Black Nasty

[P.A.NativesBPM]

I found them to be one of the most rewarding species to keep, once I got past the hurdles.
Because they are one of the most primitive species, and come from a habitat where they are the only endemic cichlid, they have needs that are not like some of the other mainland species.
If you are going to get 4, dividing the tank into compartments is a great idea. You may even end up with a pair.
My pair lived for a number of years together in a 150 gal tank, and raised many fry.
I fed a high spirulina, low protein diet, because they are omnivores, and I believe in nature, algae is an important component of that diet.
There is an article called "Oh Island in the Sun, Dominican Republic" by Alf Stalsberg that you can access at cichlidae.com that has plenty of great info.

Another really helpful post.
Thanks!
Ill definitely be giving that a read


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[duanes]

Mine did have interesting personalities, not as in a dog like oscar, but more like a wild animal.
During fry rearing, they would attack my hand and draw blood.
But in general the male aloof and lazy most of the time, although he would splash a shower of water when I least expected it.

The female keenly aware and always aggressive.

There was a show stopper maybe 15" hait at a number of ACA conventions that would send waves of water at any passerby that came close enough, his tank had to be constantly refilled.

duane, did yours have owner-interactive tendencies like seedubs' single fish?