Uaru questions

[mykidsmylife]

I posted a similar question to the cichlid forum not too long ago and never got a response so I thought I would try it here.

I was growing out some fish for a friend in my 75 gallon. Well....I still have his Uaru in my tank and I REALLY love this guy. He is more than willing to let me keep him if I really want to so here is the questions- tank size and compatability.

Right now he is around 6 inches and is in my tank with two blood parrots, 5 rainbowfish, an albino bushy nose pleco and a peppermint pleco...oh and 4 emperor tetras. Could he live comfortably in this set up? I have done a lot of research that says they are relatively peaceful and grow up to 10 inches. I really want to keep him but I also want what is best for him. He really is the sweetest thing and is bossed around by a blood parrot who is much smaller than him. He (I named him Gremlin by the way) will even eat from my fingers.

Give me honest opinions on this please. I love him, but I don't want to keep him if it's an inappropriate environment for him.

 

[RTR]

http://www.uaru-forum.com/

The above may help, but i have not reviewed the quality of info on the site.

For me, the 75 with those fish is a poor home for the Uaru. Would you keep a Discus there? They are similar of nature. Large fish, but very gentle.

 

[mykidsmylife]

Very good point RTR and thank you for the response. I have never seen any mention on this forum on uaru's and wasn't sure why? I understand completely what you are saying and I want what is best for him. He is indeed an incredibly gentle fish. I am attached to him but above all I want him to have the best quality of life. Frequent water changes are not a problem for me at all (I am OCD and get a bit obsessive about things) but I was worried about tank size. I am getting a 120 gallon come March but I don't want to stunt him or harm him until then.
I value your advice and really appreciate your response. I will heed your advice and send him to his new home knowing it is healthiest for him. Thank you.

 

[RTR]

Uarus are really cool fish without much following as they are large and demanding and lack bright colors (they happen to be gorgeous IMHO, but not flashy like hybrid Discus). They also eat plants, which is a big disadvantage for me. But I have and would handled them much as you would somewhere between a Discus and and an Oscar - lots of space, careful feeding, and the best possible water quality. They are rewarding fish IMHO and adults are definitely shopieces in a not-too-bright large tank.