105 gallon wet pet suggestions

[bkfamus]

I agree with that regarding dividers etc.

Looked up some vieja vids and they starting to grow on me. However it seems a lot of these tanks are severely overstocked. Is thay necessary?

Like 7-8 T. Meeki and 5-6 vieja would fill this tank pretty much in my opinion..

If it were me, I'd prolly start with 6 Viejas and 12 T. meeki.. At some point I'd thin the herd to a pair of Vieja and 12 T. meeki.. I've seen others maintain groups of Vieja, but imo it usually looks crowded and not sure how viable long term.. Not saying it's impossible, because I know others do keep them in groups thru maturity.. I just have't had that experience in my 6 foot 210 and 240G tanks. As juvies thru ~4-5" mine stayed together and hunted like a pack of wolves... but as they grew, ime, they became less tolerant of conspecifics and any other potential alphas, again ime..

Maybe members with more experience w/ big fish and big tanks will chime in, if checking in, like @mrrobxc @cjdesmit @midasman714 @Stanzzzz7 to name a few..

 

[mindstate]

If it were me, I'd prolly start with 6 Viejas and 12 T. meeki.. At some point I'd thin the herd to a pair of Vieja and 12 T. meeki.. I've seen others maintain groups of Vieja, but imo it usually looks crowded and not sure how viable long term.. Not saying it's impossible, because I know others do keep them in groups thru maturity.. I just have't had that experience in my 6 foot 210 and 240G tanks. As juvies thru ~4-5" mine stayed together and hunted like a pack of wolves... but as they grew, ime, they became less tolerant of conspecifics and any other potential alphas, again ime..

Maybe members with more experience w/ big fish and big tanks will chime in, if checking in, like @mrrobxc @cjdesmit @midasman714 @Stanzzzz7 to name a few..

Thanks for all your replies today, much appreciated. Ending up with 1 or 2 pairs is actually more desireable than the overstocked vieja tanks I see online. Also thanks for tagging others, I'm not very familiair with the forum yet to know who's who.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

I totally agree with @bkfamus . A pair of Vieja with a decent sized colony of thorichthys makes a very interesting tank and a stunning display.
It also has a good chance of working long term without constantly swapping and changing fish due to aggression.
Speaking from experience, thorichthys are fascinating in groups. You could do a lot worse.

 

[mindstate]

I totally agree with @bkfamus . A pair of Vieja with a decent sized colony of thorichthys makes a very interesting tank and a stunning display.
It also has a good chance of working long term without constantly swapping and changing fish due to aggression.
Speaking from experience, thorichthys are fascinating in groups. You could do a lot worse.

Thanks man. Start with 6 Vieja and keep a pair eventually?

Thusfar I like the Syns and Bifa's the most based on looks. And these Melanura Belize my lfs has.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Thanks man. Start with 6 Vieja and keep a pair eventually?

Thusfar I like the Syns and Bifa's the most based on looks. And these Melanura Belize my lfs has. View attachment 1551797

The melananura are lovely and not usually as aggressive as some of the other veija group. They can be found in the wild with thorichthys Meeki and passionis so would make a good choice if you went this route.
I would start with 5 or 6 and sell the rest on once a pair form.

 

[mindstate]

The melananura are lovely and not usually as aggressive as some of the other veija group. They can be found in the wild with thorichthys Meeki and passionis so would make a good choice if you went this route.
I would start with 5 or 6 and sell the rest on once a pair form.

Perfect. One thing I dont understand though is some are called synspilym/melanura while the others are melanura belize. Are these different species? This shop is usually correct with the names and even location where they come from if its known.

 

[FINWIN]

me likey those super red vieja (melanurus). AND the Stahlberg.

Is the other name for those 'redhead cichlid?' I've heard that term. Some types don't seem as red as others. Are they super aggressive CA or mid?

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Perfect. One thing I dont understand though is some are called synspilym/melanura while the others are melanura belize. Are these different species? This shop is usually correct with the names and even location where they come from if its known.View attachment 1551803

Yes they are regional variants of the same species.
Colour and body shape can be a little different depending on the catch location of the fish.

 

[mindstate]

Yes they are regional variants of the same species.
Colour and body shape can be a little different depending on the catch location of the fish.

Perfect. How does the O. Heterospila compare to the Vieja in terms of temperament? I'm reading online that these can be kept in small groups into adulthood, are less aggressive and stay a tiny bit smaller? Also come from the same habitat as both the T. Meeki and V. Melanura.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Perfect. How does the O. Heterospila compare to the Vieja in terms of temperament? I'm reading online that these can be kept in small groups into adulthood, are less aggressive and stay a tiny bit smaller? Also come from the same habitat as both the T. Meeki and V. Melanura.

Everything you just said about them is true. Lovely fish if you can find them. Slow growers though.