New fish in LFS

[Nick89]

I went to my LFS and i saw that they just got in some new fish. They are called Creninchla(sp?) Belly crawlers. They look kind of cool, anyone have any info on these guys?

[gm72]

You mean this:

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Nick89]

well that was a good link to the crenicichla species but what about the specie Belly crawler?

[gm72]

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Nick89]

thanks gm you rock!

[tropfish]

cool fish! are you gonna get it?

[Nick89]

Im not sure yet, but they are really cool. quick fish thye are always chasing one another. I mean 6'' isnt very big but i dunno ill weigh my options. Oh and they are predatory, just like the larger pikes.

[Dave66]

is it this?: [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

common name belly crawler could be any species.

Dave

[cocoa_pleco]

if dave is correct, they have a pretty good size and are probably predatory

[Nick89]

those might be it. but i dont remember now. they kind of look like the birchirs(sp?)

[Nick89]

well im going to go and say that, its the link GM got, the 2nd one. Thats what it is.

[Dave66]

All the Crenicichla species are highly preditory. You'd have to keep fish with it that are too large to eat, and unfortunately Crenicichlas have large mouths.

Dave

[Nick89]

By what that site says, it gets to only 6'' which isn't really that big IMO. Or do they get bigger? I wouldn't mind having one if they got to at least 8 inches.

[Dave66]

Depends on the species. On the low end, six inches, on the high, two feet.

Dave

[Nick89]

well the one gm provided a link to at cichlid-forum is the one i THINK i saw, pretty sure it is. by reading that, what do you think? And do they always just lay on the gravel?

[Dave66]

No, but they prowl the lower third, and rest and lurk on the gravel. If you plant the tank thickly with swimming room in the front they are more active.

Dave

[Nick89]

Do they need to be in groups? Or could i get 1 and some other larger fish? Im not sure, i mean id be all over this if they were just bigger. a 55 gallon tank with a 6 inch fish wont look all that big. What would you do ?

[Dave66]

Me? I'd get six, and let them work out a heirarchy. If a pair decides to breed, remove the other fish smartly, as they are vicious parents.

Dave

[Nick89]

LOL 6????? nahhh thats a little extreme. I was thinking on getting just 1 and maybe get some firemouths and some blue rams. Is that a good combo?

[Dave66]

No, the Crenicichla will eat them. They'll eat the rams whole, snap the firemouths in half. You're tanks are too small for them, but adult Oscars would be safe.

Dave

[Nick89]

But they get only 6'' lol a little fish can create so much havoc? You know which crenichla im talking about right? it looks like the 2nd link gm got. What could i put in with it other than its own kind?

[Dave66]

Because, as I said above, they are HIGHLY preditory. They do their dirty work day and night.

Dave

[Nick89]

And 1 can go in a 55 gallon aquarium no problems? They got teeth too dont they? Anyways, the ones at the store arent real thick yet and i think around a little over 4''.

[Dave66]

They will grow and get heavier-bodied. Six months tops to full size.

Dave

[Nick89]

What type of aquarium do they need? such as decor?

[Dave66]

Plants and driftwood, some stones. Mimics their natural setting.

Dave

[Nick89]

Ok and how can i tell if its a male or female?

Edit: Im still unsure of getting one, so im going to do a little more researching.

[Dave66]

Males are more colorful with better finnage, females are paler and heavier bodied.

Dave

[Nick89]

Well i gave it more thought, and id like to beable to have some fish in the tank not just 1. So im going to go with my original plan. Thanks for the help.

[Dave66]

Don't let the LFS guys talk you into something that's hell on wheels, though. Carnage is no fun, IMHO.

Dave

[Nick89]

Exactly.. I hadn't realized they were so aggressive. I like semi-aggressive species not so much like these guys. So like i said im going to have to pass on them.

[Dave66]

Me, I'd get six or eight each of the rams and firemouths, plant the tank up, put in a massive school or two of tetras, sextet of cories, and relaxed and enjoy.
Went through my tank-buster kill 'em all stage 20 years ago lol.

Dave

[Nick89]

Well, see i havent had the tank-buster eat 'em all stage type of fish yet lol so id like to see how they are. You have an pictures of your tank(s)?