Haitian cichlid
- Thread starter SLS_23
- Start date
Unfortunately not because we're they come from they are the only existing Cichlid specie.
https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/...nasty-cichlid-care-guide.717660/#post-8102954
I have found they don't play well in a tank with other cichlids, if they can't kill them, their immune system breaks down and they fall victim to diseases like bloat and other bacterial maladies.
They also need slightly higher temps than those others you mention. The water temps they have evolved to live in on the island od Hispaniola average in the high 80s.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...php?id=55&usg=AOvVaw1gHjkqFa47nJyuGFDeKtkFThe
species you mention come from lakes and waters on the mainland that average in the mid to upper 70s.
And as tlindsey mentioned haitiensus is the only endemic cichlid in its island habitat, whereas the others you mention come from waters that are rich in varied cichlid species, so they have evolved to live in that dynamic.
My pair would tolerate no other cichlids in their tank, so I kept 1 pair per tank (and temporarily their fry).
They also need slightly higher temps than those others you mention. The water temps they have evolved to live in on the island od Hispaniola average in the high 80s.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...php?id=55&usg=AOvVaw1gHjkqFa47nJyuGFDeKtkFThe
species you mention come from lakes and waters on the mainland that average in the mid to upper 70s.
And as tlindsey mentioned haitiensus is the only endemic cichlid in its island habitat, whereas the others you mention come from waters that are rich in varied cichlid species, so they have evolved to live in that dynamic.
My pair would tolerate no other cichlids in their tank, so I kept 1 pair per tank (and temporarily their fry).
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Being the only species of cichlid naturally occurring in the Dominican Republic / Haiti they don’t mix well with other cichlids.
I have found the same with tetracanthus. In the wild haitiensis populations have plummeted due to the introduction of Tilapia. (There are many articles / papers you can read about this online)
Haitiensis are also highly prone to bloat and intestinal issues, caused more by stress than protein percentage of food fed (both can play a part however). It is more common in juveniles approx <3.5-4” however it can occur in adults from stress. It is highly recommended if you get a group you grow them out in the tank you wish to keep them in forever and not have to move them / upgrade them later on.
Your 150x50x50cm aquarium is NOT large enough for a pair. Males can reach a size of approx 16” (40cm)
Below some pictures of juveniles I have growing out in a 220g aquarium
I have found the same with tetracanthus. In the wild haitiensis populations have plummeted due to the introduction of Tilapia. (There are many articles / papers you can read about this online)
Haitiensis are also highly prone to bloat and intestinal issues, caused more by stress than protein percentage of food fed (both can play a part however). It is more common in juveniles approx <3.5-4” however it can occur in adults from stress. It is highly recommended if you get a group you grow them out in the tank you wish to keep them in forever and not have to move them / upgrade them later on.
Your 150x50x50cm aquarium is NOT large enough for a pair. Males can reach a size of approx 16” (40cm)
Below some pictures of juveniles I have growing out in a 220g aquarium
Thank you all for the answers, these fish are really beautiful, but I can´t give them the good conditions. I'd rather get V. maculicauda.
Even a pair in that size tank would be a juggling act, not only for required territorial space, but keeping the type water quality they need to remain healthy.
When I had mine in a much larger tank, I was doing 40% water changes every other day, to keep water at as pristine as they require.
But to tell you the truth, keeping adult Vieja such as maculicauda in such a small tank, would also be iffy.
The water I think is in good quality here, I have been breeding a few Hoplarchus for several years now, even with occasional fry. I wouldn't keep Maculicauds in 375l,I have community 1400litres, so i want maculicaudas here.