Getting ready to order some fish for my 180. Was wondering if I could keep a couple of Vieja species together with Zonatus being a definite. Would also like to add Bocourti and Red tiger Motaguense. Would appreciate any advice.
Question regarding Vieja compatability
- Thread starter aquasteve
- Start date
I know many people like to keep different species of the Genus Vieja together, or want to keep a number of Parachromis together.
This normally doesn't happen in nature because they are seen as competitors, and whatever species dominates would either kill the other, or interbreed and create a new species.
You would find however, a Vieja, in the same area as a Parachromis, and maybe a Thorichthys, because each requires, and uses a different food source, or different breeding area or season, in other words non-competitors.
This is not to say it can't be done, especially if you have a large tank, say 300 gallons +.
And if the different species grow up together from a very young age.
I have found zonatus to become very aggressive, especially with other Vieja/Chuco/Paratheraps types as they age, and carnage to be the result in small tanks, say 150 gallons or less.
This normally doesn't happen in nature because they are seen as competitors, and whatever species dominates would either kill the other, or interbreed and create a new species.
You would find however, a Vieja, in the same area as a Parachromis, and maybe a Thorichthys, because each requires, and uses a different food source, or different breeding area or season, in other words non-competitors.
This is not to say it can't be done, especially if you have a large tank, say 300 gallons +.
And if the different species grow up together from a very young age.
I have found zonatus to become very aggressive, especially with other Vieja/Chuco/Paratheraps types as they age, and carnage to be the result in small tanks, say 150 gallons or less.
Thanks for the good feedback. I was a little weary of the Zonatus but really like the blue color. I've also seen blue fenestratus red head on C. Connections site. Are they equally as aggressive as Zonatus or a little more mellow? Also are they as nice looking as Zonatus? How about one Vieja species accompanied by Para. Motaguense and Bocourti?
i think your best chance will be to start small,then as mentioned while they grow and interact you can add or remove fish.one idea is to keep a 20 gal. or more tank ready to remove a fish,if it gets too rough.it will be a temporary fix,till you can trade or sell the fish.the mix of fish that works for one tank,won't always work for someone else who attempts the same fish in same size tank.you can also try to add the potentially most aggressive fish smaller,and later than the others
Agree with Drew. I have a 220 chock full of vieja. And I mean jumbo. I removed those that didn't work (no black belts or fenestratus, 50/50 on hartwegi, not sure on zonatus). Currently I have syns, heteros, mels, a regain and an argentae all in a 220, all stunners, all getting along great.
Yes to your bocourti, and no to the RTM, imo. I have tried freddies in this tank, and parachromis just don't go well in that scenario, imo.
-Rich
Yes to your bocourti, and no to the RTM, imo. I have tried freddies in this tank, and parachromis just don't go well in that scenario, imo.
-Rich
agreed about starting small and see what works. I have 2 types of fenestratus, a syn, regani, gutt, and some bredohri (all between 3 and 6 inches) in a 125 with other fish. no one is getting picked on.
If you don't let them pair up and keep male only Vieja, they can coexist peacefully. Currently, I have a 10" fenestratus, a 8" Synspillum and a 8" Bifas, a 8" Green Terror,all males, and a few 6" to 8" African haps in a 125 gal and they get along well. I had to remove one female fenestratus though as she paired up with the male and terrorlized other fish. After I removed the female, peace was restored. Vieja are among the most peaceful big CA outside breeding. In my tank, there are more skirmish among the Africans than the CAs.
I've had a vieja community for a little over a year now in a 150. I'm in bad need of an upgrade - 180 should be ablsolute minimum. I underestimated the size of these guys.
I started out with fish all around 1-2in and grew them out in smaller tanks. I keep all males based on the advice given on this site - plus the big bulky males look better IMO.
I stayed away from zonatus & blackbelts due to the stories of agression. If you like the blue fish, look into sp. Coatzacolcos. I have two - they are def the most aggressive in my tank, but its just short chases. No major damage to report other than a split fin every couple weeks.
I started out with fish all around 1-2in and grew them out in smaller tanks. I keep all males based on the advice given on this site - plus the big bulky males look better IMO.
I stayed away from zonatus & blackbelts due to the stories of agression. If you like the blue fish, look into sp. Coatzacolcos. I have two - they are def the most aggressive in my tank, but its just short chases. No major damage to report other than a split fin every couple weeks.