Short video of my Criboheros Rostratus

[Wharf]

This is a short shotty phone video (after feeding disclaimer) of my 7 Criboheros Rostratus juvies I got from Dan @ COTA. They are all ~ 3.5-4.5 inches. Additionally, there is a Hypsophrys Nicaraguensis pair also in the video I got from Kevin at TUIC. I didn't know these fish would pair so small. I started with 1m/3F and rehomed 2 F after the pair formed. Hopefully, it was not too preemptive. There is also a juvie Vieja Melanura in the video not sure if it is a male or female.

Anyways, I feel like C. Rostratus has a real subtle beauty for a fish. I really like them and their behavior. My only complaint is that they are always blowing my fine oolite sand into the water column. I guess that makes them happy, but it leaves my tank in a perpetual snow storm lol. These don't appear that shy and eat like little pigs. I am extremely pleased with these two purchases from these two exceptional vendors for the hobby.

 

[rigby]

They look amazing!

 

[Chris2485]

They look great and I have always like nics - what are the smaller fish in there?

 

[Wharf]

There are some female Xiphophorus hellerii and there are also Congo Tetras that were an impulse buy. I know they are from Africa, but I really like Congo Tetras. They seem to be thriving and everyone ignores them, but we will see.

 

[Wharf]

So made a couple of alterations. I rehomed the V. Melanura and the Nics I got a 4.5 inch Vieja Maculicauda. I actually rehomed the Nics because the M and F were continually stressing the Rostratus and started actually striking constantly. Had to rehome the Melanura because the Viejas absolutely hated each other and I really like this BB from TUIC. He/she leaves the Rostratus alone...he/she might chase them off from his/her cave for a few inches(sometimes he lets them hang out as well), but nothing too aggressive. Now at 6+ inches I realize this might be another story. As soon as I put the BB in the tank the Viejas hated each other with gusto (lesson learned). I am keeping realistic expectations about this stocking working out long term; therefore, I am going to watch things closely. I know the Melanura was a much safer bet to keep, but I really like this BB and hell I wanted to name a fish Chuck Norris....

I feel like my fish neurosis is finally subsiding a bit...

 

[Toiletcar]

Awesome tank ?

I would watch that BB. They are very aggressive and rostratus are not. I keep thorichthys and robertsoni with them with no issues at all. Even a JD was too much aggression for my rostratus.

 

[Wharf]

Yeah I realize that the BB is high risk I am watching closely. The Nic pair was actually going after them so I removed them. The BB seems to ignore at this size, but once again once he hits that 6+ inch size I will really watch things...it will probably be one or the other.

I notice there is some conspecific aggression, but it is nothing too violent. I read in another thread that increasing current and creating some more cover helps. So put too air stones by each overflow (also helps move debris up) on a large air pump and things are moving good on the bottom...also I have been considering fake vs. real plants; however, if I do go the real route I will have to change my lighting (maybe a couple Kessils or Fluval 3.0, but still want to go low/med tech) and there is always a chance the inhabitants will excavate every thing. I have never gone fake plants in my life, but I might consider it this time.