Theraps Irregularis

[Gourami Swami]

Has anybody kept these guys? I am looking for some info on them, specifically on temperament and diet. I have found info that varies on the web regarding aggression; some pages say they are peaceful/mildly aggressive, some say very conspecific aggressive. Better to keep in a group (say 1m 3-4f) or as a pair?
Also, everywhere I read says that they are susceptible to bloat, and very sensitive to water quality. To avoid the bloat, very clean water and veggie based diet? Any other tips?
These are on top of my list for next setup, but don't want to drop the big bucks on them and have them fail. Not much info on these guys on the web, so any input is appreciated.

 

[dan518]

From what I have read, a species only tank with a heavy water flow or at least highly oxygenated pristine water and maybe slightly cooler low 70, I know Stanzzzz7 had lents probably be able to give you better advice or duanes of course.

 

[Gourami Swami]

Thanks, yea I am hoping those two will chime in, and anybody who might have kept them.I'm thinking care will be similar to the lents, If I try these guys I would do species tank with livebearers, and have read about the flow, would use a powerhead and oversized canister.

 

[duanes]

I kept them about a decade ago, and believe the heavy current, and high oxygen content Dan recommended may be a key factor. I didn't have enough current in my tank, and they did rather poorly.
I suspect the same high linear flow you might provide for Tomocichla or Rheoheros would be fine, with breaks such as rocks or wood, to provide rest spots.
With powerheads pushing flow along the length of the tank.
Something like the pic below.

 

[Gourami Swami]

I kept them about a decade ago, and believe the heavy current, and high oxygen content Dan recommended may be a key factor. I didn't have enough current in my tank, and they did rather poorly.
I suspect the same high linear flow you might provide for Tomocichla or Rheoheros would be fine, with breaks such as rocks or wood, to provide rest spots.
With powerheads pushing flow along the length of the tank.
Something like the pic below.

thanks, sorry to hear they didn't do well for you, will definitely make sure the tank has high flow. Any comment on conspecific aggression?

 

[duanes]

Even though mine were small at the time I first got them ( only 1.5"-2") I put them into a 6ft tank with some other similar size cichlids from the ACA convention auction in Chicago, so (if I remember right) aggression was minimal.