What do you want answered?

[Aquamojo]

I'm heading out to the ACA convention next week. Without a doubt the convention always has the biggest group of cichlid experts in the country gathered under one roof. Here's a link to the list of speakers all graciously sponsored by Monster Aquaria Network (Many thanks Li!)

http://www.2009aca.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=34&Itemid=64

In addition there will be a host of other folks there like Rusty Wessel, Juan Miquel, Dick Au, Discus Hans and a bunch of other folks...including vendors that sell food and supplies.

If you have any question you would like me to pose to either the speakers or someone one else...or just a question in general about a particular fish...post it here. I will do my very best to get the question answered on video. I will post them much like I did the video on my collecting trips.

Mo

 

[BrynMichael]

First I want to say I really appreciate your work. Second thanks for being so helpful.

Okay so my question is, and you might be able to answer this without the experts, but...
What are the main types of Herichthys Carpintis. I have been reading lately that there could be some differences in them. I know already there is the "escondido" which I believe comes from a lake in Mexico called Lago Escondida and that collections from here are different than others. I guess what I want to know is aside from the escondido, are there other strains of H.Carpintis or just one. I have recently found that some people claim there is one called Lahillas and one called Chairel. I would assume these are also different locational groups and thus a varried appearance. Supposedly the Chairel has large blocky tight pearling much like the escondido only without the worm pearling on the face. The Lahillas is supposedly your "common" Carpintis which has less pearls or that they are more spaced out and there is less on the face. Is there any truth to this? Or can any H. Carpintis become great looking with enough care?

Thanks,
Bryn

 

[Aquamojo]

First I want to say I really appreciate your work. Second thanks for being so helpful.

Okay so my question is, and you might be able to answer this without the experts, but...
What are the main types of Herichthys Carpintis. I have been reading lately that there could be some differences in them. I know already there is the "escondido" which I believe comes from a lake in Mexico called Lago Escondida and that collections from here are different than others. I guess what I want to know is aside from the escondido, are there other strains of H.Carpintis or just one. I have recently found that some people claim there is one called Lahillas and one called Chairel. I would assume these are also different locational groups and thus a varried appearance. Supposedly the Chairel has large blocky tight pearling much like the escondido only without the worm pearling on the face. The Lahillas is supposedly your "common" Carpintis which has less pearls or that they are more spaced out and there is less on the face. Is there any truth to this? Or can any H. Carpintis become great looking with enough care?

Thanks,
Bryn

Great question for Jaun Miguel. Without a doubt the world's authority on the Hericthys complex.

THanks...and you are welcome.

 

[Aquamojo]

That's it? The brightest minds and cichlid enthusiasts under one roof...no other questions?

 

[4wheelin]

ok i have a question for u its probably not one for the experts but i have multiple breds of cichlids in my 55 gal. my question is with they cross bred they are all africans other than my pair of convicts will the yellow labs bred with my powder blues? also why did my auratus cichlid turn from a beautiful yellow with a single black stripe to almost black with a faint yellow stripe

 

[4wheelin]

also what are the best water conditions for my cichlids? and is there any kind of water cooling devices i cant keep my water temp below 84 degrees and i dont even have a heater in the tank

 

[cchhcc]

also what are the best water conditions for my cichlids? and is there any kind of water cooling devices i cant keep my water temp below 84 degrees and i dont even have a heater in the tank

Easiest thing to do is to keep a couple plastic bottles of water in the freezer. Float one in the tank (cap still on!), and swap it out once or twice a day.


To Mo's original question, I'd like to hear any specifics on disease frequency in the wild. Also, any info on gut analysis that could give insights into feeding preferences.

 

[4wheelin]

wow that is amazing why didnt i think of that now i feel like and idiot lol

 

[VRWC]

What are the main types of Herichthys Carpintis. I have been reading lately that there could be some differences in them. I know already there is the "escondido" which I believe comes from a lake in Mexico called Lago Escondida and that collections from here are different than others. I guess what I want to know is aside from the escondido, are there other strains of H.Carpintis or just one. I have recently found that some people claim there is one called Lahillas and one called Chairel. I would assume these are also different locational groups and thus a varried appearance. Supposedly the Chairel has large blocky tight pearling much like the escondido only without the worm pearling on the face. The Lahillas is supposedly your "common" Carpintis which has less pearls or that they are more spaced out and there is less on the face. Is there any truth to this? Or can any H. Carpintis become great looking with enough care?

Thanks,
Bryn

Bryn...you can call Don Conkel (813) 920-9624 or email him directly info@donconkelstropicals.com and ask him that question to get a definite answer, as hes the one that collected the Lahillas from 'Lago Lahillas, Mexico' and Chariel from 'Laguna Chairel, Mexico' .

Ive had all 3 of the carpintis youve mentioned and they are all locale differences...each beautiful in their own right. I prefer the Lahillas over them all, and the female at that. I prefer the royal/navy blue coloration and the black undertones.

Hes a very easy guy to talk to, one of the most educated & experienced guys in the trade and can give you an in depth explanation, as well as directions to where you can find them probably. Hes that helpful.

Please dont let that deter Mo from asking Jaun Miguel though, as Id like to hear his educated & experienced explanation as well.

 

[BrynMichael]

I might have to do that. I have heard that Don Conkel is a crook so I was a little hesitant. I have heard from a few people that have dealt with him that he sells sick, diseased, fish or they were different ones than ordered, etc. And I can't find any sources of a Lahillas or Chairel lakes in mexico, or any other info online, only escondida and only things from Don Conkel. Probably just hearsay, I don't know him at all. I will take your word for it that he is a good guy though.