From what Im seein' and reading Male Festaes aren't as large in captivity as say the 20" in the wild. Largest one I've recently read about, although no tape measure to prove it, was 14" @ 7 years. I've read about 12" alot more often.............my male is 8" @ a year and half in 75 gal. of water that's 48x18x21. He's housed with an approx. 10 month old female @ 5". Now for life I'm readin' 125 min. that's 72x18x22 gives'm an inch in hieght and 12" in length plus the additional 50 gal. in volume minus substrate and wood. If the males total size in captivity drops by 6" than a 12" female in captivity is probably gonna be hard pressed. I have seen 8" females. These sizes are approx. to Oscars.
I'm guessin' that the overall growth of the male festae slows down from a half an inch a month but @ what rate and when? The 75gal. reads all but zero nitra/ammonia every week before 50% water changes, the filter media's look almost brand new after several months of use - @ what point will this change and a larger tank is required? Is it the urines, the mass of the fish, the over-all territory, or the increase in swimming space that demands the extra 50 gal.? If the male festae does reach the overall length of an Oscar does he also achieve the height and girth? Festae seem to be more roamers than swimmers, this is seen by me after owning approx 211 Festae counting 2 batches of fry..........will this change with more room, does an adult festae swim his heart out or will he be just kinda laid back? @14" and 18" wide tank is suitable? or is the 120 @ 48"x24"x24" more matching his needs? After this last batch of fry mature I'm gonna make the move for life with the 2 Festae. Rather than playing hit or miss I'd like to get this right straight from the gate - If anyone who owns/owned large festae can help me out with some info would be greatly appreciated.........would also luv to hear about or see festae larger than 12".Thanks!
I'm guessin' that the overall growth of the male festae slows down from a half an inch a month but @ what rate and when? The 75gal. reads all but zero nitra/ammonia every week before 50% water changes, the filter media's look almost brand new after several months of use - @ what point will this change and a larger tank is required? Is it the urines, the mass of the fish, the over-all territory, or the increase in swimming space that demands the extra 50 gal.? If the male festae does reach the overall length of an Oscar does he also achieve the height and girth? Festae seem to be more roamers than swimmers, this is seen by me after owning approx 211 Festae counting 2 batches of fry..........will this change with more room, does an adult festae swim his heart out or will he be just kinda laid back? @14" and 18" wide tank is suitable? or is the 120 @ 48"x24"x24" more matching his needs? After this last batch of fry mature I'm gonna make the move for life with the 2 Festae. Rather than playing hit or miss I'd like to get this right straight from the gate - If anyone who owns/owned large festae can help me out with some info would be greatly appreciated.........would also luv to hear about or see festae larger than 12".Thanks!
