Hemichromis frempongi

[zyno]

I accidently posted this in the central/south american forum. This is a repost in the correct forum.


I have an opportunity to get some fry and I need some help since I have never owned this species before.

My plan is to get about one dozen and raise them by themselves in a 55 gallon tank (4ft). If a pair forms I will then get rid of the others and keep them alone. Is this a good strategy? I have read that these predators are vicious and nothing can be kept with them. Is that true?

 

[cepon3]

It really depends on the actual fishs. I have a 4" male H. Elongatus and at 3" he wanted the entire 120 to himself.. now at four inches he backs down from noone.. even my 13" pike flees in terror.. if he had a mate I'm pretty sure all the other fish would be toast. As far as your strategy goes that seems fine but are all the fry from the same brood? You will be inbreeding your fish which is slightly frowned upon if you wanted to sell future fry. If your just going to use them as feeders then by all means youjr plan seems solid.. goodluck and don't underestimate what kind of terror these small fish can provoke in your tank..

 

[cornbread_5]

where are u getting them from and does that person have more ? But to answer your question u can do that but i watch them closely and keep a divider by alot that species will kill each other off until one is left.

 

[5Spot Junkie]

I've kept 6 frempongi's in a 55g all about 3inches long. The trick is to have a lot of hiding spots. Once a pair forms, they WILL destroy the rest of the tank. Keep a very close eye. I didn't have any sucess in forming a pair. My wife gets stationed in Washington, I sell the tank and fish to one of her friends, he does a 50% water change and...... Boom! A pair formed, laid eggs. He had plenty of fry.... Go figure, just my luck.
Did you order these online? If so, can you link? I'd like to get a couple of these in a month or so.