What have I let myself in for?

[MarvGT]

Yesterday I purchased what I believe is a Vieja Argentea, the store didn't know what it was but I'm sure you can let me know if I'm wrong. He/she is only about 2.5inches and is currently in a 65 gallon 4 foot long tank with a single female green terror which is about 4-5inches. I've heard these fish can get big and aggressive. Should I be concerned? I know it will outgrow its current tank so if i decide to keep it I will have to look for something bigger. What size are we talking here? 6 foot is probably my limit but a 5 foot 125gallon would be easier.

Also what sort of fish can I house with it. The female GT is only a temporary tank mate but ideally would like to add in several small cichlids such as a Nic, convict, green terror ( 1inch fry at present). Obviously this wouldn't be long term and can easily move fish to other tanks if need be.The idea is to grow them out together in a the 65 until they out grow the tank and I can arrange other more permanent homes (together or separate).

Would be great if anyone can't let me know if this idea would work.

Thanks

 

[Crazy mike]

A 125 is minimum for a single adult, they get very large as in 14-15 inches and are highly aggressive. I would house one with anything in less than a 180. Green terror aren't that tough and a adult argentea would slaughter 1.

Sent from my VS840 4G

 

[MarvGT]

Thanks Mike. I've read that Argentea's are quite slow growing and considering mine is is only about 2.5 inches I assume i have a time before it reaches adulthood/psycho killer stage. How quick do they grow and what can I keep with them in the meantime?

 

[duanes]

Mine grew from about 2" to 8" in about a year, and I agree with all Mike said.
At 8 " the males get quite aggressive, my male wiped out half the fish in a 150 once it hit stride, overnight.
They seem not to bother with very small cichlids or fish other than cichlids, but any cichlid of comperable size or larger can be toast.
When I walked in the morning he had killed many, he had a dovii pinned in one upper corner, and a managuense in the other corner, both were beaten badly, both were larger than the argentea.
Great fish, as long as kept alone, or a very large tank, 300 gal+.
Below is a male, steep forehead, fin extensions, and less dark marking than females