Venustus Tank sizes...

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paul112

Gambusia
MFK Member
Apr 26, 2006
796
1
16
United Kingdom
Okay, I bought a Venustus yesterday (4") and he's living with a keyhole and 2 plecos, similar size. Anyhow, I read that these guys need a 125 gallon for six or so. Well, seen as though even by himself he's gonna need a lot of room, I saw a website saying 55gal minimum. Now, I do have a 55gal with a Red Eared Slider in it, but that tank will be spare when I finally buy the adult housing, but I was wondering if this is true? Can a Venustus live happily in a 55gallon? Also, If i was to get another one to breed them, how big do the Venustus need to be to breed? How do you sex them?
Cheers,
Paul:headbang2
 
breed, no too small males would kill females 125 is minimum there. it can live in a 55 but it wont be very happy. cichlids actually like company thats why groups are fun to watch
 
the males get a blue head while the females stay with the spotted pattern. I think 1 would be okay in a 55g, and 2 for a 75 sounds good to me but if you had the assests getting something like a 90 would be good or even bigger so you could get a few and breed them if that is what you are planning on doing. just my 2 cents im sure more experienced people will have a much better idea.
 
Cheers,
Yeah a 90 sounds good, the maximum I will be able to go in the next two years is a 55gal i think, but after that, a 90 should be on the purchase list :grinyes: I'll just stick to one for now until I get a 90g.
Paul
 
i would agree 90 plus for 2 or more and 55gal i think is alright if you only plan on keepeing one, although like stated already they are fun fish to keep with other cichlids in big groups esp. in a big tank =)
 
An Adult male venustus at 10-12" is really just to small for a 4 foot tank. The kind of fish that will be most compatible with it. (large haps) would be awesome in a 6 footer. You could always upgrade when the time comes.
 
at least a 125 gal for a pr. with some smaller neolamp. company. a bare 90 will be ok with maybe a pleco with a pr.
 
my rule of thumb is that the tank should be at least twice as wide as the adult length of the fish in it. This allows them room to make turns easily.
the length should be at least 5 or 6 times the fish length. the bigger the better.

housing a fish in a too-small tank will lead to out-of-shape fish, stress, and will prevent them from exhibiting natural behaviors.
 
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