Yeah read the title genius. Sorry none of my suggestions are from Central America.:rolleyes:
Rare Cichlids
08-13-2003, 5:30 PM
It was still a good suggestion, Scott. Thanks for your time anyways.
Originally posted by Rare Cichlids
The barred Labiatum is F1 and is gorgeous. His coloration is very unique. He's 8"+ and has been consistantly breeding with an F1 yellow Midas for several months.
Ok...I just want to make sure...we are talking about Red Devil (libiatum), right?
If you meant the Barred Midas (cintrinellus), then I have seen it :D
Rare Cichlids
08-13-2003, 9:09 PM
Yes, a barred Red Devil. He is hybridizing with the Midas. I've saved a few, but most are eaten by the male Nicaraguense, Tuba, and Zonatum in their 500g. I could separate this male into the 125g with a female wild Labiatum (orange) and try to breed them and get more barred Labiatum with his patterning.
But I have a few adult barred Citrinellus also.
Wow! That I would love to see...barred labiatum. Sure is very interesting.
Rare Cichlids
08-14-2003, 11:03 AM
Yeah, he's one of my favorite fish and is just starting to take on the bulkier shape of mature Red Devils. Not nearly as high bodied as a Midas, but still a thick fish.
I could also keep Macracanthus in this tank in a community setup. But the Macs I'm getting are very small. So I'm not sure if I want to spend the time growing them out to an impressive size for this showtank.
peifc
08-14-2003, 11:50 AM
Well, sometimes that's the reward we have for growing them to become something else...massive, promising, and beautiful.
I always get mine with they are just 2-3". That way I know how to feed them certain things to make them look great :D
Rare Cichlids
08-14-2003, 10:08 PM
I'll still be getting the Macracanthus, as that fish is simply too rare to pass up. But raising them up in this tank would kind of be a waste, as it will take a couple years for them to really look good, and this is my only "show tank". All my other tanks are either in my bedroom or in the basement.
You definitely have a lot to think about. Since you already think highly of the Barred Labiatum or Beani...go for it :D
Tightdog1
08-15-2003, 5:12 PM
get a pair of jaguars or golden jaguars. or maybe a black nasty and sumthing else.
Originally posted by Tightdog1
get a pair of jaguars or golden jaguars. or maybe a black nasty and sumthing else.
He already said he doesn't want any parachromis.
Rare Cichlids
08-15-2003, 6:21 PM
Thanks for the reply Tightdog, but like I said previously, I'm not really interested in keeping Parachromis in this tank. I may reconsider the Haitiensis, but I doubt it because I'm also keeping some rare and expensive Plecos in this tank, and don't want to risk losing them to the bracish water that Haitiensis requires. And don't worry about the catfish being harassed by the Cichlids. These catfish are extremely large and armoured.
Thanks
PS, thanks for all your suggestions, Peifc.