I would like to know what the people that consistantly have incredible (not just nice but exceptional) fish look for when they buy them as juvies. Or do they just buy a bunch and cull them as they grow?
Choosing the right cichlid
- Thread starter Diamondhitch
- Start date
since no one has replied, i'll guess. i'm sure there are some traits you can look for as juvi's, such as temperment and if they're shy or what not, but i'm sure its mostly a gamble, so getting more when theyre small and picking out the best is probably the best way.
if you looking foir a single spectacualr specimen there a few things to do, by cichlids from a good and reputable dealer like jeff rapps, buying juvi's would be best, get 10ish of so to look for the best speciemens. feed a protein and nutrient rich diet everyday. high water quality and a big tank. some people get lucky and find amazing adults at LFs but don't count on it.
When buying at a lfs it can be frustrating with alot of fish in a small tank all stressed out hiding there best colors.I take my time and watch the fish for somtimes a half hour befor making a decision that is based on size, aggresion,coloration but not always in that order that's how i do it at the lfs.When there is a large group of juvy's u have the best chance to get 1 of the best fish in the spawn what i mean is the oh say top 10 fish in the spawn will have the best genetic potencial to be the best that's when u have to take the time and just observe the fish.Then as -XR- stated tank size varied diet water changes all play a key role in bringing out the best in your fishes genetic potential.
Buy multiple specimens when young and grow them out. Some will be keepers and the rest will find new homes or trade out at your LFS. If purchase very small like 1", sometimes some will mysteriously die off or get killed or some will be deformed. For example, I bought 4 V. Agenteas from Rapps and one's dorsal fin is off to one side and not centered on his back. He'll be going to the LFS for sure when it comes time to cull some out.
im growing out 6 texas and 6 jds right now,as of today i sat in front of the tank for about an hour studying them i found 4 that dont make the cut and go back tomorrow and next week i will do the same until i get to the one male tex and one male jd that i will be keeping.This is how i make sure i get the best quality out of the bunch,of course this time im only looking for males ,but i do the same thing when looking to pair up and females also.
I would say buying from a reputable dealer. I have not seen to many nice fish that the origin wasn't know. once in a while you will see a fish that someone got from a lfs that is really nice but usually the people that always have nice fish order them form somewhere like Rapps or Fishfarm.
Ya I looked into rapps but unfortunately shipping to canada is way too expensive (about $500 in shipping, duty, permits etc) and I dont know of any place up here to get them. I am shopping for carpinte texas right now and want a large male but the only local place I have found just orders from his supplier and has no idea where they come from and since I would be special ordering them I would have no choice but to take whatever gets shipped. So I am not sure what to do.