Hi, there's a local shop selling Vieja argentea. Are these rare? And any info you guys can pass on like max size, temperament etc.
Thanks
Thanks
Vieja Argentea QUESTION
- Thread starter Cyberman
- Start date
Not particularly rare in the US, but can't say locally for you. V. argentea have a reputation for being unpredictably mean as adults, although some people have no problems with them. I had one for a while in a mixed Vieja community (210 gallon). It got along well most of the time, but as it matured it was prone to suddenly lashing out at others. In that respect it was much like my experience with black belts. I decided to sell it before it became a problem. Max size is about 30 cm.
Argentea....kinda crazy....grow slower than other Vieja....eat a lot, a whole lot...good fit in a tank with Regani? Not so good with Breidohri...
They can get quite large (14") but it takes a while(maybe 3 years).
I believe most keepers can't wait, and as they get older they become quite intolerant of any tankmates, except in the largest tanks. In a 300 gal, things may be less troublesome.
They prefer very high quality water, with lots of current.
I started with about 10 2" juvies from Don Conkel, the parents were easily larger than 14", he had in a large vat, probably over 300 gallons.
At 6" the alpha male started killing all other argentea in a 150 gal, then started on any other tankmates, (including regani, and a large managuense) it ended up alone, and hit over 12" before a power outage took it out.
I had another pair later, that spawned but after the spawn the male immediately killed the female and ate the eggs.
male
I believe most keepers can't wait, and as they get older they become quite intolerant of any tankmates, except in the largest tanks. In a 300 gal, things may be less troublesome.
They prefer very high quality water, with lots of current.
I started with about 10 2" juvies from Don Conkel, the parents were easily larger than 14", he had in a large vat, probably over 300 gallons.
At 6" the alpha male started killing all other argentea in a 150 gal, then started on any other tankmates, (including regani, and a large managuense) it ended up alone, and hit over 12" before a power outage took it out.
I had another pair later, that spawned but after the spawn the male immediately killed the female and ate the eggs.
male
Ours currently runs the show in the 300. Probably sitting around 13-14" maybe more. Ours is tolerant just doesn't like anyone in his end of the tank for more than a passing through. Not shy at all and a pig at feeding time.
They do get physical fast. Especially in a 6' tank. Better in an 8' but ours can still make a mess pretty quick.
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They do get physical fast. Especially in a 6' tank. Better in an 8' but ours can still make a mess pretty quick.
Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
MEAN. I got one only 3.5 in (grows sooo slow). It attacks everything but the biggest cichlids. It started non-stop attacking my 12in bichirs tail until it was bleeding, had to seperate it. Always has to be the most beautiful that are the meanest.
I have a ~5" male in my 135gal along with a exChich pearsei and a group of 6x T meeki. I've had similar experiences as many of the others. Very slow grower, loves to eat, and can be quite aggressive out of the blue. The pearsei runs the show in my tank, but he is also about twice the size of the argentea. I just added the group of T. meeki a couple weeks ago and initially the argentea took a liking to picking on them when the lights went out. It's not your standard aggression either.. he'd just casually swim near them, then suddenly lash out and strike one of them. I now keep the lights dimmed during the night and haven't had any problems since. The T. meeki quickly figured out to stay clear of him as well..
How large is the one you are interested in and what would you plan on keeping him with/in?
How large is the one you are interested in and what would you plan on keeping him with/in?
I've had a few in the 10-11" range... they were mean at times, but not overly so. I heard the stories, but again, none of mine were any meaner than most of my other fish. They are gorgeous and look better n better as they grow... must have patience with them.
Here are a couple pics of my last 10-11" Argentea... I sold him a while back and have a new one now, but he is only about 4.5".
