Jd vs Vieja melanurus
- Thread starter Lkeizm
- Start date
This question largely depends on the individual fish, as aggression levels are so variable and vary fish to fish. Essentially you cannot judge a whole species temperament based on a small sample size.
In my personal experience, I have found both to be relatively mild mannered compared to many other Central American cichlids. Between the two in my experience Vieja Melanurus was slightly more aggressive and more boisterous
I don't find either species aggressive, but that said, I wouldn't keep either in anything under a 125 gal, (6 ft tank).
In smaller tanks, I would expect an equally aggressive attitude from both because space is so limited.
I have watched male JDs in nature defend an area of about 250 gallons.
But that is all about territorial aggression.
Then there is predation, sometimes aquarists misinterpret as aggression.
But often also comes down to tank size.
In any small tank, a tank mate that can be cornered is usually toast.
Most cichlids will chase up to about 4 feet before giving up.
So in a 50 or 75 gal tank, any and every fish can be cornered, be it a prey item, or a territorial interloper.
Because JDs are omnivores with an @ 50% carnivorous side, they may tend to show the predatory side more often, and eat any tank mate capable of being cornered, and small enough to be engulfed. Although as they age, territory becomes more important.
Since V. melanura. are basically vegetarians, but won't pass up a protein snack, their "aggressive side" usually has to do with territorial space.
In smaller tanks, I would expect an equally aggressive attitude from both because space is so limited.
I have watched male JDs in nature defend an area of about 250 gallons.
But that is all about territorial aggression.
Then there is predation, sometimes aquarists misinterpret as aggression.
But often also comes down to tank size.
In any small tank, a tank mate that can be cornered is usually toast.
Most cichlids will chase up to about 4 feet before giving up.
So in a 50 or 75 gal tank, any and every fish can be cornered, be it a prey item, or a territorial interloper.
Because JDs are omnivores with an @ 50% carnivorous side, they may tend to show the predatory side more often, and eat any tank mate capable of being cornered, and small enough to be engulfed. Although as they age, territory becomes more important.
Since V. melanura. are basically vegetarians, but won't pass up a protein snack, their "aggressive side" usually has to do with territorial space.