Are Vieja Cichlids known to sift sand?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Sabidojr

Sabidojr

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 24, 2013
42
1
8
United States
I recently brought home a Paratheraps Fenestratus 'Pink' and this is my first experience with any type of Vieja/Paratheraps. In a matter of 3 days she has sifted through about 2 pounds if sand. Taking a mouthful from the back of the aquarium and dumping it elsewhere.

I was told by the members here she is female and she is about 6" which should make her sexually mature so I'm taking into consideration she might be trying to lay eggs...but 3 days in the acquarium, and without a pair tells me thats a longshot.

Is this something they just do? I don't mind her messing up the aquascape and my kid loves looking at her go lol, she's like a dump truck!
 
They do dig a lot, I'm sure the shift sand but my Blackbelt does the same thing and he's is roughly the same size

Sent from my VS840 4G
 
Nearly all will move sand, especially if coming into spawning condition, or are bored and need something to do.
I also find, the smaller the tank, the more they with move.
 
Yeah they move a ton of sand! Make sure your filter intakes have prefilters over them & are raised high from the substrate. Sand can get in the filter and wreck the impeller, impeller shaft and motor.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom