Parachromis dovii

[David R]

Everyone has a different idea of "minimum", do you want simply to keep your fish alive, or do you want to see them thrive? Mel's pair in the 600g are a great example, yes they possibly could be housed in something smaller, but seeing the speed with which they can move when they want to I wouldn't like to see a big male in a tank with less than 8' length.

 

[Modest_Man]

8'x3' footprint, 2' tall for a pair for life would be the minimum I would even consider.

8'x30" footprint, 2' tall for a single male for life would be the minimum I would even consider.

Anything less than that, IMHO is cruel. But as was said above, that 150 will be great to grow them out in for a while. You obviously don't need the larger tank when they're 1" juvies, but when the male gets 2'+, you're obviously going to need to have him in a tank with a width bigger than 2'.

But in reality, how many actually do upgrade to that sized tank? Think about how many photos of juveniles are shared on MFK, and how many photos of adequately housed adults you see. It's got to be on the order of 500:1. Where do all those juveniles end up? My best guess is that they end up dying.

 

[Wrightt3]

Where do all those juveniles end up? My best guess is that they end up dying.

Or in the local river/lake

 

[letstalkfish]

Not to derail, but where can I see "Mel's" tank?

 

[Oscar Mike]

^Here's a video he uploaded last weekend http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8VSrZIKbxE&feature=c4-overview&list=UUz9YbPgj2VjHT_2cbD7GlsQ

 

[Reaper13]

I wouldn't go any smaller than a 240 for a single male ideally 300. For a pair I'd go 375 gal or better. Their awesome fish but personally I wouldn't get one if I was you unless your committed to a 300+ tank with big wc's.

I fell victim to the dovii bug & had one I was going to keep in a 180gal. I realized I bit off more than I wanted to get into so I gave him to a friend who had a 310gal. Just being honest. Truely impressive fish, but really shouldn't be sold to the average Joe.

Jags get big (but still manageable) & have plenty of attitude...and would work quite well in a 180 IMO. The growth rate is right there with a dovii as well so not too long of a wait on size.

 

[seedubs1]

But in reality, how many actually do upgrade to that sized tank? Think about how many photos of juveniles are shared on MFK, and how many photos of adequately housed adults you see. It's got to be on the order of 500:1. Where do all those juveniles end up? My best guess is that they end up dying.

I can't answer that. Personally, I don't think it's an issue at all, though. You can always go out and buy a huge stock tank for cheap if you end up not being able to find/afford a bigger tank when the time comes. It won't be pretty, but it'll be big.

 

[jagsandpits]

depends on how serious you take it. me? I have one in a 125. I go against the grain see

 

[seedubs1]

But in reality, how many actually do upgrade to that sized tank? Think about how many photos of juveniles are shared on MFK, and how many photos of adequately housed adults you see. It's got to be on the order of 500:1. Where do all those juveniles end up? My best guess is that they end up dying.

depends on how serious you take it. me? I have one in a 125. I go against the grain see

I think this answers your question modest_man. Some people just don't care or "take it seriously."

A 125 for a dovii as anything but a grow out until they reach 12-15" is laughable at best.

 

[jagsandpits]

lmaoooo playing. but yea I have one in a 125 but I figure if mine gets too big ill find him a new home. some say they rarely get bigger than 18 some say im guaranteed a 25 inch monster. it is what it is . its not children its fish just enjoy it and if they get too big for your 180 (which will take YEARS) buy a new tank or find someone who wants them.