Animals•2 weeks ago

photo_library16

visibility8

Pterophyllum Fish

If you're new to aquariums or a seasoned pro, Pterophyllum fish are a top pick for low-maintenance pets. Their striking scales and calm nature make them a joy to watch, and with the right care, they'll thrive in a well-maintained tank. I've had mine for months now, and they're still going strong.

chevron_right

My Scalarey Cichlid Adventure: A Tale of Feisty Fish and Unexpected Challenges

Name: My Scalarey Cichlid Adventure: A Tale of Feisty Fish and Unexpected Challenges
Item: Pterophyllum Fish
Rating: 3
Author: yesme2

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've had my scalarey cichlids for a year now, and while they're not the easiest fish to care for, they're definitely worth the challenge. These guys are like the introverts of the aquarium world – they're not flashy, but they're elegant and grand. But don't let their laid-back vibe fool you – they can get feisty when it comes to other fish. I've had to separate them from my tetras and danios more than once. Despite the drama, I love watching them glide through the water, their fins unfolding in slow motion. It's like having my own personal aquarium movie. They're not as high-maintenance as some other types of fish, but they do require some special care. For example, they can be a bit finicky about their environment, and they might eat the eggs of other fish, so you have to be careful when introducing new fish to the tank. But with the right setup and a little patience, they can thrive and become a beautiful addition to your aquarium.

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi

Kalite8/10

Güvenlik9/10

Sürdürülebilirlik7/10

I got hooked on aquariums a year ago when a neighbor, a fish breeder, invited me over to pick out some fish. He had somi, lionfish, and scalarey cichlids. I fell in love with them - their elegance, their grandeur. They're not flashy or hyperactive like danios or tetras, but watching them glide through the water, their fins unfolding, is pure bliss. To this day, I love just lying there and watching our aquarium and its inhabitants, and guests often joke that they're watching a movie, not our fish.

But these fish aren't problem-free. Let's get into the nitty-gritty. We started with 2 medium-sized scalarey cichlids (about 5 cm), 6 lionfish, and 3 catfish. After researching compatibility, we added 10 tetras and 10 danios to the mix. For the first couple of days, the scalarey cichlids just sat there, motionless in the corner, barely eating, while the other fish were active. We thought maybe they weren't adjusting, and mentally prepared ourselves for the worst. But after a week, they seemed to come out of their shell, eating like normal, swimming everywhere, and even seeming to enjoy their food. A few months later, our filter broke, and many of the fish started swimming near the surface, gasping for air. But they made it through until we replaced the filter. One scalarey cichlid, however, turned out to be super sensitive to changes in water parameters and didn't make it. The other one became lethargic, uninterested in food, and generally unresponsive. So we bought her 4 more scalarey cichlids (now 5 in total), but smaller than she was. They just didn't get along. If the deceased fish didn't have any issues, the new ones wouldn't interact with her at all, but for some reason, the smaller ones would constantly follow her around like she was their mom.

Then something weird happened - we suspect we got subpar food, and half the fish died. Out of 5 scalarey cichlids, only 3 made it. During the tough times, the scalarey cichlids stopped fighting and stuck together, belly to belly.

I still laugh thinking about the time we went to the market to buy some fish food and ended up with four neon tetras. We turned them loose in the aquarium and within 15 seconds, the three scalarens were chasing them all over the tank. It was like a scene from a movie! We quickly netted the poor things and I took them to work to put them in our aquarium there. Luckily, it's not home to any scalarens. After that, we read that in the wild, neon tetras are actually a food source for scalarens.

Fast forward to today, and our small scalarens have grown into veterans of the aquarium. But one of them has lost its mind! It chases and harasses all the other fish, including the ones that are just trying to hide. Sometimes it ignores one of them completely, and other times it's like a heat-seeking missile, chasing it down until it hides in the plants for hours. It's like it has a personal vendetta against everyone in the tank. The only fish it doesn't bother are the cichlids and barbs.

Then we ran out of danios (maybe it was natural selection, or maybe the scalarens just got tired of them), so we bought six new ones at the market. My husband witnessed a scene where one of the scalarens deliberately spat out a green tail from one of the new fish and then went back and ate it.

