Cichlids and old age

[rich_one]

You know, I have to say, I do think I see the curved back kinda thing. But to me, it seems a bit more pronounced in the 2nd photo, and not so much the others. Wasn't sure if it was maybe just that specific pic.

Sorry you sold your other one, man. Females are awfully hard to come by. At least, they have been for me. I've been trying to get one since January, and finally closed a deal on one earlier this week! Also about 8", I believe! Now I just gotta hope she'll get along with my lyonsi, vontehillo and oscar!

-Rich

 

[aclockworkorange]

On the color thing, I think she's washed out from the bare bottom tank and I don't doubt diet is a factor. Here's my adult black belt before and after, about six months:

So yes, it's definitely possible to get an adult fish to color up. I feed mine NLS.

 

[rich_one]

Also, maybe the curve is not that major. I think mine has kind of a curve too... never paid attention until you brought yours up, but I don't think that one is any more curved than mine. Here is the one I am buying (not my picture, but it is the actual fish).

-Rich

 

[cacichlids]

Wow... looks like two different fish

The guy told me he feeds her hikari massivore and nothing else.

 

[Freshwaterpredators]

dont worry about the curve, most fish start to grow taller as the get older putting on a solid profile. If you plan on breeding her to make tons of fry then i wouldnt count on a longevity of spawns. if you just want her to pair out with your male and be happy with just owning a pair, then i dont think you can go wrong. and like i mentioned earlier once she settles in and sees your male, she will color up better.

 

[cacichlids]

Also, maybe the curve is not that major. I think mine has kind of a curve too... never paid attention until you brought yours up, but I don't think that one is any more curved than mine. Here is the one I am buying (not my picture, but it is the actual fish).

-RichView attachment 714715

That one looks well-fed lol! Really nice and very colorful. Maybe the curve is just their normal adult shape.

 

[balton777]

agreed with rat boy

You mean rat-girl.

She looks nice to me, man... but when it comes to these things, I always tell people, be happy with what you are buying, because we all put a lot of money into this thing, and personally, if I have any doubt about a fish, I don't buy it. I must love it, or I won't buy it.

I'm not telling you not to buy it, now... don't get me wrong. I'm just saying, its a judgment call, you know? Who knows... you could get her to color up how you like? Or not. Can you live with her how she looks now? That's kinda what you have to decide, I would suppose.

-Rich

Remember that Festae can color up with the right care. I had doubt on this one but took a chance and got her anyway....glad I did.

This is how I bought her.


And here's after about a month in my tank....and she's even more beautiful now.

 

[cacichlids]

dont worry about the curve, most fish start to grow taller as the get older putting on a solid profile. If you plan on breeding her to make tons of fry then i wouldnt count on a longevity of spawns. if you just want her to pair out with your male and be happy with just owning a pair, then i dont think you can go wrong. and like i mentioned earlier once she settles in and sees your male, she will color up better.

I just want a show pair... not really interested in keeping any fry.

 

[rich_one]

You mean rat-girl.



Remember that Festae can color up with the right care. I had doubt on this one but took a chance and got her anyway....glad I did.

This is how I bought her.
View attachment 714716

And here's after about a month in my tank....and she's even more beautiful now.
View attachment 714717

That's the same fish! GEEZ, man! You have GOT to be proud! What a beauty!

-Rich

 

[rich_one]

That one looks well-fed lol! Really nice and very colorful. Maybe the curve is just their normal adult shape.

Yeah... her owner seemed to have taken pretty good care of her. I pick her up next week. I'm going to try to add her, and I'm considering adding my large sev, and hoping everyone can co-exist without war, like my last community attempt. If I can get those 6 to live together, then that'll be the final stocking until I have to replace any that pass away hopefully from old age.

I'm excited, because it took me FOREVER to get one (anyone who knows about any of my time here, can probably attest to that!), so I really cannot wait to actually get her in my tank.

-Rich