Tropical Fish Forums

[Fern]

Well after a week or so of doing research on this fish I realized there isn't much information to be found. I was hoping yall could help with that

I just got 2 F1 males and 3 F2 females a week ago all about 3". I lost a female yesterday morning with no viable signs as to why and the parameters are good. But that isn't the reason for this post and I have 2 more females on their way.

Has any one ever kept Haplochromis sp. "Ruby Green"? If so please fill me in on your experience.
I have heard that they are endangered but I haven't been able to confirm that. If someone could clear up their status for me that would be wonderful because if they are endangered I would like to donate a few fry to one of the programs to keep the species alive and well. Can any one recommend one?
I have them in a 30g species tank with some flower pots, sand substrate and a few plants. I am hoping to breed them.
The purpose of this post is to help educate myself more on the ruby greens as I would love to have them thrive and do well. If any one can help me on that mission it would be greatly appreciated
Thank you in advance
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I think I need a bigger tank......

[susankatomerit]

Fern I would suggest a bigger tank as the male will get to about 4 inches and females about 2 1/2 to 3 inches. I keep mine in a 55. They are on the endangered species list but one thing I have found is you have to be careful with haps from Lake Victoria as there has been some hybrids showing up. A friend of mine is keeping 10 different species at the moment. I have 2 species myself.

They are a mouth brooder, and it is best to remove the female to another tank to release her fry, then give her about a week of rest and heavy feeding before putting her back into the main tank. They usually release in 14 to 18 days. They need more veggie matter in their diet than protein but give them blood worms or brine shrimp about 3 days a week. They don't mess with plants to much unless they are digging the sand around their caves. I use 1/2 flower pots and also built up rock.

The males will look kind of drab unless they are in the mating mode. Once they are in that mode, make sure the sub dominate male has plenty of hiding places or you will end up loosing him.

I haven't found a smp program on them, but what we do is spread them around to members of the club or other people that will keep them in a species tank to keep the breed pure.

Hope this helps some.
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18 tanks and still adding!
http://fishphotoforum.com/forum/index.php

[susankatomerit]

Here is a forum dedicated to Victorian cichlids.

http://www.cichlidsofvictoria.com/portal.php
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18 tanks and still adding!
http://fishphotoforum.com/forum/index.php

[Fern]

I know they are pure bred, the breeder I got them from is quite adamant on keeping the breeds pure
I have a 55g that needs some work that they can go into once I replace the side panel and cycle it.
My dominant male has been showing very spectacular colors sense I got him. He looked to be getting a little frisky last night when I was watching them. Not the easiest thing to do with how shy they are.
I feed them spirulina based flake with the occasional treat of frozen blood worms or live black worms.
I will add some more plants to the tank tonight (my 75g needs pruning anyways ) and try to add more hiding places with the plants.
Does it sound like I'm on the right track?
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I think I need a bigger tank......

[susankatomerit]

Sounds like your good to go.
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18 tanks and still adding!
http://fishphotoforum.com/forum/index.php

[Fern]

Well my dominant male was so intensely colored this morning it stopped me in my tracks! He was acting like he was trying to get frisky! Wish me luck!!!!
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I think I need a bigger tank......

[nikelodeon79]

[susankatomerit]

Here is a pic of my male. They don't pair up, but I found the more females the better.


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18 tanks and still adding!
http://fishphotoforum.com/forum/index.php

[nikelodeon79]

Gorgeous!
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Cory Tank
Sorority Tank
Mbuna Tanks

[Fern]

I don't have any decent pictures of them yet. They are still getting used to me and run off whenever I get near. It may take a few weeks for them to come out and be sociable but I am working on them daily

Yes I planned on doing a quick cycle with an old filter. But these are my absolute favorites so far and I plan on being quite necrotic with them
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I think I need a bigger tank......