After that, we decided to try breeding the danios ourselves (you can read about our first attempt here), and four months later, we released the grown danios into the main tank. And right before our eyes, a scalaren ate one of them whole. Now that image is seared into my brain. We're seriously considering getting rid of them. We've posted an ad and are waiting for a response. Maybe we'll get some new neon tetras and try breeding more danios, and hopefully, things will settle down and become peaceful again.

I was blown away when I got my scalarels from the breeder - they had a ton of them, all different ages and sizes, and they all coexisted peacefully in one tank. I don't get why I'm having such a meltdown with mine, given they have all the conditions and good food, but they're acting like total jerks. I'm guessing the torn fins on my danios and tetras are courtesy of the scalarels, but I haven't caught them red-handed... or fin-handed.

Long story short, before getting these beautiful fish, I'd recommend reading up on compatibility and getting them if you have a big tank (at least 200L) with plenty of hiding spots. Even then, it's no guarantee things will be smooth sailing - they can be quite feisty with each other.

Check out my review of tetras here

You can also read my detailed review of Pattaya (Thailand).

My review of Koh Lan island is here

And don't miss my review of the amazing Pattaya Zoo Khao Kheo.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Are scalarey cichlids easy to care for?

Not exactly. They're relatively low maintenance, but they can be a bit finicky about their environment, and they might eat the eggs of other fish, so you have to be careful when introducing new fish to the tank.

How much space do scalarey cichlids need?

They're not suitable for small tanks, so you'll need to make sure you have enough space for them. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended.

Are scalarey cichlids aggressive?

Yes, they can be aggressive towards other fish, especially if they feel threatened. You'll need to separate them from other fish to avoid any conflicts.

What do scalarey cichlids eat?

They're not picky eaters, so you can feed them whatever you want. Just make sure to vary their diet to keep them healthy.

How long do scalarey cichlids live?

They're known to be long-lived, with some individuals living up to 10 years or more in captivity.

Are scalarey cichlids good for beginners?

Not necessarily. They can be a bit challenging to care for, especially for beginners. You'll need to make sure you're prepared to provide the right environment and care for them.

Can I keep scalarey cichlids with other types of fish?

Yes, but you'll need to be careful when introducing new fish to the tank. Make sure to research compatibility and introduce them slowly to avoid any conflicts.

How often should I feed my scalarey cichlids?

Feed them 2-3 times a day, but make sure not to overfeed them. They're not picky eaters, so you can feed them whatever you want.

What are some common health issues with scalarey cichlids?

They're prone to diseases like ich and velvet, so you'll need to make sure to keep their environment clean and healthy.

Can I breed scalarey cichlids?

Yes, but it's not easy. They're a bit finicky about their environment, and they might eat the eggs of other fish, so you'll need to be careful when breeding them.

How do I sex scalarey cichlids?

Sexing scalarey cichlids can be a bit challenging, but you can look for differences in their body shape and coloration to determine their sex.

Can I keep scalarey cichlids in a community tank?

Yes, but you'll need to be careful when introducing new fish to the tank. Make sure to research compatibility and introduce them slowly to avoid any conflicts.

check_circlePros

•They're not picky eaters, so I can feed them whatever I want.
•Their unique shape is a conversation starter when I have friends over.
•They're relatively low maintenance, so I don't have to worry about them too much.
•They're great at cleaning up leftover food, so I don't have to clean the tank as often.
•Their calm demeanor is soothing to watch, and it's like having a mini-vacation from the stresses of everyday life.
•They're relatively inexpensive compared to other types of fish, so I can afford to keep a few.

cancelCons

•They can be aggressive towards other fish, especially if they feel threatened.
•They might eat the eggs of other fish, so I have to be careful when introducing new fish to the tank.
•They can be a bit finicky about their environment, so I have to make sure the tank is just right for them.
•They're not suitable for small tanks, so I have to make sure I have enough space for them.
•They can be a bit territorial, so I have to separate them from other fish to avoid any conflicts.
•They're not as active as some other types of fish, so I have to make sure they're getting enough exercise.