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Vieja fenestratum |
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Window Cichlid |
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Size: The maximum wild size and the average size in captivity is 7-8". Although it is not uncommon to see Fenestrata up to and possibly more than 14". |
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Origin: South Mexico; Rio Papaloapan area |
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Temperament: In my experiance Fenestrata can be quite variable in temperament. Some individuals are pure hellraisers while others can be rather placid. Although you may hear that this species is always extremely volatile, that is not the case. I have even housed 2 breeding pairs along with many other cichlids in just a 125 gallon aquarium. |
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Minimum Tank Size: A 55g should be the minimum. Although it is possible for a large captive specimen to outgrow this size aquarium. |
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Availability: Although I wouldn't consider Fenestrata to be a very rare fish, it can be difficult to locate if you are not willing to order on-line. You shouldn't have a problem finding this species if some time is spent contacting breeders. |
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May Be Confused With: This fish could be confused with many other Vieja species. I often see people confusing Vieja Bifasciatus, Zonatus, Fenestratam and Guttulatum in particular. |
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The Vieja fenestratum possesses many qualities that make it attractive to any aquarist. At a managable size of 8" and with those extremely brilliant colors and patternings all over their body, who wouldn't want one? Not often seen, but when an individual is spotted it is sure to attract attention from aquarist of any experiance level. And like so many other Central American cichlids the Fenestratum also has a highly sought after mutation variante. Known as the Pink Fenestratus this variant literally is solid pink. A very attractive fish indeed. After keeping a large normal colored male for over a year, I am definantly ready to pick up a bag of juveniles when I come across them again. This is one of my favorite cichlids handsdown. I Highly recommend this species to anyone. |
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UPDATE - My male Fenestratum has paired with a Synspilum and they have bred in my 500g aquarium. The fry are free swimming now and are being extremely well guarded by the parents. Only a few fry will be saved and given to friends who are interested in this hybrid, which is sure to be colorful, although certainly a nuisance if introduced into captive stocks a pure species. |
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| Update - 06-09-04 - I had the oppurtunity to order a batch of 6 Blue Fenestrata last December. The fish came to me as bland juveniles, but have since matured quite nicely and have even spawned multiple times. The are now between 3"-5". |
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| This large male Fenestratum belonged to a friend of a member of the Arofanatics.com message board, and he gratiously let me use his picture here. |
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My fish below |
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