First foray into american cichlids

[Rocksor]

The Vieja Melanura is very interesting... great idea ... will look more into care requirements for it. Perhaps 1 of those could replace one of the acara groups or the Severum.

TUIC has it in stock right now while the Wetspot Tropical fish has bifasciata

 

[stillsirpaul]

Thanks, Rocksor -- you've been super helpful. I'm familiar with TUIC as I live nearby. I've never ordered from Wetspot.

I hadn't decided on 120g vs 125g (leaning towards the 125 but the 120 would fit my wall better without reaching a window) so I'm likely going to hold off on getting additional fish until I've got the tank purchased and in place. I have an extra aquaclear 110 on my 75G to start a cycle more quickly once I get the new tank, which will be filtered with that 110 and an FX6 that I purchased last week.

 

[ryansmith83]

Vieja melanura is a 13 - 14" fish. If you're adding that as a centerpiece, skip any of the SA cichlids like severums or acaras.

If you'd like to see proof of that, check out the ruler in these pics:

How do vieja die?

Hi all, I am a newbie at cichlids. I rescued a couple of these vieja cichlids two years ago in Tampa. [1] What's their taxonomic name? Found one today wrapped around a drain screen. It measures 13". They were about 6" two years ago when I got them. They have been in one of my 4500 gal...

www.monsterfishkeepers.com

 

[C. Breeze]

If you want firemouth and acaras and geoohagus- that to me is a very cool tank. But a big tank. You would probably want to get some coeruleopunctatus like I have and DuaneS has for you acara as they are the only member of the tribe occurring in North America (Central America) and geophagus crasllabrus (spelling?) as it occurs north into Panama…..


A pair of Coeru 4-5 goes and 4-5 fire mouths would need to be a big tank Though. Not a 125. But you would/ could play with the stocking plan as they grow. And it would look great for a year.

 

[neutrino]

Sounds like the GT would be an issue for my stocking.
What if I switch out the green terror for a severum, probably the least discussed fish on my original post?

125 gallon

3 FM
1 severum
3 threadfin acara
3 blue acara
small school of bleeding heart/black skirt /buenos aires tetras

As opposed to larger groups or to singles, groups of 3 firemouths, 3 blue acara, or 3 threadfin acara could lead to aggression issues within each group. Maybe not immediately, but more and more likely as they put on size, and then particularly so if you end up with a pair or pairs. Might work for you for a while, and with some species (not threadfins) it occasionally works for adults in the right tank, gender mix, etc., but be prepared to need to fix things eventually if you start with those numbers.

 

[C. Breeze]

but of course given you have nice group of firemouth and the Dempsey maybe you just round it out with some acaras from Costa Rica.

 

[stillsirpaul]

Is that an Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus? Those are nice fish too... could see myself liking those as part of the stock, but.... HOW BIG A TANK ARE WE TALKING HERE?

Thanks.

 

[Rocksor]

duanes had put 12 A coeruleopunctatus in a 6 foot planted 180g. He currently has 1 male and 3 females left

 

[stillsirpaul]

duanes had put 12 A coeruleopunctatus in a 6 foot planted 180g. He currently has 1 male and 3 females left

Hmmm.. will pass on that bloodbath I think. I don't see myself getting a tank 180G or larger any time soon.

 

[C. Breeze]

Yeah, he started with semi adult wild fish. A way different bargain than tank raised / captive bred fish- regardless this being your first foray into American fish you should
Probably just add 4 -5 rainbow cichlids to your current stock and keep the first pair that forms. That with a demosey and firemouth shoal will be a lively tank with inly
1 “ruff neck”