Thriving w/ Broken Jaw - 6.5" Rio Hondo Escondido Carpinte

[NW Cichlid Keith]

So this guy broke his jaw early in life - regardless, I couldn't take him out b/c it was my fault I had him in a tank w/ some aggressive fish. Well, so far he is thriving - doesn't keep him from eating well. All the big fish leave him alone and focus on legit threats. The only fish that bothered him was a HRP male, which I removed. He often hangs out w/ my Jack Dempsey below - a perfect fish. He bothers no one, but will not tolerate being picked on, or aggression near his area. So he is like the big brother to my injured fish. He's 9" or so and I've had him for almost 6 years.

 

[mattison187]

Lol that smile love it

 

[robham777]

One of a kind. Glad you gave him a chance, still a great looking fish.

 

[DannyDovii]

My favourite of all the Texas.

 

[NW Cichlid Keith]

Just removed this guy from the 300 - didn’t feel he was in danger of being killed, but kept seeing split fins and scales missing - wasn’t fair to the fish. He is now the ruler of a planted (anubias and Java) 135 with peaceful fish (Keyholes, Kribs, Electric Blue Acaras, etc.). He has been in there for a week and seems much happier - and so far hasn’t bothered anyone because of his mouth - coloring up nicely as well - will keep you posted on how this experiment goes - I have a 58 for himself if it doesn’t work out

 

[Gourami Swami]

Cool, sucks that he is disabled, but if that allows you to keep a carpintis in a full planted community, I think you will be the only person with that kind of setup

 

[Toiletcar]

He’s beautiful, and glad you saved. That JD is nice too.

 

[Kittiee Katt]

Good on you for giving this guy a chance, he has a very handsome fishy face.

 

[NW Cichlid Keith]

All, the experiment is working out great. He is not bothering anyone and not bothering any of the plants. He has healed mostly (except his jaw, of course) - need some work around the gill plates, but much improvement, and he is relaxed and happy. Pics below: