Ive been keeping cichlids for around 7 or 8 years. To begin with i, like most people, would get through so many different species, either by getting bored and fancying something different, or by spawning a species and then wanting a new challenge. I would be changing my stock every few months or so. As an Amphilophus nutter, i would constantly acquire new exiting fish on impulse, without any consideration toward compatability, eventual size etc. I would find myself always having problems with aggression and even outright murder!!
Around 3 or 4 years ago, my attitude changed and i began studying the fish i wished to add to my tanks, and started looking at the long term requirements of my fish, taking into account eventuall size, temperament, compatability with tank mates, spawning requirements. Many Amphilophus will get on with their tanks mates for years without problems, until they pair off and decide to spawn, all hell can break out. With good studying you can foresee potential problems that may arrise 1 or 2 years down the line and plan accordingly. Ive found that introducing new large species to a community is always gonna cause some sort of problem, so almost all of my fish are purchased at a very small size and i grow them up in large community tanks. Being small they pose no threat to the larger, more established tank mates and therefore just blend in nicely.
My current stock are listed in my signiature, im commited to keeping these for life. Some of my fish are 4-5 years old others are growing on and only 2 or 3" or so. My oldest are my Convicts (4-5 years old and 6"+ ), A. sp.' Costarica red heads'( 3 years old and 7-9" ), H. Carpinte 'Laguna Chairel ) ( 2 years old and 8"+ ), A. Longimanus 'Lago Nicaragua'( 4 years old and 6-7"). I think with Central Americans, especially Amphilophus fish, you dont really get to appreciate their full beauty an personalities until they reach full sexual maturity, around 2-3 years old. Adult specimens are so much more interesting and challengeing to keep, they at least provide me personally, with so much joy in watching them develop their diverse characters. They can be so unforgiving though at times, and mistakes can be very nasty and fatal. But with proper research, good observation and a bit of forward planning adults can be a pleasure to keep.
My goal is to not have a full fish 'room' or fish 'house', but a fish 'Gallery', full of adult specimens of all my favourite C/A's,. Either single specimens or breeding pairs, kept in large tanks. Im definitely looking at keeping my fish for as long as i can, its where i get my enjoyement out of this great hobby. Being in it for the long haul with my fish is just so rewarding and full of pleasant ( and sometimes nasty ) suprises that i plan on keeping fish for the rest of my life!! ( as long as the missus lets me that is ! )
and will care for them for life. It took me a little while to find what I really am interested in. Also many sources suggest many species can live for 12+ years....just wondering how many out there obtain/committed to this.
