punkrockviolet5

I received a beautiful African Cichlid from friends moving away. It is mostly white (cream) with orange spots on its backend. I'm trying to be a good fishmom by reasearching his care but I'm not finding much help. What kind of cichlid is he? What region does he come from? AND... how can I tell if he's a SHE or not . At least it has its own tank and won't kill my other fish. Guess I got lucky on that part.

Here's a few pics: (Any ideas??)







Thanks!

COBettaCouple

I'm not sure, but www.cichlid-forum.com has pics of all the cichlids.

Dino

Albino oscar.
They are from South America and require different conditions than African cichlids.
This fish given proper care, will reach over a foot in length.
They also produce a LOT of waste and need frequent tank cleanings.

TheEssigs

I have this fish. Dino is correct, its an albino Oscar.

We had gotten ours in November. He was about 2 inches when we got him and he almost 5 inches now (not to mention he is almost an inch thick!). He is growing so fast. When when got him we put him in our 40g, and we are already going to relocate him.

We currently have a 125g, which is a work in progress, but as soon as its cycled we will be putting Oscar in there. And in the nick of time too, because at this rate, he is going to be giant by summertime.

Good luck with yours! (be wary, if it can fit in his mouth, he will eat it!)

punkrockviolet5

125 gal? All to himself?? Lucky fish.

Thank you. Speaking of eating? My friends used to feed him by hand. He'd jump out of the water and grab the flakes from their fingers. I even fed him myself, the day I picked him up. Since then, he's not eaten anything! They were feeding him goldfish flakes so I bought him cichlid food, mini-pellet size (Hikari brand). He won't touch them. What can I do? Is this normal? I don't want him to starve!

TheEssigs

LOL! Dont worry, He will be sharing that 125g!

MissMTS

What a pretty fish! I really wish I had room to keep an Oscar. They are so much fun!

TheEssigs

He will eat. He may just be adjusting, to both the new tank and you. However, do keep an eye on him for signs of stress or illness.

If you are still having trouble with him taking the new food, mix a few of the flakes from the old food, with some new cichlid flake (or crush the pellets) and slowly ween him off the old food.

I dont think you will have a problem, however. Oscars eat, and eat alot. There isnt much that mine wont eat.

Again, I wish you the best of luck.

punkrockviolet5

You were right! He finally ate yesterday afternoon! Seemed to like the pellets, too! They really are fun fish. Lots of personality!

Hasn't eaten, yet, this morning but I'm assuming its only a matter of time until he's on a regular schedule, like my other tank. Even though most ppl think otherwise, I'm starting to believe fish are pretty smart! Seems this one's got me wrapped around his finger already, and he's been here less than a week!