Author Topic: Blind Fish? Albino Acarichthys heckelii  (Read 3935 times)

Offline Franky_me

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Blind Fish? Albino Acarichthys heckelii
« on: August 10, 2020, 03:38:06 PM »
I have a young Albino Acarichthys heckelii/ Threadfin Acara.  I purchased him afew months ago with a few Blue Acara and Red Head Tapajos.  They were all 1-2.5 inches. The Albino Threadfin was the biggest fish, twice as long as the smallest blue acara.  Fast forward 2 months and the Albino has barely grown and is much smaller than his tank mates.  He does manage to eat, but just not very well.  He looks like one of those dogs that when you throw the ball at them hits them in the head when they try and catch it?!?  He darts at food, misses it and then another fish gets it.  I got some long tongs to try and feed him earth worms with.  But he freaks out and hides while the Blue Acara and Red Head Tapajos actually chase the tongs and rip the worm up.
I just moved him to a fry tank with baby cat fish in it that are big enough now to not be a meal.  I was hoping to fatten him up and get him caught up to his future tank mates.  But he misses food in that tank as well.
I know albinos can have vision problems.  I'm wondering how common is it?  Did I get the 1 of 1000 fry or is it a coin toss that they have issues?  Could this be the species issue?  Or is it all albinos?  I really like the look of adult Albino Threadfin but even the fry are pricey. I don't really want to invest in more if I will likely get the same result.

Interested in other experience with Albino fish, and Acarichthys heckelii

Thanks,
Frank