need help please... want to breed vieja synspilum

[kingflowerhorn]

Hi...everyone
want to breed vieja synspilum,
Can anyone please tell me at what age/size do they breed and the size difference b/w male and female
last but not least how to distinguish male from female
thanks in advance
any reply will greatly appreciated

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Your best bet is to buy 6 young fish and grow them up together until a pair naturally form.
Depending how old the fish are when purchased will determine how long it will take for this to happen.
I assume you will start with 2 to 3 inch juveniles.
If this is the case expect your first spawn within the first year.
Sexing these fish is quite hard,up until the fish reach around 6 inches.
At this size the male will develop a more masculine head and will probably be a little bigger than a female of the same age.
Males dorsal fins will also rise a little more steeply towards the end of the fin than a females will.It is also said males will develop blue eyes.

In the picture below you can see that the two fish at the bottom are male,the two at the top female.You can just see the difference in head profile.



In this picture the male is at the front.



I would recommend raising youngsters and not try to find adults.They may not be compatible.
It is also very rewarding to see fish grow up pair off and raise fry.

 

[duanes]

Agree with Stanzzzz7, best way is to get at least 6, and raise them together,(8 or 10 is even better because that way pairs can form naturally with lots of partner options).
As far as tank size, I'd start with a minimum 6 ft tank. This species gets quite large (12"-14") and the larger the tank the less aggression between individuals, and it is easier to maintain the best water quality. Often times the first couple spawns are unsuccessful, but as the cichlids mature they gain experience and get better at it. They get large quickly, the last group I raised grew at least 1" per month.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

I can't think off the top of my head, of a fish I have kept that grows as fast as these.
A very fast growing species.
Also agree with duanes,that a large tank is paramount for success.

 

[ragin_cajun]

Synspilum rule. In addition to what others have already said, they're tough. I've never had one get sick, they don't ever get beat up by other fish even if they're not the top of the pecking order. They always eat. They're never shy or skittish. I've never had one that hides out--always cruising around the tank. Mine eat anything--anything. Bugs, all pellets, all flakes, freeze dried krill, all veggies, mangos, anything.

 

[kingflowerhorn]

Thank you soo much..
Great explanation
thank you once again

 

[kingflowerhorn]

I would like to thank you all for this great explanation