Venustus Babies

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Fish Fiend - 31 Mar 2005 03:01 GMT

Hey all,
I have not been in the rec.aquaria world for quite some time. But it
looks like it is still a wealth of information as it always was.

Well anyway, the question I was going to pose is this. I am a longtime
hobbyist, but have recently rediscovered African Cichlids. I have kept some
in the past that I purchased from PetSm*** (I know, I know...) These were
mostly Kenyii, and some venustus. I was actually lucky enough for a pair of
Kenyii breed, but I don't have a lot of knowledge regarding fry care and
only had one or two reach a fair size. After a rewarding 5 year escapade
into Saltwater, I have acquired some new Africans (one pair nimbochromis
venustus, is that right?) from a considerably less dubious source than the
first Africans I kept. About 5 weeks ago they had fry. I now have eight
(8) 1/2 inch babies and I noticed this weekend I now have about 50 more
little guys (and girls but I still can't sex their parents either).

So after all of that blither, here is/are my real question(s). In order to
maximize the number of fry that survive, should I separate them into another
tank? They are currently in a 55 gallon with the parents and 8 older fry..
And also what options do I really if I can raise them to adulthood (other
than 25 tanks of venustus sitting around, wife would love that)? Maybe
talking to the LFS?

If you read all the way through this, you definitely deserve a big pat on
the back.....

Any feedback or suggestions would certainly be appreciated.

Brad
Fish Fiend

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T - 31 Mar 2005 05:12 GMT

Kenyi, not a problem, raise them in a grow out until they are about 1/3 the
size of adults.. As far as what to feed them, not a problem fish at all..
Herbavoire diet primarly. I am not suprised you got a pair to breed that you
got from the PS.. The last ones I sold ( about January ) were about 2 and
half inches long. It took them about 6 monthes to get to that length, but
some people can get them to grow out even faster than that.. I just reread
your post, you have Venustus fry.. Similair diet as the Kenyi.. The male
will certainly have a lot more colouration to him, the female will be more
dull and smaller.. A 55 gallon is not a big enough tank for a colony of
them.. They grow large for Malawi's ( Forgive me if I am wrong on the Lake
they originated from, I am stuck with a brain phart at this moment .. ) up
to I believe 10inches in length.. Talk to the LFS and see if they will take
them or give you a little store credit, or just leave them in the tank with
the adults.. Eventually you will have some survivors, while maintaining
population control...

Regards...

Regards...

> Hey all,
> I have not been in the rec.aquaria world for quite some time. But it
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
> Brad
> Fish Fiend

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Pet Forum / Aquaria / Cichlids / March 2005

Venustus Babies