Rio Mag or Ultimate Blue Umbee (Preference and where to find)

[NW Cichlid Keith]

I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a new tank and some umbee to start off in my 135 while the tank is being built. I am a big fan of the Rio Mags, and I see that COTA has some. Have folks been happy w/ his Rio Mags, and would you do those or go for the Ultimate Blue's? If Ultimate Blues, are they the same shape and big head - just color change? And where is a good place to find ultimate blues that ships? I appreciate the help.

 

[Brandonclark88]

IME rio mags have a taller profile and typically a larger nuchal while ultimate blues are more streamline and have more vibrant colors. Haven't noticed any difference in behavior between the 2. A good friend of mine got some Rio Mags from Dan and they look excellent

 

[NW Cichlid Keith]

IME rio mags have a taller profile and typically a larger nuchal while ultimate blues are more streamline and have more vibrant colors. Haven't noticed any difference in behavior between the 2. A good friend of mine got some Rio Mags from Dan and they look excellent

Thanks - I actually prefer a taller profile and larger nuchal hump - would be interested to hear if others have had the same experience. I like trailers as well - have you seen any difference in that department? I appreciate your feedback.

 

[Brandonclark88]

Both will have extremely long trailers. My young Rio Mag male has some long trailers and I've seen long ones on the ultimate blues as well. Ultimate blues are essentially just rio mag variants that are line bred for color. I've seen ultimate blues show the tall body profile as well

 

[NW Cichlid Keith]

Both will have extremely long trailers. My young Rio Mag male has some long trailers and I've seen long ones on the ultimate blues as well. Ultimate blues are essentially just rio mag variants that are line bred for color. I've seen ultimate blues show the tall body profile as well

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Being line bred, are the ultimate blues as robust/healthy as the Rio Mags, or are they a little more sensitive?

 

[Brandonclark88]

Umbees are super hardy fish. I haven't encountered any issues with any of them

 

[Andy woods cichlids uk]

A good excuse to show my Rio mag Umbee.

 

[Brandonclark88]

Beautiful male Andy. Any idea how old he is?

 

[Andy woods cichlids uk]

Beautiful male Andy. Any idea how old he is?

Got him spring 2013 at 1.5 inch. So I've had him 4.5 years now. He's about 17inch at a guess.

 

[NW Cichlid Keith]

Got him spring 2013 at 1.5 inch. So I've had him 4.5 years now. He's about 17inch at a guess.

Beautiful fish Andy - does he still have that tiny girl with him? Also, I’ve always been curious - do you mind sharing his tank dimensions? I’m still trying to work out mine.