Hi all.
First real post but have been lurking and really enjoying all the posts and information as I start thinking about my bigger tank that I will purchase this summer.
In another post there was some discussion about this fish and I thought I would love to get other ideas, thoughts and experience. (PS also very new to fish keeping and committed to the SA/CAs)
So based on recommendations from others I got 5 wild caught (Columbia) cupid cichlids for my 60 gallon (others rotkeil sev, pair angels, 7 congo tetras, bn). Of the 5, which looked identical at Christmas, two quickly became emaciated. I treated for internal parasites but since then there are no symptoms in the tank and these two continue to be active, pooping well and eating well. I'm guessing with wild caught, that weak individuals would be likely and that these two may just be destined for short lives. Thoughts?
Of the 5, based on the blue striping on the lower gill plate, I have all males. I read that this is common as the females are lower in the water column in the wild so do not get caught up in the fishermen nets. I also read that the female markings (spots instead of striping) does not show until they are two years old. Anyone have experience with this?
For now my 5 are bold and not skittish. One is a bit secretive, the 2 that have sunken bellies are active and then I have two that have grown splendidly and are showing colors and spar a bit with each other. I have some chasing in the group but no serious aggression and I have never seen them bug another fish in the tank.
They sift sand and spend most of their time in the lower 1/3 of the tank except at feeding time when they are front and center at the top of the tank, especially the two sunken belly guys.
Love any comments and thoughts on this species.
I'll try for some new photos tonight.
First real post but have been lurking and really enjoying all the posts and information as I start thinking about my bigger tank that I will purchase this summer.
In another post there was some discussion about this fish and I thought I would love to get other ideas, thoughts and experience. (PS also very new to fish keeping and committed to the SA/CAs)
So based on recommendations from others I got 5 wild caught (Columbia) cupid cichlids for my 60 gallon (others rotkeil sev, pair angels, 7 congo tetras, bn). Of the 5, which looked identical at Christmas, two quickly became emaciated. I treated for internal parasites but since then there are no symptoms in the tank and these two continue to be active, pooping well and eating well. I'm guessing with wild caught, that weak individuals would be likely and that these two may just be destined for short lives. Thoughts?
Of the 5, based on the blue striping on the lower gill plate, I have all males. I read that this is common as the females are lower in the water column in the wild so do not get caught up in the fishermen nets. I also read that the female markings (spots instead of striping) does not show until they are two years old. Anyone have experience with this?
For now my 5 are bold and not skittish. One is a bit secretive, the 2 that have sunken bellies are active and then I have two that have grown splendidly and are showing colors and spar a bit with each other. I have some chasing in the group but no serious aggression and I have never seen them bug another fish in the tank.
They sift sand and spend most of their time in the lower 1/3 of the tank except at feeding time when they are front and center at the top of the tank, especially the two sunken belly guys.
Love any comments and thoughts on this species.
I'll try for some new photos tonight.
