New Cryptoheros nanoluteus

[JMoyles79]

I just picked up a pair of Cryptoheros nanoluteus. They seem to be doing great, eating and swimming around and such. Anyone with experience with these have any advice or tips?
Thanks,
John

[primarypredator]

They are great litle fish. Not quite as aggressive as convicts in general. They will want caves of some sort to hide their eggs inside. I think at least a 15 gallon tank, even bigger, better, with some small minnows or livebearers swimming around to make them more comfortable. Flakefoods, pellets, and some frozen mysis work well. pH on the high side if possible, crushed coral substrate or put some in the filter, especially if your water is soft. As with most centrals, the male or female may decide that their partner is not doing a good enough job, and attack them, especially after the fry have grown a little. So be prepared to take the loser out. I prefer to introduce the female to a new tank first, let her get settled in, fat and happy, and then add the male.

[buntbarsch]

I keep my group of 2 males and 4 females (2 of the females are wild) in a 4' 55g. They breed regularely and I always leave them with about 50% of the fry. They are great parents and look after their babies perfectly. I move the other half into a grow out tank.

In addition to primarypredator's advise I like to caution about large water changes. They don't seem to like changes of more then 30% weekly.

Good luck and enjoy these beautiful cichlids. :)

Male
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/buntbarsch/SA-CA%20Cichlids/Nanoluteus-43.jpg

wild female with fry
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/buntbarsch/SA-CA%20Cichlids/Nanoluteus-10-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/buntbarsch/SA-CA%20Cichlids/Nanoluteus-7-1.jpg

[JMoyles79]

Thanks guys!!!

[Peteruk]

I've just picked up 8 small 1/2inch juvs nano's, I been after these for what seems for forever. :cool:

So far I've tried flake (crushed as well as whole) softened cichlid pellet, catfish pellet, bloodworm pellet and chopped bloodworm but they have eaten anything yet. I've ordered some microworm and brineshrimp eggs which should arrive within the next day or two and hopefully they will eat then.

Tank is 18in x 12in x 12in
Temp 76F
PH 8.2
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitate 20-40
Filtration is by sponge filter
No substrate is used
Tank decor is a few broken flower pots and 1 bunch of Eldea crispa