View Full Version : Got me a new fish today!!!!
jdheff1982
08-30-2003, 6:25 PM
I know I picked a cichlid that could potentially get too big for my tank, but that will be way down the road and I should have a bigger tank by then anywho. I bought me a 4" Texas Cichlid. He/She is doing great and currently is the only fish in the tank. Probably will be too. Trying to decide if a pleco will be too much fish or not. Anywho just thought I let you all know.
BTW, he is finding all of the unwelcomed snails in my tank and eating them!! :D
He does have a little damage to him like nipped fins and battle scars, but those should heal over time.
I'll post picks when I can. Chow!!
stoopid
08-30-2003, 9:54 PM
The pleco shouldn't matter, cichlids only attack other cichlids or like fish for territorial reasons, or eat fish small enough to be seen as food. My pleco's common and only 2.5 inches and is fine with my 4" cichlids in a similar sized tank.
blitzen25bm
08-30-2003, 10:09 PM
you can put a raphel catfish, i dont think they get as big as plecos and they are well armored.
peifc
08-31-2003, 12:10 AM
Originally posted by blitzen25bm
you can put a raphel catfish, i dont think they get as big as plecos and they are well armored.
I would put that idea off. The tank is too small for another fish. With Texas Cichld that can get 10" or more when fully grown...nah huh...bad idea to try to add another fish.
ChilDawg
08-31-2003, 12:20 AM
Originally posted by silver_shark
Chow!!
I think that the actual Italian term is Ciao, but, given Herichthys cyanoguttatum's propensity to eat and grow with reckless abandon, "Chow!!" might be appropo! :)
In concurrence with the others and in the hopes of actually doing something important with this post, I wouldn't put anything else with it nor would I advise you to do so...
Tightdog1
08-31-2003, 12:22 AM
I would put that idea off. The tank is too small for another fish. With Texas Cichld that can get 10" or more when fully grown...nah huh...bad idea to try to add another fish.
i think he was trying to say put in the raphel catfish instead on the pleco bkuz it would not make sense to put a raphel in the tank if there is a pleco. the raphel would be a good idea tho if you take out the pleco bkuz they produce a lot less waete than plecos do, common pleco, if thats what you have, are eating anf pooping machines.
jdheff1982
08-31-2003, 8:12 AM
I am gonna need something to clean up after my tex. I fed him some pellet food yesterday and he barely touched it. They place I got him from said that they fed him frozen food. I had hoped he would like pellets, but guess not. I did have a pair of clown plecos at one point which did an awesome job on keeping to tank clean. They only get up to 5" max. I had talking raphaels at one point too and did nothing to keep the tank clean.
You guys don't think the tex could get to max size within the year, do you? If not, then why not add a scavenger. I have some good hiding spots in the tank.
Thanks!
peifc
08-31-2003, 10:11 AM
:confused: Clown Loach should get bigger than 5".
Anyway, do you have python to clean the tank? If you don't, get one.
If your texas cichlid doesn't eat right now...that's ok. Don't feed him for...like one or 2 days. Then you drop a few pellets in there. He will be hungry enough to eat.
My GT didn't like pellets either, or any fish food when I just got him. I didn't feed him for a day. When I dropped the pellets in, he took it happily.
Also, you want to feed your fish all kinds of diet. You can even make home made fish food. Or give him big worm. None of my fishes are picky. They eat whatever I drop in the tank. Heck! They even ate some banana at one point. They love carrot the most.
Another reason that your texas cichlid isn't eating because he is still trying to adjust to the new environment. When I first got my Carpinte, he was so shy that he hid in one corner for 2 days. When it was meal time, he suddenly appeared in front and top of the tank waiting for food.
Good luck.
dbcb314
08-31-2003, 10:41 AM
Originally posted by stoopid
The pleco shouldn't matter, cichlids only attack other cichlids or like fish for territorial reasons, or eat fish small enough to be seen as food. My pleco's common and only 2.5 inches and is fine with my 4" cichlids in a similar sized tank.
my red devil killed my pleco and its sorta the same situation as his texas. big fish in little tank...
ChilDawg
08-31-2003, 10:51 AM
Originally posted by silver_shark
You guys don't think the tex could get to max size within the year, do you?
I think it's a distinct possibility...I don't know their growth rate off the top of my head but I'm sure it is enough that they can attain 6-8" in a year.
peifc, he said Clown Pleco not Clown Loach. You'd be right in asserting that the Loaches can attain lengths over 5", though, as 10" to a foot is not uncommon.
ChilDawg
08-31-2003, 10:52 AM
Originally posted by stoopid
The pleco shouldn't matter, cichlids only attack other cichlids or like fish for territorial reasons, or eat fish small enough to be seen as food. My pleco's common and only 2.5 inches and is fine with my 4" cichlids in a similar sized tank.
What sort of Cichlids? It seems that the nastier ones will kill almost anything, as dbcb314 has learned and shared. I don't doubt that an angry Texas in a small tank will dispatch a Pleco.
