Etroplus Suratentis

[Mikeinco]

Just trying to get a bit of info on my latest conquest. I am adding 6 small Suratentsis to my 100 gallon tank and while i know these fish will require a larger tank sometime down the road I do have a few questions. My source keeps them in regular tank water and my research indicates they require brackish water. Also, my source is breeding them in regular tank water. Should i convert them to slightly brackish water and if so should it be done gradually? Also they appear to be vegetarians and i am wondering if they are succeptible to bloat if given too much protein. I plan on getting group of 6 youngsters and keeping them in the 100 gallon until they get some size on them and then will be moving them into a larger tank once my fish room is complete sometime next year. Any info would be greatly appreciated. thanks. I currently have the Carnarensis which by the way is one of my favorite cichlids so getting a group of the Suratentsis is going to be awesome.

[Mikeinco]

Well I sought out a group of 6 but ended up with only 4 due to loosing 2 during shipping. They 4 appear to be schooling together at the moment but do seem a bit skiddish. I'm thinking its the size tank 100 gallon and the fish which are around 3 inches. I have build some caves but they don't appear interested in them. I'm very excited to have this fish but wish I hadn't lost 2 in the beginning. I'm going to post some pics later in the week. Next up will be getting my hands on the Iranacichlid which seems like it will be hard to find.

[dstuer1950]

Suratensus seem to be very prone to ich if temps are in the normal range and fresh water is the norm, I have found keeping them in warmer waters(high 80sF) works well, and the salinity at 3 ppm or above keeps them healthy. Also keeping the protein down and giving leafy greens. My male attained the size of a dinner plate.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i97/dstuer/Etroplus/02-24-07_1803.jpg
As adults my surantensus appreciated having small fish in the tank with them and would stand on their tails to be cleaned by Fossorochromis juvies.
I too have had Iranocichla on my wish list, seemingly forever without luck.

[Mikeinco]

Suratensus seem to be very prone to ich if temps are in the normal range and fresh water is the norm, I have found keeping them in warmer waters(high 80sF) works well, and the salinity at 3 ppm or above keeps them healthy. Also keeping the protein down and giving leafy greens. My male attained the size of a dinner plate.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i97/dstuer/Etroplus/02-24-07_1803.jpg
As adults my surantensus appreciated having small fish in the tank with them and would stand on their tails to be cleaned by Fossorochromis juvies.
I too have had Iranocichla on my wish list, seemingly forever without luck.
Mine seem to be doing very well. I have them with a couple Green Scats right now and have the salinity at around 1008 and all of the fish seem to be responding well to this. I have been looking for a couple Etroplus Maculatus but haven't been able to find them so far. I really like these fish even though they seem skidish compared to my other fish. Even the Scats come right up to the glass when i feed so hopefully the Surantensis will do the same with time.

[dstuer1950]

ppm should have read 3ppt (parts per thousand)
Mine were very skiddish when small too, warmed up as they grew, and seemed to get more comfortable with schools of juvies, be it the Fossorachromis of wharever was breeding at the time.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i97/dstuer/Etroplus/image001-7-1.jpg