Trying to make a choice...

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Aromantis

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 3, 2007
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I'm thinking of buying a 75 galloon tank this summer but can't make up my mind on what to put in it. I can't choose between H. bocourti and V. argentea. I'm not even sure a 75 is big enough for an argentea. Plus which I'd really like to breed whatever I get and I really doubt that would work with the argentea; I'm not even sure if that would work with the bocourti. I really just want to have a personable fish and if possible a breeding pair. Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
Yeah, I want it to be more natural looking with some hiding spots behind driftwood,plants, etc.
 
You could always breed either regular or electric blue Jack Dempseys.
 
eh, not really into them. I'm really just thinking about bocourti or argentea.
 
Bocouti get way to big for a 75g. You might be able to do a lone argentea but that might even be pushing it. Either of them would most likely eat any plants you put in the tank. If you want a breeding pair you are going to have to look at fish that stay in the 10" range or smaller for a 75g. There are lots to choose from though. Plenty of really nice fish in that size range:).
 
hmmm, that's odd. Are you sure about the bocourti being too big? Because everywhere I've read it says they only get to be 11-12 in, and in this article- http://www.cichlidae.com/article.php?id=103 - it says the first captive bred fry came from a pair in a 40 gallon. Sorry, I don't mean do disregard your advice, I'm just a little confused.
 
Everything that I have seen says 14" and they are a very bulky fish. I have never owned one so you might want to wait for someone that has or do some more digging on it. The info I have read could be wrong but I don't think so. Maybe someone with first hand experience will chime in to help out.

The link you posted says they get at least 12" and on the same site the profile says 14". They would probably be OK in the 75g for a little while but I wouldn't think for life. Maybe if they are reall compatable though.
 
Ok, regardless, thank you for the help.
 
You could do a lone male of either species in that sized tank. I've owned both fish (granted I sold the bocourti at 6"). Plants would be gone quickly, and I don't feel breeding would be a good option unless you had a full divider (for the argentea at least).
 
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