ornatum pair some new pics
- Thread starter BastardFish
- Start date
nice fish... never seen those before.. you should try tp get a dlsr.. super fun... brings fish keeping a nxt level
no doubt 
They are actually a very difficult and challenging cichlid to keep man. They are very hard to get to except one another, and can be very brutal towards each other. They start out being very picky eaters, and are hard to get on pellets diets at first. I personally found over a few different attempts they do better when included in a community type setting. Rather than being one on one with their own kind. It is also much easier this way to get them on a pellet staple for their diet. As they seem to thrive when there is competition. They are a very reclusive cichlid, and do not like being watched much up close, or at all. It's better to do it from a far if you want to observe behavior correctly. They do dig but I personally do not consider them big diggers like some other cichlids. Nothing is known of their spawning habits, but I can tell you it is not easy, and I have a sneaking suspicion they may be cave breeders. Rather than flat rock spawners like most, but that's just a hunch. They are just about impossible to sex until they hit around 5'' range. From what I have seen the males have a bit more of an elongated look in the body and face. While the females are a bit more round in the face. It's not much of a difference though unless you are used to seeing them, and have seen a few. It would be a hard thing to pick out. However the attitude gives it away too. They are not push overs, but when young are not very hardy, so they should be watched quite a bit. My male is a complete punk though and I have seen him challenge a few different types of cichlids and fish. Not to sure if it is just my pair or not, but the male has much larger pearling on the gill plates, while the female has more just smaller sized. Colors changes I have seen so far range from very bright greens, and hints of yellows with red in the fins. To a mixture of green and rusty coloring with red in the fins. Depends on the tank set up quite a bit from what I have seen. They do not grow super fast these I have had for a year got them at 1-1.5'' and they are about close to 6'' now. They are for sure late bloomers, but from what I can see if one has the patience they looks like it just might pay off in the long run. Patience is the key though! They can be very annoying, and trying to a fish keeper especially one that favors the CA and SA cichlids such as myself. These fish are just about the rarest and most difficult if not now impossible fish to get your hands on now a days, so for the aspiring hobbyist who would wish to get some. If you are ever so lucky do so with a gain of salt, and understand that they most likely wont come cheap. If you are a beginner to intermediate hobbyist. I would not recommend trying your luck with them. They rally should be kept by a fish keeper who has been mustard by some good years of experience under the belt. Well that is kind of a run down on the Ornatum for you guys as requested. From at least this fish keeper's experience, and point of views. Hope it helps put a little info out there on them for you all?
Wow they looking great. I really like your male Ornatum the most. His pearling is larger on the face than the females. Good luck with them.
