Cuban Cichlids

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Brian_Indiana

Brian_Indiana

Fire Eel
MFK Member
May 22, 2010
1,210
1
68
Muncie, IN
I am looking for some input from members with Nandopsis Tetracanthus
"Cuban" experience. I might have an opportunity to get a M/F pair. I recently lost my 11" Flowerhorn and have an empty 90 gallon drilled tank. They are currently about 6" and 4" and are in a 125 with a some real aggressive SA/CA cichlids (about the same size or bigger).

My brief research found a single Cuban needs at least 55 gallons. Will 90 gallons work with a M/F pair? How are they with pool filter sand and a black background? Will that combo wash-out or accent their color? Would gravel be better than sand? Will they bother BSN Plecos?

Any advice is appreciated.
 
I've got my Cuban pair in a 90. They seemed a bit happier in a 6 foot tank (what fish isn't?) but they are doing well. Getting ready to breed any day now.

I have basically white sand and 3D background, and the white seems to bring out the white coloration in the male, which looks more attractive IMO.

afebd1ba.jpg


This pair are probably my favorite fish I have ever owned. Tons of personality.
 
Their fins are a little tore up in that pic from their old tankmates before I bought them. They are almost completely healed now.
 
Cubans are great cichlids, I got a pair in a 150g with other sa/ca cichlids, they get a Lil aggressive sometimes, they hold their ground!
 
Mine initially were VERY mellow. Once I moved them in to a 90 by themselves for a couple days, they decided they were no longer interested in living tank mates--which is fine by me, my pair is extremely tightly bonded and there is never any aggression between them, so I can't think of a pair I'd rather have in my 90.
My male is a very funny fish. Female is a bit more shy but overall they are great to watch. I've got a chair parked right in front of the tank.
 
I had a couple of cubans at one point, and I still regret getting rid of them to this day. They're hard to find, but a great looking cuban is really a sight to see. I love that male, aclockworkorange, really beautiful.
 
AcsFoolMike;5158550; said:
I had a couple of cubans at one point, and I still regret getting rid of them to this day. They're hard to find, but a great looking cuban is really a sight to see. I love that male, aclockworkorange, really beautiful.
Click to expand...

Thank you mike. I didn't grow him out so I can't take credit for him. I'm just lucky to be able to have him now. He comes from fellow MFK member Cavamart, who breeds and sells a lot of CA cichlids here locally (and on aquabid) out of his home.
The story is they paired up from a group when they were about 3" and they have been "in love" ever since. ;) The only reason Cavamart was getting rid of them was they took up a lot of tank space in his fish room, and he was downsizing for a move.
 
Here are the ideas I had for the 90 and my thoughts:

SW - could be cool, but last SW tank I had was the mid 90's
Mbuna - I only want rare species and nothing they have at petsmart
Victorian - love them, but was having problems finding the ones I want at a decent price
EBJDs - have had them before, but they are so delicate
Festea - haven't been able to find any

I remembered my brother had some Cubans he picked up from a guy Sep10. They are great looking fish. I can get them for the same thing he paid for them. I probably will be getting them this weekend.
 
i got some cubans, my male is in his own tank atm, but is somewhat sickly. he's got this sorta mucusy slimey coating on his tummy which holds air bubbles in it. i'm doin 30% water changes every couple of days and treating with melafix ... have u guys had anything like this before and should i be worried about it?
 
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