Aggression question

[Rebelsgirl]

T

no males I can see, sorry 4 females....or is it 5?

How big are they?

These were very small, probably only 1.5-2 inches. I can't believe I can't find a male anywhere!

 

[Frank Castle]

T

These were very small, probably only 1.5-2 inches. I can't believe I can't find a male anywhere!

1.) give them time to grow another inch to an inch-and-a-half
2.) GT sexual maturity is typically 3" - the exact same time aggression developed through sexual frustration occurs - in some cases, all-female groups not finding a suitable mate so a dominant females takes root, resulting in the weakest female getting bullied for no good reason. You can try isolating the weakest or the strongest but until you get a male there's a good chance it will continue until you either get a male or have 4-5 tanks of individually housed female Rivs. (which SHOULD be ok w/ other cichlids, but just not other female GTs)

The female GT is not a fish to be screwed with. They can PMS like an Atom Bomb.....my female GT, "Angel of Death" chases my male Dovii constantly and she has no fear of anything, including Violator, my 9" male Jaguar cichlid.....and she's barely 4-4.5" if that

Meanwhile Nelo Angelo, my 6"male is the most docile fish in my collection. I have Rainbow cichlids more aggressive than he is. Both my GTs are housed separately until they reach max. size for breeding purposes

 

[Rebelsgirl]

1.) give them time to grow another inch to an inch-and-a-half
2.) GT sexual maturity is typically 3" - the exact same time aggression developed through sexual frustration occurs - in some cases, all-female groups not finding a suitable mate so a dominant females takes root, resulting in the weakest female getting bullied for no good reason. You can try isolating the weakest or the strongest but until you get a male there's a good chance it will continue until you either get a male or have 4-5 tanks of individually housed female Rivs. (which SHOULD be ok w/ other cichlids, but just not other female GTs)

The female GT is not a fish to be screwed with. They can PMS like an Atom Bomb.....my female GT, "Angel of Death" chases my male Dovii constantly and she has no fear of anything, including Violator, my 9" male Jaguar cichlid.....and she's barely 4-4.5" if that

Meanwhile Nelo Angelo, my 6"male is the most docile fish in my collection. I have Rainbow cichlids more aggressive than he is. Both my GTs are housed separately until they reach max. size for breeding purposes

Ideally I would like to find a full sized male so I know I'm not ending up with yet another female. A breeding sized male would also alleviate a lot of these issues, I hope. I just have no idea where I would find one.

 

[Frank Castle]

Ideally I would like to find a full sized male so I know I'm not ending up with yet another female. A breeding sized male would also alleviate a lot of these issues, I hope. I just have no idea where I would find one.

Welcome to the club. 90% of all GTs I have bought looking for a male have been female - even special orders. Keep on keepin' on. A male GT is worth the struggle.

 

[Rebelsgirl]

Welcome to the club. 90% of all GTs I have bought looking for a male have been female - even special orders. Keep on keepin' on. A male GT is worth the struggle.

Is there a reason for that? Do the males just get snatched up more quickly? Are they less hardy for some reason?

 

[Frank Castle]

Is there a reason for that? Do the males just get snatched up more quickly? Are they less hardy for some reason?

yes, most breeders ID males as early as possible and grow them out to sell them for $60-$100+ as "Show-Quality" (which are strictly males-only) and sell the females off quickly for a few $$$ each. There are no "Show-quality" females (that I have ever seen or heard of) Stanzzzz7

If u get a male GT under 4-5" for less than $20-$30 consider yourself lucky.....and even luckier if he has good genetics

 

[Rebelsgirl]

yes, most breeders ID males as early as possible and grow them out to sell them for $60-$100+ as "Show-Quality" (which are strictly males-only) and sell the females off quickly for a few $$$ each. There are no "Show-quality" females (that I have ever seen or heard of) Stanzzzz7

If u get a male GT under 4-5" for less than $20-$30 consider yourself lucky.....and even luckier if he has good genetics

That makes sense to me! I can't even find these mythical $60-$100 fish.

 

[Frank Castle]

That makes sense to me! I can't even find these mythical $60-$100 fish.

its in my neck of the woods, far from you, won't be cheap, but he'll get you a good quality male and he's a friend of mine, 15 years +. You're welcome to give him a call. Tell him Eric sent you all the way from Texas.
http://www.finsfeatherspawsclaws.com/

Ask for Tom, I think he might ship.

 

[Rebelsgirl]

its in my neck of the woods, far from you, won't be cheap, but he'll get you a good quality male and he's a friend of mine, 15 years +. You're welcome to give him a call. Tell him Eric sent you all the way from Texas.
http://www.finsfeatherspawsclaws.com/

Ask for Tom, I think he might ship.

I will! Thanks!

Any of these look male?

 

[Frank Castle]

I will! Thanks!

Any of these look male?

View attachment 1219918

View attachment 1219919

View attachment 1219920

View attachment 1219921

sorry Bud....you're a member of the All-Girls Club. No males in that group