My young guys seem to vary quite a bit in coloration and the amount of black. Have you found this to be typical in younger heterospila? I'll see if I can get some good examples of mine
Oscura heterospila
- Thread starter nutty
- Start date
The young may display different colour phases according to mood. Your fish look quite young and will be difficult at this stage to tell the differences in sex. The amount you have will hopefully ensure a good sex ratio. (y)
Thank you for your insight. I've admired your pics on this species for some time. It took me a while to find these guys. Mine are all right around 2 inches. So a little ways to go. Thanks again
Fantastic - thanks for posting! I love this species. It seems that their coloration can be quite different - some members' have much more pink, and yours seem to have a much more yellow coloration.
How many would you suggest starting with, and at what size do you think you can typically tell the sex?
Do you recommend a single pair in a community, or a small group?
How many would you suggest starting with, and at what size do you think you can typically tell the sex?
Do you recommend a single pair in a community, or a small group?
Thanks Stan. I lost contact details when the forum suddenly closed down. All the hetero fry I raised were sold on to Dave H. So you hang on this forum now?
Are you still keeping Centrals?
The colour can change depending on mood, this is something that appeals to me with this species.. Dominant fish will display quite dark colours.
To get a decent sex ratio, I always start with at least 6 fish. I can generally sex fish from 3 inch. Give them a try, really nice species to keep.
Thanks Lee
Once they are old enough to sex, have you noticed if they do ok in a one male to multiple ( 2 or 3) female set up or do you stick with the typical pair in community tanks.
Like most centrals, once sexual maturity happens, you will get squabbles as hierarchy develops. If you have a very large tank, it is possible to keep breeding groups together without too much trouble. With smaller tanks, it is better to keep a pair. Remember, they can get quite large, up to 9-10 inch under aquarium conditions.
Remember that all breeding cichlids can become very aggressive towards other tank mates.
Yes mate,still keeping some centrals.
I had group of lents off Andy Y. I'm keeping those with a group of otapa swordtails.
This is the only forum I really use now,most other forums I'm a member of are just too quiet.
What are you keeping in the big tank now Lee?
