Parachromis managuense has a bad reputation, just like many of the other large predatory cichlids. This reputation is largely undeserved, and besides, the positive sides of these fishes more than make up for any negative ones. Not to mention that an adult P. managuense is incredibly beautiful.
I've kept these cichlids and have nothing but good to say about them as long as you have an aquarium large enough to handle this species that grows to 55 cm/22 inches. I would say that the absolute minimum to keep these cichlids together with other cichlids is a tank of 540 litres/120 gallons. And that's a minimum; a larger aquarium is preferable. Large specimens require even larger aquariums. They can be bred in aquariums that are at least 250 litres/55 gallons.
The aquarium should be decorated so that natural territory boundaries are created and so that there are a lot of hiding places for the female, as the male can be quite mean to her if she isn't ready to breed when he is. Larger rocks should be placed directly on the bottom of the aquarium since this species digs a lot and can move large stones. Use silica to glue caves and stone formations together so that they don't fall down.
This species hasn't got any bigger demands and thrives in most water conditions as long as pH and DH levels aren't too extreme in either direction.
P. managuense can be kept with other cichlids from the region as long as they aren't too small and can stand up for themselves. This is true for most cichlids species from Central America. P. managuense can be aggressive, but in my experience their aggressiveness is greatly exaggerated and P. managuense leaves most fishes alone. However, during breeding they will protect their young and their territory furiously, and since they are quite large they can claim large territories especially if normal boundaries aren't created in the aquarium. But I wish to stress that P. managuense normally isn't that aggressive and doesn't beat other fish to death. Just don't keep them with fish small enough to eat (except for Ancistrus which usually survive despite their small size).
Feeding P. managuense is easy and they accept just about any food. I recommend feeding them a diet of pellets, shrimps and fish bits. To vary the diet I sometimes feed them live feeders, usually convicts since it seems that one always have spare convicts one can't get rid of by selling or giving away. I usually feed my P. managuense twice a day with the occasional week without food.
Sexing P. managuense is usually easy and follows the line of most other cichlids. Females are smaller and rounder. Breeding P. managuense is according to my experience also easy as long as you give them their own aquarium. Breeding them in aquariums with other cichlids is harder, but not too hard. The biggest problem is deciding what to do with and how to raise the very large number of fry. Each spawning can generate up to 2000-3000 fry.
They are usually very good parents and the fry grow very fast. They guard their young for up to 6 weeks during which time the fry reach a size of 1.5 - 2 cm, or approximately ? inch. After that the parents spawn again and the fry have to be removed or the parents will kill them while protecting the new batch. However on rare occasions the parents can protect two batches simultaneously. This usually ends in the second batch being eaten by their older sisters and brothers, which will grow very fast on this diet. :-)
Spawnings are usually 4-7 weeks apart. They usually lay their eggs on a rock or root that has been carefully cleaned, and then dig very big craters right down to the glass bottom in which to keep their young. The fry are small but accept most kinds of food. The parents will spit out pellets that they've chewed into tiny pieces for the fry to eat. The growth rate I mentioned above is based on my own experiences when I feed only pellets. However, I don't recommend you to rely too heavily on the parents chewing food for their young. You might observe whether the fry get the food they need this way, but if they don't I recommend you feed the fry if you want them to survive.
Raising the fry without their parents is much harder and I wouldn't recommend separating fry unless it's absolutely necessary. If possible, it's better to wait a few weeks until the fry have grown a little.
If you like predatory fish and are willing to take my word that most of its reputation is undeserved, then I recommend you to try this very beautiful fish.
About The Author
Article by William Berg writer for Aquatic Community with more then 20 years of aquarium experience. Find more of Williams articles about other cichlids or maybe something completely different like cichlids
Article may be reproduce as long as it is not edited and this resource box is included "as is with live links" on the bottom of the page. (Java links and PHP links are not allowed, I.e. SE friendly links only)
recurring maid service Arlington Heights ..Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More
Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the... Read More
One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa... Read More
The city I live in just increased its fees for... Read More
'I named all kittens, although they were all stillborn.' 'My... Read More
As we love to have a comfortable place to sleep... Read More
Puppies have a natural instinct inside that causes them to... Read More
You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More
Horse owners who are history buffs may recognize the name... Read More
A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home.... Read More
Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More
Keeping a fish tank is a wonderful and relaxing hobby,... Read More
Wondering how to begin crate training your puppy or dog,... Read More
Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More
Many people feel that taking the time to train their... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
Herbology, basically, is the use of herbs in the treatment... Read More
There is a dangerous problem that horse owners should be... Read More
If you're like me, then you don't really have the... Read More
I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More
You do clean your house don't you? Well you have... Read More
Puppy CarePuppy care can be a lot of work, but... Read More
Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely ManageableCanine... Read More
insured cleaning company Highland Park ..With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, most... Read More
Cats have a reputation for being finicky eaters, but that... Read More
Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
As with every training tool used to modify a behavior... Read More
Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is... Read More
Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More
Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More
It's beginning to get cooler and as such it is... Read More
What makes something news? The fact that you take good... Read More
Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
Purebred dogs of all breeds can be found in shelters,... Read More
Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more... Read More
Puppies have a natural instinct inside that causes them to... Read More
For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides... Read More
Losing a family pet can be a traumatic experience, especially... Read More
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of... Read More
In order to add love and affection to their lives,... Read More
Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More
Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More
The days are getting longer, and if you have a... Read More
One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy... Read More
Pet |