Hi everyone,I have a breeding pair of Red Isletas aka Redhead Barred Midas. Have had them since birth, bought several and let them pair up. They are a little over a year old. Have had 2 successful spawns. Hard to find info on them. Main thing is that I don't know how big they get. I had them in a 30long tank (36 inches) in my bedroom. They did well, had 2 sets of fry, are very personable fish. I moved them into a 40gallon, then a 55g, thinking they needed more room. I swear, they ARE NOT happy!!! They hide, never come out, etc.....it is breaking my heart. Everything I read says they are very aggressive, but that has not been what I've seen so far. They seem shy and not aggressive. Matter of fact, the first set of fry stayed in tank with them. They bred the second time, I was in process of moving first fry so they didn't eat them. Well, the dang first set of babies ate the second set!!!! No kidding..........so how's that for aggressive???? hahaAny insight on personality, etc would be helpful. I just know they aren't happy right now, but trying to give them enough tank space. Dad is about 8", Mom is about 6" and they are over a year old. I am not sure how big they will get. Maybe they are smaller??? I will search the site for info, but hoping to get some feedback from experienced keepers. I moved them out of bedroom because when breeding their eyes turn solid blood red. It was a bit freaky and unsettling at bedtime...but they are truly interesting fish! Thanks!
Info on Barred Midas
- Thread starter LydiaBmt
- Start date
They grow the same as midas and red devils (12-15"), so a 75G is good for life, but a 125G will be even better for a pair for life. You can keep a solo in a 75g with no problem for life, but with a pair a 125G will be ideal once/if they both get large (female 12" and male 14"+).
The behaviour you're seeing sounds to me like the water quality or temperature issues. Not sure how seasoned you are, so don't mean to insult your fish keeping, but make sure you gravel vac when you do water changes and clean your filters every water change opposite of gravel vacuuming (don't ever gravel vac and clean filters during the same water change). Also keep your temp at *82 and that should create spawing as well as more activity from the pair. The 55gallon is fine for them at their current size.
As far as them hiding, try to interact with them more, meaning every time you walk by their tank drop a few pellets in, so they'll get used to seeing you and "expecting" food. This will make them come around and be more interactive etc. Hope this helps.
The behaviour you're seeing sounds to me like the water quality or temperature issues. Not sure how seasoned you are, so don't mean to insult your fish keeping, but make sure you gravel vac when you do water changes and clean your filters every water change opposite of gravel vacuuming (don't ever gravel vac and clean filters during the same water change). Also keep your temp at *82 and that should create spawing as well as more activity from the pair. The 55gallon is fine for them at their current size.
As far as them hiding, try to interact with them more, meaning every time you walk by their tank drop a few pellets in, so they'll get used to seeing you and "expecting" food. This will make them come around and be more interactive etc. Hope this helps.
usually when i see the barred midas they are smaller than RD/midas. well atleast shorter. .... spend more time in front of the tank. the fish will get more used to you. try lowering the amount of light in the tank. even a couple of floating plants may help. ... i have even put a chair near the tank when i'm not around, so they get used to something being around.
good luck
by the way, lets see some pics of the redheads
good luck
by the way, lets see some pics of the redheads
Barred Midas are midas, so they're the same size as Midas. True midas are taller than Red Devils and True Red Devils are longer than Midas. Once you mix them you can get any combination, but Barred Midas get the same size, height and length as any other Midas, because, well , it's a midas lol.
Any updates on the activity of your fish OP?
Any updates on the activity of your fish OP?
Pics will help. Full tank shots if you can. Nobody will blast you since you actually seem concerned.
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