No matter what you put in that tank the tank is too small for a full grown texas. I don't know how quickly they grow but eventually you will need a larger tank. While the fish is small you can put any small pleco in the tank and it will be ok but you will need a larger tank sooner if you have 2 fish in there. Most cichlids will ignore noncichlids, of course there are exceptions and not all cichlids have the murderous nature of a red devil (don't get me wrong RD fans I find that nature to be part of their attraction).
peifc
08-31-2003, 12:18 PM
Originally posted by ChilDawg
I think it's a distinct possibility...I don't know their growth rate off the top of my head but I'm sure it is enough that they can attain 6-8" in a year.
peifc, he said Clown Pleco not Clown Loach. You'd be right in asserting that the Loaches can attain lengths over 5", though, as 10" to a foot is not uncommon.
:D Ooops...my mistake...just woke up...didn't read it right
Chil is correct regarding growth. Also have to remember, you have a 4" texas cichlid. Within a year, that fish sure can get to 8" if the fish has been provided good home.
jdheff1982
08-31-2003, 2:48 PM
Well, I gonna go ahead and keep the tex. I bought a pleco to go with him. I also bought frozen blood worms. That pulled him out of his hole quick! I know you guys are trying to help and all, but if and when the tex does get too big for the tank and I haven't bought a new one yet, I'll have to trade him off for another. Simple as that. I don't want to have to go thaty route, but I will if need be.
Besides, this guy is pretty tame. He was very angry after introducing him to the tank, but he has quieted down very well.
As far as the pleco is concerned, I think it will be fine for now.
ChilDawg
08-31-2003, 2:56 PM
I would be cautious as they get aggressive as they get older, but if you are set on the combo, I guess we can't say much else. It will work for a while, but I would be prepared for a Pleco death and/or the need for a new tank. If it does work, I guess that you can tell us a thing or two about the individual personalities of fish...and I hope that you are able to tell us that! :)
ChilDawg
08-31-2003, 2:57 PM
Do not overfeed bloodworms because they'll make your Texas a little too fat...if you can get it onto Cichlid pellets, that will be best for your fish.
jdheff1982
08-31-2003, 4:20 PM
Childawg: I started the tex on Hikari Cichlid Complete and he barely touched. He would take in a few, but that's it. I fed him one cube of blood worms and he had that down in no time flat!! The associate at the LFS gave me a sample of HBH Spirulina sinking pellets and told me they feed their fish this too. They seem to have more of an order than the Hikari. I haven't tried him on this yet, but prolly will tonight. Also, would feeding one cube of blood worms a day be too much or should I go a couple of days in between?? Thanks!!
The pleco I bought, I am unsure as to what species it is. They had it labeled as a sailfin, but the markings are different. I wish I could get a picture up.
Ciao!
ChilDawg
08-31-2003, 4:25 PM
I'm almost inclined to suggest rubbing the normal food in bloodworms if you can't induce feeding on it...I'm going to recommend not using the bloodworms for a bit as the Tex will probably take pellets if given the chance to do so and not given any other, more tasty, treats.
There are a whole series of sailfin plecos, so I would check out the "Cat-elog" at www.planetcatfish.com with an eye on the fish in the family Loricariidae.
ChilDawg
08-31-2003, 4:26 PM
Give the Tex a while before rubbing the worms on the pellets...I can almost guarantee that a healthy fish (which yours seems to be based upon description) will eventually take what's given...if she doesn't take them within a week, try rubbing the worms on pellets, and maybe revert to bloodworms as a once-every-other-day food.
jdheff1982
08-31-2003, 7:46 PM
I tried him on the HBH earlier and he reacted well, but spent along time on one piece then spat it out. Do you think I should soak them first then drop them in??? Thanks a million!
Try to cut down on the bloodworm. If you really want your fish to start eating pellets, try not to feed your fish for a day or 2. Then drop in a few pellets. The fish will eventually start eating. Even the fish has started to eat, don't give any bloodworm for a while until the fish rely on his/her main diet (pellets, sticks, home made fish food, or flakes). Give your fish his/her favorite food as treat.
Your Cichlid is calmed right now because he is still in a pretty new environment. Once the fish has started to get used to the tank, yeah...the personality will show. My biggest Carpinte is only 2" (got him when he was only an 1" big), he has already started to attack the siphon and his own image on the glass. When he joins the other tank, I doubt my GT, JD, and Con will stand a chance with him. He is one mean little bugger.
ChilDawg
09-01-2003, 8:08 AM
I would suggest soaking the food first...I think that stuff expands a ton in water, and you don't want that expansion happening in your Tex's stomach.
jdheff1982
09-01-2003, 8:05 PM
I haven't fed my tex at all today. He did try to eat the algae wafer I stuck in for the pleco. He is showing more personality than before. I caught and watched him/her spit sand out of a cave, relocating sand, and digging large valleys. Very fun to watch!! I hope I can expect more of this. He/she seems a little upset that I haven't fed it either. Oh well, gotta start somewhere with the pellets!
The tex and pleco seem to get along just fine for now. I caught them both grazing in the same spot w/o probs. Still wish I could post picks!!! C-ya later!
:D :cool: :)
Yes do post pics of your texas soon, I am in the process of getting a male texas to house in a 75g (by himself) and have grown a rather high interest in them lately.
