Wild (ex)Cichlasoma Ornatums - Yes or No?

[CrimsonFog]

So our beloved LFS has wild Ornatum juvies. 1-1.75" at $24.99 a pop, however they will be on sale this weekend ;-)

I have been there 3-4 times since they got them and each time walked away. I know they grow slow and are susceptible to bloat. AND there is a small chance that they could be Cichlasoma Gephyrums.

But I am intrigued and curious to say the least.

I will leave it up to you guys whether I get some or not. Only thinking about getting 3-5 of them.

Please vote and tell me why or why not. Humor is great, but sensible comments would be greatly appreciated.

Whatever the poll says on Sunday is what I'll go by. Thanks in advance!

 

[CanadianKeeper]

dont see them often so I would

 

[1bigdovii]

Get em! Ornatum are awesome they are one of the fish still on my list to get. Wish my LFS had some.

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[Azedenkae]

Well imo if you don't know their origin, but they're attractive enough, go for them. Know that you don't know their origin, but embrace them nonetheless. XD I mean beauty transcends all right? And that includes names...

 

[fishman09]

Well theyre are a fish that is a major project with the cost and slow growth rate. But when a tank and the cash opens up they are on my wish list. Dont expect to spawn them though as nobody has to this date including mels 4 year old pair.

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[Freshwaterpredators]

Boo on ornatums lol. That's a no for me if you plan on breeding. But if your lookin for a solo specimen then go ahead, they do have nice colors and would make a decent showpiece but that's it imo

 

[CrimsonFog]

Can anyone share their growth rates?

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[fishman09]

Probably looking at like 1/4" or less a month. Theres people who have had them for a year with no growth or like an inch. Mels are like 16" or so from what he said but are like 4+ years old and have taken a while to get there. Probably looking at a 4-5" fish after a year or so

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[prashan]

I've heard that's an extremely rare cichlid. I like to know which one is better from Cichlasoma Ornatum and Cichlasoma Gephyrums.

 

[Modest_Man]

You know my thoughts on it. Think about the ornatum craze last year or the year before - where are all these hundreds (if not thousands) of fish that got shipped out all over the USA? Dead most likely. Either from aggression or bloat.

Here were Mel's ornatum back in 2008 and a few months ago (Feb).
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