The Venustus Progression Thread

[Manu8__too]

I haven't been active in quite some time, so I thought I'd document a new project.

I recently picked up a group of five N. Venustus (all around 2.5"). After observing the group for a few days, I've deduced the fact that this is likely one of two males within the tank. He's still got a lot of growing/coloring up to do, so I thought it would be fun to photograph and document his progress. He is the most dominant among the group, and has already started to display some hints of blue/periwinkle coloration. Currently growing them out in a 46 bowfront, and will eventually keep 1M 2F for the time being. I'm a CA/SA Cichlid guy, but have kept my fair-share of African Haps in the past.

Anyways, here he is at 2.5". I'll update his progress in a few weeks.

 

[Manu8__too]

Well, it's been about two months now since I bought this little guy at the LFS (@ roughly 2")., He has really started to come along and color up nicely. He's roughly 4", and growing rather quickly. I still plan on keeping him in the grow-out tank for a while, before eventually moving him into the 90G. He's on a daily diet of NLS and Omega One Cichlid pellets. His tank receives 40% water changes every 4 days, which I've attributed to his healthy/steady growth. After 25+ years in the hobby, the N. Venustus is still my favorite African Cichlid. They truly are beautiful fish.

 

[Manu8__too]

6” now, and developing into a true stunner.
View attachment ABF2DF9F-E85A-4D8E-AB3F-CA5D87337519.jpeg

 

[Pesche]

Greetings,
I came across your thread in a search to investigate the Venustus. It's been 5yrs and I'm wondering how it's going with this specimen and if you still have it.
I've got a 75g with 4 clown loaches in the 3" range and was considering placing a Venustus in with the CLs by itself. The growth rate was a curiosity and how hostile it would be with the clowns. There would be plenty of room (I think?). Anyway thanks for a response...Pesche.