Tropical Fish Keeping - Aquarium fish care and resources

Tropical Fish Keeping - Aquarium fish care and resources (http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/)

- Cichlids (http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/cichlids/)

- - New fish! (http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/cichlids/new-fish-4538/)

Some of you may know that when I comes to fish, I'm rather prone to impulse buys. Today was no exception. I went out to pick up some pretty little dwarf rainbows as dithers for another tank, and decided to head into a store that I normally avoid (simply because it has been months since I've been there, and curiosity gets the better of me now and then). I'm glad I did! I went in hoping to find a creamsicle midas juvie, or maybe a pretty juvie texas to put in a 55gal tank that was empty. I was disappointed when I found neither, but only until I stopped at a tank housing some juvie GT's. I've always liked the look of GTs, but never really had the desire to buy one. However, when I peeked into this tank, there was an absolutely stunning little GT hanging out in a flowerpot. Looking out of curiosity (not planning to purchase it at this point), I noticed it was a female as I could clearly see its oviposter. After observing her for a minute, it was clear she was guarding the pot, and on further inspection, managed to spot a group of eggs on the side of the pot. Watching for a few more minutes, I determined who her mate was when she allowed him into the pot with her, and he chased off the other GTs that came near. He, as well, was easily one of the nicest GT juvies I have ever seen. Needless to say, I decided right then and there to buy the pair. The store employee even actually managed to catch the right male, and they're hanging out in their new home as we speak. I haven't managed to get any good pics yet, as they're obviously still spookish, but here's a couple quick shots. The female is about 2.75-3", and the male is slightly larger.

The female (male behind her):
http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL397.../240942831.jpg
The male (who is currently fending off his reflection like a good little monster):
http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL397.../240942873.jpg
Male again with the female in front:
http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL397.../240944906.jpg

I'm trying to decide what to name them!

those are really pretty fish!

call them mulder and scully - everyone should have 2 fish called mulder and scully! :D

what is a dither fish??

...and what happened to the eggs? did you take them home too? i dont know how that works, if you can transport them or what.

They're gorgeous!!! :D

im also trying to figure out what GT stands for? are they also known as Blue Acara ? to me thats what they look like but i dont know where the GT abbreviation would come from if that were the case.

Quote:

Originally Posted by juliewiegand

im also trying to figure out what GT stands for? are they also known as Blue Acara ? to me thats what they look like but i dont know where the GT abbreviation would come from if that were the case.

Green Terrors. Those are quite big and can be quite belligerent.

i see. and are green terrors and blue acaras the same fish?

the reason i thoguht it might be was because of http://www.tropicalfish4u.co.uk/acat...lue_Acara.html - i think they look really similar here

No, blue acaras are different. They do look very similar as juveniles though. The main difference at this small size is that the GT's have orange on their tails and dorsals. As adults, blue acaras only reach about 6" and are much more docile. GT's are part of the acara family though, so they are definitely related.

No, I didn't take the eggs home. They're not transportable short of taking the entire flowerpot home in water, and even then, the disruption would likely lead to the parents eating them. They'll spawn again though, no worries there ;)

A dither fish is a very fast moving, upper-tank level fish (rainbows, danios, etc) that are mean to bring other fish out of hiding (by showing the rest of the tank is safe, basically).

thats a shame about the eggs, but like you said theyll spawn again. post pictures of the babies if you can - id love to see them.

ok, i know that a lot of fish go by many different names and thats why i wondered because i thoguht they looked really similar. what size will your green terrors eventually reach then?

Quote:

Originally Posted by juliewiegand

i see. and are green terrors and blue acaras the same fish?

Not that I know of.

Green Terror-Cichlasoma octofasciatum unless the name has been changed via time. Central American cichlid

Blue Acara-Aequidens pulcher. South American cichlid

I don't remember seeing a blue acara that looks like a green terror.:roll: :squint: Most sites can be misleading, Julie. Who knew the tetras with red coloration reaching the head are called neons when in fact, they are cardinals?:sarcastic:

Quote:

Most sites can be misleading, Julie. Who knew the tetras with red coloration reaching the head are called neons when in fact, they are cardinals?

ive noticed that before actually, even in a fish store i noticed that which i found a bit shocking since you would think that they would know something like that, especially when i know it, and im nowhere near as knowledgeable about fish than most of you lot.

it is for this very reason that i double check most things on this forum before going ahead with it, even if i find information online/from a lfs - you are all very helpful and knowledgeable.