Cichlasoma Ornatum

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J

Jc1119

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 27, 2010
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Orlando fl
Not real sure why we are drawn to certain fish, but this one has me. Especially after seeing Mel's video of his 4 year old pair, which could be one of the most beautiful cichlid pairs Ive ever seen.

Going to try to get a half dozen this week and I've got several options as far as housing. Ive got a 75, 90 and a 120 on a drip system adding around 50% of the tank volume in fresh water daily. This amount seems to keep the temps around 78-80 currently, and will drop a bit as we head into fall and winter. Final housing would be a 210 on the same system, but Ive got a few years before we get there.

So for those keepers out there, what temps, tank size and mates are you having luck with? I could go solo in the 90 for awhile, or the 120 with some smaller festae grow outs....might give them something to pick on besides each other. I figure at 3-3.5" they should start beating on each other if they are anything like festae.

Breeding is not something that is a priority to be quite honest, but "you cant catch any fish without a pole in the water", so I wouldn't exactly be upset if they did. Might take a few years to get there, but Id be happy to grow a pair out to adulthood and let them have the 210 all to themselves just to see what happens

Thanks in advance! Post any new pics if you have any....pretty sure Ive already read every thread online twice lol
 
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s1c said:
Isn't this a peacock? Wrong thread my friend.

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No its a cichlasoma, aka SA cichlid.

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s1c said:
Isn't this a peacock? Wrong thread my friend.

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Nope. SA species for sure.

http://youtu.be/r_EuH-ZPZK4

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I kept mine at 74 degrees. You'll find most of the orntaum owners will keep them betqeen 72-76.

Slow, slow growers. So slow that I sold them because I was impatient. But they are super lovely. And we'll worth the wait - if you can wait ;-)

Show us pictures!


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Ornatum do best in 74-76F in my experience. They did better in slightly cooler temps. They grow very slow and like super clean water, which is no problem for a pro like you! They are a lot like festae, they don't pick fights but will be extremely hard on each other. I kept my 2" ornatum with smaller festae and they did fine. I kept them together in a 75g and eventually moved them to a 125g. Not picky eaters and really pretty fish. I had them of all sizes 1.5" up to 10-11" great fish only pricey! Sheesh. Good luck to ya! You'll enjoy them
 
Thanks guys. The temp was the biggest factor in my decision as its a garage tank and in the summers it can get pretty warm in Florida.

Since the drip has been running is can get into the high 70's and weather permitting it ll be mid 70's soon, but either way ill be adding a chiller at some point.

Good to know about the Festae as I have a lot of them growing out now. Everything I've read about them mentions the similarity to Festae and it seems like alot of keepers keep them together.

Patience is a virtue I possess lol. Especially with the amount of traveling I normally do.




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I've had a group of 5 wild for about 7 months.
I started them as 1" juvies in a 55 gal, and they were very scrappy with each other.
I added a half dozen, slightly larger Guianacara and this helped tone down the aggression.

Started growing a bit, and about 3 inches I moved them (and the Guianacara)to a 125 where they still are.
Temps have ranged from low 70s in winter to high 70s at this moment.
My research showed the rivers they come from stayed low to mid 70s.
Been feeding high algae content pellets, with occasional shrimp pellets.
The largest are about 4", smallest still 2.5, and I agree they are slow growers compared to many new world cichlids, but I figured this would be a long term project for me.
pic from about a month ago. They are also not the most gregarious of cichlids at this point, coming out of their hiding spots when food is offered or when I sit quietly without moving (I attribute this to them being wild).
 
Very nice! Yeah I'm in no rush and I really enjoy fish that take awhile to blossom. Festae are a bit like that too....Grow slow, drab looking juvies...

I'm sure the preferred colder temps doesn't help with growth either. And a diet with a bit less protein. Slow and steady wins the race though right?

Did you all treat for internal parasites and if you did what pellets did you use? Gonna probably treat them just to be safe. These have been at TUIC for a few weeks now, but...

I'd rather be safe than sorry.



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I did not treat at all with medication, but did soak pellets in crushed fresh garlic juice/oil, they didn't show signs of infection then, or so far.
They came from Wet Spot and were very young.
I believe they had them in house for a while, and may have treated them upon arrival, from what I understand, they deal with a lot of wild fish and may, or not be their standard practice. All were healthy and robust.
And yes, I don't try to force growth, normal pace is fine with me.
 
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