Stunted flowerhorn or weird hybrid?

[Dede1988]

I aquired these to flowerhorn from someone that has had them for over a year. They are both 2.5 to 3 inches. He said they were a thsi silk cross and a magma. I got them free because they were in a 20gal trying to kill eachother. He wanted to breed them. My questions is, does anyone know if there is a mini cross of flowerhorn? Or are these two severely stunted? They are both over 1 year old. I took them in and gave them medication so they wouldnt get fin rot from fighting, and they are now in a 55 and sticking together but no longer fighting. Color has com back as well as a healthy appetite.

 

[sikoko]

If they're in there alone treat them with salt and raise the temp to prevent secondary infection and treat for fin rot. Maybe try some stress zyme as well

 

[Dede1988]

If they're in there alone treat them with salt and raise the temp to prevent secondary infection and treat for fin rot. Maybe try some stress zyme as well

Yes i already started them with salt aswell. They seem more relaxed as they ate quite a bit already.

 

[neutrino]

A year in a 20 and I'd say they've been stunted-- and no wonder they were fighting. Don't know, do some people see someone breed discus in 29 gal tanks and think it can work with other cichlids of size? I've seen people who have bred discus in small tanks try it with severum. Doesn't work that way.

Possible in better conditions they'll grow now. No guarantees but I've seen it happen, not all 'stunted' fish are stunted for life.

 

[Dede1988]

I sure hope they grow, they have potential. I like them anyway, but it looks as though they are stuck in the juvenile stage. ?

 

[adamsfishes]

20 gallons? That's a shame. First one looks pretty good, strong trimac genes, should be really nice down the road. Second one looks pretty busted up. Is it a gold base? Hard to tell from that pic.

 

[tlindsey]

I agree with neutrino but would like to add that the smaller FlowerHorn with the tattered fins is being harrassed and looks stressed. Also the only way to attempt to make them grow will be large enough wc's to keep Nitrates low near 0 ppm.

 

[Dede1988]

Not sure, the person i got them from said a thai silk cross, and a super red magma?

 

[Dede1988]

I agree with neutrino but would like to add that the smaller FlowerHorn with the tattered fins is being harrassed and looks stressed. Also the only way to attempt to make them grow will be large enough wc's to keep Nitrates low near 0 ppm.

Yes i plan on daily wc.

 

[neutrino]

Just a thought, and not to say it works miracles, but I've found freeze dried mysis to restart growth in a couple of cases after no-growth periods. For example, it worked for some EBJDs I had once. Aside from that I've found F/D mysis to be a generally good food for growth.