victoria tank two... species three.... need suggestions

[Matt V]

So, I'm getting the 55 next week. Going to paint the back black, get a new canister from big al, and then i'll be set to go (matt has two of those big plastic storage things full of fish tank crap... hoods, lights, filters, enough heaters to warm SF bay...)

so, i'm thinking with the media and h20 from my existing tank, i should be ready to go by the end of october at the latest. now stocking -

Species one - A group of Lithochromis rufus. I'm trying to firm up a deal for them right now. I want those fish.

Species two i'm thinking is going to be a group of Astatotilapia latifasciata. Common, I know, but I like them.

Species three is the one that's giving me some problems. Putting two Victorian species together really isn't that hard. Limax and chromogynos, for example. No confusing those females. Ditto on the latifasciata and the rufus. So, if I can get them, I'm thinking the Paralabidochromis sp. "Redfin Piebald". (I know, kevin, you don't like the piebald fish.... ) If i can get them. Or I could just put in some Cynotilapia of some kind, but I want to keep up my "all victoria, all the time" theme.

So, any suggestions for species three given species one and two are pretty much a lock?

Matt

[Matt V]

oh, and i'm resourceful and can find just about anything...

[Neal]

Matt,

I've never kept Lithochromis rufus, but I've seen pics and they are such awesome looking fish....good choice!

I have kept a few Victorian species over the years, however. I really enjoyed my Pundimillia nyererei Python Island. I kept a small group of them for years and they are a rewarding tank occupant. I have also kept several Astatotilpia latisfasciata. Some of mine seemed to be overly aggressive at times, but the males can be beautiful fish.

I currently have some Astatotilapia aneocolor juveniles that are starting to get some size and color. So far, they aren't as impressive as I was hoping they would be, but they are healthy and growing, so we'll see what becomes of them. I also have some juvenile Pundimilia sp. known as Ukerewe "orange and black" ....I'm not sure exactly what the taxonomic status of this fish is as I've been unable to find much good info on them in doing searches. I got them from Armkes and he calls them Pundimilia nyererei Ukerewe "orange and black". I've also seen them referred to by other specific names, so I'm still not quite sure what they are. Whatever they may be, they are turning out to be some impressive little fish and I'm seriously thinking of getting a few more of them as I like the way they look. When I got them from Armke a couple of months ago, they were little bitty things, but they are growing nicely and starting to get pretty dark. If I was going to add more Victorians, I would certainly consider them.

[Matt V]

I too have kept nyererei and they are awesome fish. I'm thinking that the nyererei and rufus females might be too close to cohabitate. they are really nice, tho!

[fish speaker]

Originally posted by Neal
I also have some juvenile Pundimilia sp. known as Ukerewe "orange and black" ....I'm not sure exactly what the taxonomic status of this fish is as I've been unable to find much good info on them in doing searches...

I have had the same experience (there's some German site that lists them as Pundamilia sp. "Ukerewe nyererei"...but there's just not much info out there)...but they ARE extremely cool, gorgeous fish. One of my favorites, in fact. Very photogenic, too! :razz:

Matt, sorry I can't help out with your selection, as I haven't yet kept any Vics beyond the Pundamilias and a fabulous group of Astatotilapia latifasciata (I like them too, and my drop-dead beautiful male appears to confine his aggression to his females...and the ex-subdominant male:eek: ).

[Matt V]

No problem.

I have a list pretty much sorted out. It's a 'secret' for now and once i get the tank up and going and it's too late for anyone to talk me out of it, I'll share.

:twisted: