My buddy has a Blackbelt that is so mean it cannot be in the tank with any other fish. It destroyed his Green Terrors, Oscars and even bullied a male/female Jag pair to the point where he had to be removed and put in solitary. Really pretty fish but really nasty!
housing a black belt..
- Thread starter lp85253
- Start date
My oscar a black belt in chasing fish. Lol
Sent from my SPH-D710 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Sent from my SPH-D710 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Blackbelts are awesome looking viejas, but the overwhelming opinion is that they are one of the more aggressive of that species - as you are finding out. If I was in your shoes, this is what I would do:
1. I see your in Phoenix, big cities are great for Craigslist. Start looking on there for a 125gal. That 6ft footprint, will be just what you'll need for that BB as they can get over 12in. Move your BB, into the 125 and look for a mate.
2. Try your remaining fish - JD, con & raphael cat in the 75. You might see some aggression, so monitor it closely. Make sure you have plenty of hiding spots.
3. Use the 45 as an emergency tank. If you get a breeding pair of BBs, the male can get rough on the female. The 45 will work for a temp tank while she recovers from any aggression.
I've stayed away from BB, I've got a vieja community tank I'm working on, because of their aggression. But they are definitely a beautiful fish, worth the effort of a 125. And fairly owner-responsive as far as viejas go, from what Ive heard. Good luck and keep us posted.
1. I see your in Phoenix, big cities are great for Craigslist. Start looking on there for a 125gal. That 6ft footprint, will be just what you'll need for that BB as they can get over 12in. Move your BB, into the 125 and look for a mate.
2. Try your remaining fish - JD, con & raphael cat in the 75. You might see some aggression, so monitor it closely. Make sure you have plenty of hiding spots.
3. Use the 45 as an emergency tank. If you get a breeding pair of BBs, the male can get rough on the female. The 45 will work for a temp tank while she recovers from any aggression.
I've stayed away from BB, I've got a vieja community tank I'm working on, because of their aggression. But they are definitely a beautiful fish, worth the effort of a 125. And fairly owner-responsive as far as viejas go, from what Ive heard. Good luck and keep us posted.
I won't do anything if they have been getting along so far. Fish compatibility is strange. A big and small cichlids can get along better than two comparable size cichlids. 75g can house one full grown 12-14" BB with a couple smaller cichlid. As long as the BB doesnt see the con as a threat, he will tolerate him. BB is not RD or FH which will not tolerate anything that moves in the tank.
To me it sounds like you should move the convict with your JD and let the BB have its own tank. Like others have said they can be pretty mean and Jacks are usually alot more calm and accepting of tank mates. My BB usually gets pushed around by 2 Oscars and a Jag X Tex hybrid but does have his agressive moments.
thanks guys ... every response has been helpful... I have decided (tentitively ) to keep an eye on CL and try and find a good 5' or 6' tank....being phx there is a good chance I will find a nice tank at a decent price.....then the idea is to upgrade JD and pair him up in the 75... thanks all 
