slow growers?

[Poet8102]

Does anyone know how fast a. pulcher grow and how fast g. surinamensis grow.

[Poet8102]

I guess no one is going to respond. Oh well it was worth a try.

[spakase]

I'm not sure about the pulcher. But I have kept Geophagus Brasiliensis, Peru and Ipogenrensis (earth eaters from South America like the Geophagus Suramensis). They grow pretty fast. Here's a pic of my Geophagus Peru.

http://E:My Download FilesMy DocumentsMy Picturesfabo cabrioresized.JPG

[Rex Karr]

Sorry, Poet. I don't have any experiance with those species, and I suppose no one else aside from Spakase does either. Sorry.

[MoJo]

Make sure it has adequate tank space (at least a 55 gallon tank if you plan on keeping it with other fish.) and adequate water changes. It is a slightly aggressive species and has become more popular in the last few years. They are an "average" grower. A good diet and the parameters above will help speed them up. It will eat brine shrimp, beef heart and most foods but prefers them off the bottom. If you are planning on breeding them try and replicate their environment as best you can. A light layer of gravel as they are earthmovers...a few rocks and some plants...even though they will more than likely destroy them. It's all part of the process. Temperature should be normal for tropical fish in general with breeding temps being a bit higher. In the wild the pH is generally a bit more acidic, but a neutral pH is reccommended in the tank. If breeding try and drop the pH a bit (between 6.2 and 6.5) it might help.

It's a very pretty fish. Good luck with it.

[Poet8102]

Thanks guys, but I want you to know that I wasn't trying to be rude at all. But I really appreciate the information that you gave me. Thanks Again.