Author Topic: Advice about gymnogeophagus  (Read 7015 times)

Offline linuxrulesusa

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Advice about gymnogeophagus
« on: October 12, 2012, 10:27:19 AM »
I'm looking into compatible tankmates for some australoheros oblongum / cichlasoma facetus / their name keeps changing (typical of lots of the American cichlids). As best I can tell, they originate from Uruguay (in the wild form) and like or at least tolerate cooler temps.
 
Anyway, if that info is accurate, some species that come from their area include gymnogeophagus rhabdotus and a few of those related species, e.g. possibly gymnogeophagus sp. Norte. Anyone have experience with these species? Or gymnos in general?

Here's my (current) questions about gymnogeophagus:
 
1) Do they need a cooldown period like below 65? Or if I just run the tank without a heater is that sufficient? Then crank it up a bit periodically for breeding?
 
2) Can I do just 1 or 2 in a tank or do they need a larger group? The rhabdotus supposedly max at 6" so if that's true, and they can do 1-2, they might work in a 55 with the pair of oblongum I have currently, or even if I had a few more oblongum.
 
3) Where can I get them? Not seeing many/any sources, so I was going to keep an eye out at the auctions. I'm guessing since there is little info about them they are more rare and thus probably out of my price range, but worth looking into, I guess.

Offline beach

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Re: Advice about gymnogeophagus
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2012, 10:41:18 PM »
I've also been looking for the sp. Norte's but havent found anyone in MI with them...   

been thinking about ordering them here

http://www.quinnsfins.com/fish_show.php?pid=1048

I do believe a cool down is necessary to keep them healthy...  i'll look for some good links to post...


Offline linuxrulesusa

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Re: Advice about gymnogeophagus
« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2012, 10:45:40 PM »
Fantastic fins in Livonia has some Nortes I believe.  Still interested in links.   But I am currently planning to expand my A. Oblongum group vs adding another species at this time.

Offline beach

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Re: Advice about gymnogeophagus
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2012, 10:47:35 AM »
Heres the cooling off period info:

"I am out of the country, in Uruguay and have limited internet to keep up with the boards. But in short... Geophagus and Gymnogeophagus are largely not compatible due to temperature requirements. The G. Crassilabris are hard to come by, and would do fine in a pair or trio. The G. pindare are much more social and peaceful and should be kept in a group of 6 or more. The three Gymnos you listed are polygamous and can be kept in trios, but also in a large tank would do fine as a larger group. I actually caught G. balzanii yesterday and G. australis today

The Gymnos need a cool period, of 2 months at 55-60 degrees. However the balzanii and australis are from the north and will be fine at normal temperatures, but might benefit from 1 month in the 60s.
 
For a breeding trio, a 75g would be fine, for the larger groups a 125 or 180 would be great.
 
Removing fry is more personal choice, I don't like stripping fish and always recommend allowing the parents to raise the fry and practice their parental care with the least amount of intervention possible. "   

Here are some photo's:
« Last Edit: October 30, 2012, 10:49:56 AM by beach »