Nicest Species Of Kels?

[isde02]

Part of the allure of Kelberi is how crazy they range. They don't really start to develop until 12", or around 2 years of age. In my experience, there are very few, if any, indicators of how an adult Kelberi will look when compared to a juvie. That notion aside, the same can be said within a specific locale. Not all Bass from exotic locales will be stunners. I've seen plenty of wild/F1/F2 Bahia that trump a lot of wild fish. When you see a nice, impressive Kelberi (addison and scat come to mind), realize that you are literally looking at a one-in-a-million fish.

All that said, the Kelberi market is saturated at the moment with wild, supposed wild, and a whole bunch of Asian Kelberi. Short of buying an adult, it's all a gamble. You need to take what you can get and do everything in your power to groom the fish.

I agree with this statement 100%

 

[krichardson]

I have to see where is shark aquarium wonder if it's in ny or close. Rookie question but what is spangles?

SharkAquarium is in North Jersey and the owner of the store is a vendor here so check out his sub forum for more information.It might be closer to you than it is to me lol.

 

[Pazzoman]

Ok thanks everyone defiantly spangles is a must then @kendragon. Really like the gold spots.

 

[isde02]

Nicest species is more of a matter of opinion but imo Bahia's have the nicest base color, the Ceara's have the nicest spangles, the Sao Fran's have some of the nicest patterns......they're each unique and like shook said you never know what your going to end up with.

 

[gangster]

Part of the allure of Kelberi is how crazy they range. They don't really start to develop until 12", or around 2 years of age. In my experience, there are very few, if any, indicators of how an adult Kelberi will look when compared to a juvie. That notion aside, the same can be said within a specific locale. Not all Bass from exotic locales will be stunners. I've seen plenty of wild/F1/F2 Bahia that trump a lot of wild fish. When you see a nice, impressive Kelberi (addison and scat come to mind), realize that you are literally looking at a one-in-a-million fish.

All that said, the Kelberi market is saturated at the moment with wild, supposed wild, and a whole bunch of Asian Kelberi. Short of buying an adult, it's all a gamble. You need to take what you can get and do everything in your power to groom the fish.

Well said.
I also agree with what is said here.
Get a group or start w/ adults.
But IMO part of the fun is watching them develop and hoping for that stunner in the bunch.

Xingu's are another great looking cichla that don't get huge.

 

[Pazzoman]

Would a group of 3 be ok with each other? Or should it be upped to 4-5? If I decided on getting kels they will most likely be small or if someone is selling nice adult pairs or trios then will settle.
All kels pretty much have the same growth rate of coarse drowning on diet and care. How about xingu growth rate and size?

 

[gangster]

Would a group of 3 be ok with each other? Or should it be upped to 4-5? If I decided on getting kels they will most likely be small or if someone is selling nice adult pairs or trios then will settle.
All kels pretty much have the same growth rate of coarse drowning on diet and care. How about xingu growth rate and size?

Xingu grow a bit faster and they get a little bigger.
A group of 3 kelberi will work good but as well all know a bigger group will help spread the aggression as well as give you a better chance at getting those "stunners".