Blue Texas , any useful Info?

[JUSTICE]

I boght 2 Herichthys carpinte today. I have done some researching but can't get a clue on how to sex them other than the nuchal hump.Any ideas?At the moment they are 2.5 in or so.Truly beautiful fish!Has anyone here had any and if so share your experinces with me on overall behavior please. THANKS!

Justice b.

[Rex Karr]

Things such as nuchal humps and fin legnths are not very effective methods of sexing unless the fish is completely mature, then it is only moderately successful at most. There may be another way to sex carpintes other than venting but I am not sure.

Carpintes, are small to medium sized Central American cichlids, that usually reach 9-10". A 55g would be minimum for a pair. They are more towards the peaceful side of the scale than the aggressive. I would rate them with Synspilum, Bifasciatus, and Green terrors (Gold Saum). Meaning they are capable of community situations with other large cichlids, but care should be taken to prevent squables. There are many different strains so color and pattern can vary a lot.

[JUSTICE]

I currently have them in a 35 gal .I plan on getting a 75gal later. How long will they be okay in it? I heard they grow slower than others is this true? Messy eaters in deed like oscars.

[Rudy]

I think it is a misconception that any americans are slow growers. Saums (green terrors )are also supposed to be slow growers, but I have seen them get 4-5 inches in 4 to 5 months. Having said that you can control the growth by feeding them less.

I would say they would be o.k. in there for about a year. I would say 5-6 inches in the first year. As long as it is a 3 foot 35 gallon.