exCichlasoma cf. ornatum "Rio San Juan"

[fvelasco]

I just received a shipment of wild juveniles (approximately 1.5") from Jeff Rapps (Tangled Up in Cichlids, http://tangledupincichlids.com/). All arrived in excellent condition and are now acclimating. The coloration is washed out from the stress of being shipped, but the fish appear to be transitioning from the interesting juvenile coloration at this size. Thanks to Jeff's persistence, we will hopefully see this magnificent species become established in the hobby.
YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKT7XpyklkQ&hd=1

[NVCichlids]

i saw lunch stuck to the front glass. Neat little fishes.. I am hoping to place an order with him once I get another larger tank up and running!

[cavamart]

Good thread, keep it going. I know a few people are on the fence about buying this this new species from Jeff. Too many of us lost lots of $ when the new beani craze came through the hobby. I'm ready for some but with the prices I would like to see how they fare in captivity.

[baldtaxguy]

Too many of us lost lots of $ when the new beani craze came through the hobby.

?? Re: the beani, was it loss of fish or value?

[cavamart]

I was on board the Beani train when they first hit the market this time around. Two attemps and $400 later, I'm a litttle more cautios at a $50 a pop new species. That said I'm waiting with cash in hand to see how this species fare in hobbyist hands. Please keep us updated Flelasco.

[fvelasco]

The fish have acclimated well since being shipped. So far, no signs of any problems. They are relatively outgoing. Housed with Hyphessobrycon columbianus as target fish. I've posted another video showing their coloration at the current size (1.5").
YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M2vwZjQRNQ&hd=1

[cavamart]

Cool. Thanks. I'm keeping a close eye on this thread.

[fvelasco]

The juveniles have grown about 1/4" in the past two weeks and will soon need a larger grow-out tank.
YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY5cYY-C9YI&hd=1

[Mikeinco]

They are looking good. I too got a few of them a few weeks ago and have them in a tank with some Geophagus and they don't seem to be able to hang with them very well. I hope they aren't going to stay this mellow but tomorrow I'm planning to move them into a tank with some Angels.

[fvelasco]

The juveniles are now about 2.5" and have been moved to a 40 gallon tank, where I'll house them for the next several months. In this video, I'm keeping them with an adult pair of Cryptoheros nanoluteus. The female nano is fully grown, so you can get an idea of the size of the ornatum juvies for reference.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Csrv3uiYmQo

[Dean Hougen]

Very cool. Definitely keep us posted so we can track their development.


Dean

[DRE]

Any new developments? New photos?

[Decker504]

I have 2 larger specimens now. One 7 in female and a 5in male in separate tanks. I've found that they are very aggressive towards each other and lost several small individuals. What a beautiful fish.

[Decker504]

I've had her since she was 2inches. Sorry about watermarks in background, I feed from that back corner and this tank tends to splash me every time.

[Cichlidfever]

Nice :) What are your plans for your Ornatums, you have so many? Very interiesting cichlids...