Viejas can be difficult to identify with certainty because there is so much overlap in pattern within and among individuals and species, plus there is always the possibility of hybrids. However, the general care doesn't change, nor does the list of suitable tankmates for the most part. While there is variability in levels of aggression among species (e.g., fens more aggressive than bifas), the single biggest issue is the temperament of your specimen, and no one online can determine that. Treat it as a robust Central American cichlid species, and be prepared to accommodate its aggression. I'm not sure swordtails would be a good fit - my Viejas would eventually take them out, probably sooner than later. Then again, I have a small (1") convict in the tank that everyone ignores, including an 8" blackbelt. You just never know for sure.
Vieja bifasciata info please?
- Thread starter baxtor_lex
- Start date
Viejas can be difficult to identify with certainty because there is so much overlap in pattern within and among individuals and species, plus there is always the possibility of hybrids. However, the general care doesn't change, nor does the list of suitable tankmates for the most part. While there is variability in levels of aggression among species (e.g., fens more aggressive than bifas), the single biggest issue is the temperament of your specimen, and no one online can determine that. Treat it as a robust Central American cichlid species, and be prepared to accommodate its aggression. I'm not sure swordtails would be a good fit - my Viejas would eventually take them out, probably sooner than later. Then again, I have a small (1") convict in the tank that everyone ignores, including an 8" blackbelt. You just never know for sure.
I agree with fug202, very hard to ID a Vieja (Paraneetroplus), they are all close cousins, and their care and temperment are similar.
And even the way a photo is taken can influence a proper Id.
Here is a Rio Chacamax I had
another photo of its brother
and a little younger, in adifferent mood
And even the way a photo is taken can influence a proper Id.
Here is a Rio Chacamax I had
another photo of its brother
and a little younger, in adifferent mood
There are so many Vieja species out there and they are all popular, colorful and mild temper enough to be kept in a communiy tank. Additionally, there is variation in color of the the same species from differnt location origin. Hibridization is therefore inevitable, and it's hard to know what one is actually getting unless one can get them from reputable source like Jeff Rapp.
This is excellent, accurate information. Temperament is really the only thing that's going to matter much when choosing tank mates. My Vieja leave Rainbowfish alone, but I'm sure everyone isn't so fortunate. I also have some rather small (and large) clown loaches, from just under 2" all the way up to 10" they completely ignore. I'm also keeping a GT, Escondido, small chocolate pleco, and medium rhino pleco without issue as well.
That being said, I have had a few fish that have not worked out for me as well. A Salvini, Buttikofferi (I had to try it for myself to learn how vicious these things are), and Argentea were all too aggressive for me, but I'm sure they could work in other people's set ups just fine given a more compatible temperament among the community.
I would say is a Bifa based on color and body shape. I don't see the type of vertical bar Fene has. I feel the top patches (bifa feature) just coincidentally make it look like vertical bar at certain angle.
Agress will vary...every one says the bifa is mild manner...but the one in my 374g tank is the king and far from the biggest.
can this be a hybrid vieja? Like hybrid with Syn? The head is so smoothAfter 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!
