Journey of the Sajicas

[Manu8__too]

Fortunately, I was able to secure 6 F1 Sajicas from a local breeder (very exciting). Based on my current observations, it looks as if I have 3M and 3F, therefore I certainly lucked out; at least for the time being. They’re all around 1.5”-2” and already starting to show some nice coloration, especially the dominant male.

I look forward to continuing this thread as they grow, mature and eventually pair up. The plan is to thin the beard as pairs begin to take shape. Below, I’ve provided a couple of pictures (including the dominant male). Thanks again for all of your advice on those who’ve kept these amazing little fish. Like I said, this is one of the few species of CA Cichlids that I’ve yet to keep in almost 30 years of fish keeping. -Regards

 

[Rass]

Nice looking!

 

[Manu8__too]

After a couple weeks of acclimation, the group is doing very well. The dominant male is starting to display some exquisite colors. In addition, they're all growing at a very healthy rate (especially this guy). He's even starting to show some beautiful blue/shimmering along his side scales. These are very personable and owner-responsive fish. Loving them!
Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G

 

[Gourami Swami]

Beautiful T-Bars, really a great fish. Personality on these guys is second to none, a real mini wet-pet.
You say they are F1, did seller mention where parents were caught?

 

[Manu8__too]

Beautiful T-Bars, really a great fish. Personality on these guys is second to none, a real mini wet-pet.
You say they are F1, did seller mention where parents were caught?

Thanks! I couldn’t agree more about their personalities.

Correction on the lineage…
They’re technically F2. Their parents are F1’s. The gentleman who sold them to me said he purchased the parents from TUIC about a year ago.

 

[RD.]

Beautiful group of fish. I've never kept them, but have always wanted to.

 

[Manu8__too]

Beautiful group of fish. I've never kept them, but have always wanted to.

Thanks, RD. As I indicated in my initial post, I’ve never kept them either, despite almost three decades of keeping Cichlids. They’re very personable, intelligent, and wonderful little fish. Can’t wait to see them in adulthood!

 

[Rass]

Great looking fish! I've never kept them either but would love to. My goal once we move is to set up a fish room that focuses on amatitlania and cryptoheros, with maybe some other small to medium central American cichlids in the collection.

 

[xenacanth9]

 

[Manu8__too]

Well, I have a pair! The dominant male (seen here) has really started to plump up, color up, and even has a nuchal hump coming in.
One observation after keeping these for the first time. With 2 x a day feeding, these fish grow significantly faster than Convicts. This guy is a good 3” now and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Just figured I would provide an update.