Vieja bifasciata info please?

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baxtor_lex

baxtor_lex

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Dec 17, 2009
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After a little debate we've settled on biffa, so could anyone give me some info on these please, such as eventual size? lifespan? tankmates? the usual stuff as i cant seem to find alot of solid info online as every site says different?

thanks!

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Standard Vieja specs. Bifas grow to about 12", and are generally ranked as less aggressive than species like maculicauda and argentea. However, individuals can vary in this regard. Suitable tankmates include other robust Central Americans. I'd recommend adding non-Vieja species (such as firemouths, salvinis, Astatheros), or Viejas that are smaller than your bifa (and thus less likely to be perceived as a threat). In terms of lifespan, 8 years is probably a reasonable guess, but I'm not certain. Looks like a nice fish you have there. Congrats.
 
I'd say 12" is probably a little on the small side, as one of mine has reached close to 10" in about 10 months. I have two, and they grow at speeds comparable to an Oscar (REALLY fast). Mine are both really calm, compared to some of my other Vieja. Definitely more chilled out than Argentea or Black Belts. I'm not entirely sure that the fish in those pictures is a Bifa though. One of the defining characteristics of the Bifa is a solid horizontal line down the body. The fish pictured looks more like a washed out Synspilum to me, or perhaps a hyrbid? Was it stressed at the time of the picture?
 
Psylant said:
On second thought he could be a Fenestratus, too. I think this would be most likely.
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Those vertical stripes look more fen-like than bifa, although I admit that bifa was my first impression based on body shape and the irregular dark patch on the upper flank. Regardless, their basic care parameters are the same, although fens have more of a reputation for aggression than bifas.
 
omg its like ARRGGGHHH one minutes everyone says biffa then fenestratus, either way, what would be good tankmates? iv read all sorts, from swordtails to firemouths so im a tad muddled up haha
 
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