Amphilophus Amarillo Tank Size

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B

bolivianbaby

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Sep 30, 2010
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Flowery Branch GA
I have a pair of Amphilophus Amarillo's in a 55g. I'd say the male is around 5-6" and the female is around 4-5".

Research says they get up to 14" and 12", respectively. I'm working on getting a "final tank" set up for them. It will be aquascaped specifically for this species-river rocks, caves, territories, no live or plastic plants.

Since they're one of the more aggressive species of cichlid, would a 75g be big enough for a pair as the only inhabitants?
 
I have heard from a few that they can reach 16" and have seen some huge ones online. Smallest bar none I would go would be a 125g for the pair. You might want to do a 180g though just to give them a good home.;)

A 55g is definently two small and a 75g is not much better. Smaller the tank, the more aggressive they will be. So you could looose your female in a 55-75g. Either way once they start breeding you won't have a choice about them being the only inhabitants.
 
I was afraid you were going to say that. Thanks for your honesty and quick response.

How much time do I have before I really need to upgrade them to a 125g or 180g? I know sooner is better, but with the economy the way it is, it's going to take some time. Is it fair to say they can "hang in there" for six months or should I be considering a possible immediate re-home?

I love this pair, but I want to do what's best for them, not me.
 
Scott pretty much nailed it! A 75 is not that bad though and you definitely have a bit of time before you need to move them. I'd say (at the risk of a good flaming) that a 75 is good for a well bonded pair until the male starts nearing 12". I've spawned fish larger than that in a 40 breeder (removing the parents after the fry start swimming) and have come to recognize the elasticity of some of the rules people adhere to so adamantly on here. How do your fish look to you? Are their fins tattered, is their color washed out, are they un-healthy? If you've answered no to all of these then "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!"
 
What Ed said...

If there's a good amount of size difference between the male and female, you can also use a divider (or incomplete one)...

Matt

flowerpower;4751627; said:
Scott pretty much nailed it! A 75 is not that bad though and you definitely have a bit of time before you need to move them. I'd say (at the risk of a good flaming) that a 75 is good for a well bonded pair until the male starts nearing 12". I've spawned fish larger than that in a 40 breeder (removing the parents after the fry start swimming) and have come to recognize the elasticity of some of the rules people adhere to so adamantly on here. How do your fish look to you? Are their fins tattered, is their color washed out, are they un-healthy? If you've answered no to all of these then "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!"
Click to expand...
 
Thank you all!

As soon as I can weasle it into the finances (single parent with a mortgage), I'll be Craigslisting my way to a bigger tank for these guys.
 
I agree with with the rest for what it's worth, 125 would work but if you could afford bigger go for it. These are one of the bigger Amphs and one of the best looking too IMO. Good luck with them. Pics?
 
Aquanero;4751756; said:
I agree with with the rest for what it's worth, 125 would work but if you could afford bigger go for it. These are one of the bigger Amphs and one of the best looking too IMO. Good luck with them. Pics?
Click to expand...

It's great to see you online, Tom:).


I aim to please;). Pics attached

http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu230/hagan123/Pics11-03-10011.jpg

http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu230/hagan123/Pics11-03-10009.jpg

Sorry about the algae. This used to be a goldfish tank that I swapped over quickly when I got this pair. Since they love to attack the mag-float, I refuse to put my hand in the tank:D I will be cleaning up the tank soon, though.
 
Thanks for the pics great looking pair!
 
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