ChilDawg
09-02-2003, 6:58 AM
That's good to hear, silver_shark! I'm happy to see that your fish is getting back its "get-up-and-go"! It'll be taking pellets before you know it...:)
I believe most cichlids are like that. If you don't feed them on schedule, they look like they are pissed off that you have ignored them. My GT and JD definitely showed me their temper when I forgot to feed them their dinner :D
In fact, right now they are ignoring me because I haven't fed them their daily home made fish food but pellets. Spoiled brats they are :D
This is the fun part of owning cichlids. They all have their little personality.
And I'm glad to hear your Texas Cichlid has started to show his/her temper. This is great fish to keep if you don't want a fish that is too aggressive like Red Devil, Midas, or any of the parachromis.
optix
09-02-2003, 10:29 AM
Originally posted by peifc
And I'm glad to hear your Texas Cichlid has started to show his/her temper. This is great fish to keep if you don't want a fish that is too aggressive like Red Devil, Midas, or any of the parachromis.
Texas' aren't exactly pushovers either. There have been female texas that are the dominant fish in tanks with festaes, trimacs, jags and midas. Ask Chris (cichlidscene). They are just like salvini. You think they are mild and then over night a dominant fish or a fish twice their size comes up missing. Not that texas are looked at as mild, but I still think they are underestimated. About like jack's are over estimated.
peifc
09-02-2003, 11:51 AM
Originally posted by optix
Texas' aren't exactly pushovers either. There have been female texas that are the dominant fish in tanks with festaes, trimacs, jags and midas. Ask Chris (cichlidscene). They are just like salvini. You think they are mild and then over night a dominant fish or a fish twice their size comes up missing. Not that texas are looked at as mild, but I still think they are underestimated. About like jack's are over estimated.
Well, now, I'm not saying they aren't aggressive. I have a few. I know :D, but they aren't crazy kind like Jag. Sure, they will charge when they feel threaten. My Juvi already is doing that. And that little bugger has been attacking the siphon like it was his last enermy. IMO, I think it has a lot to do with the size of the tank that make them more or less aggressive. Or what fish is in the tank that make them aggressive. We all know that big fish like that...when in the smaller tank with another mate...it is inviting trouble. The fact that my Juvi is aggressive now because there are 3 more Juvi Escondidos living with him. He feels threaten by their present...like over food, space (even though they have plenty), and tested who is the strongest. Definitely Texas Cichlid can hold their own ground, but they are also good pets solo in the tank. They are also great tank mate if the tank is big enough to house the Texas and another aggressive cichlid.
optix
09-02-2003, 12:15 PM
Aggression is based solely on space for the most part. Any fishes aggression will be depleted significantly given the proper amount of space to live in. It really doesn't have much to do with what is living in those tight quarters. Once there is a dominant fish in the tank with enough room to spare, they will live peacefully. If the tank is too small it doesn't matter what is in there, the dominant fish of the tank will destroy every thing else with it. Give a few more feet of space and those same fish will live with decent serenity. Now this is based on fish that are actually considered aggressive and territorial. Most fish can live in a puddle and not fight, but the ones that are actually aggressive by nature and persue territory, they are the ones I just spoke of. Even a monster dovii can live in peace with other specimens given proper houseing space.
peifc
09-02-2003, 12:39 PM
I think my 2" Escondido will tell you differently. He just doesn't like to compete with food, space, and aggression with another Escondido. My 2" Escondido has been terrorizing other Escondidos but never other cichlids. However, he does bite if he's being pushed. My biggest Blue Dempsey pushed him...heck, he got his azz bit (BD never pushed him again). My nosey Blood Parrot pushed him, he got his azz bit too (Yeup, BP stopped pushing him too). My Escondido has plenty of space. He is just selfish and nosey. :D AND...he doesn't like to be bothered. Also, other fishes in that tank is bigger than him. He doesn't pick on the bigger fishes, but same or smaller sizes of fish.
In fact, his color has changed since I put the rest of the Escondidos in the tank. He definitely felt threaten. It is like...he is fighting for his spotlight right now. :D
However, if you are talking about parachromis...well, that's different story.
optix
09-02-2003, 12:49 PM
To me that is still living peacefully for an aggressive fish. You will always have bickering now and then and an occassional chase. Im talking downright death threatening motives. fights till the other dies type of thing. That is what would happen with full grown aggressive fish in to small of a tank. Doesn't matter what species is in there. If its too small and the fish don't like it, somebodys getting hurt. Doesn't matter if its a trimac or gourami. How large is your tank?? Anything under 125g with 4 fully mature escondidos is asking for trouble with more than just the carpinte. Anything in that tank will be in for it.
EDIT:: or are you just growing them out and keeping the one(s) you like???
Well, now...if you meant down right dirty fight...that I agreed with you.
They are in 72g tank right now...growing and beefing up before they can join the other fish who is 3" and 4" big. If I put them in there now...they will get eaten. :D
Right now I have to look for a 55g/75g tank to get ready for any fish, like my JD or GT to escape when my Escondidos get way too aggressive with them (which will happen). Soon, I'll use that 90g tank as breeding tank for them only.