Tank Bred And Wild

[stargirly1208]

I was wondering if it mattered to mix tank bred and wild cichlids. I was thinking about ordering from drs foster and smith.com and some of their cichlids say they're tank bred and some say they're actually from lake malawi. Would there be aggression issues with this?

 

[Colin_T]

nope it doesn't matter as far as temperament goes. Wild caught and captive bred will co-exist quite happily, (as happily as cichlids can be).

People that buy wild caught stock usually do so for the new genetic bloodlines. This means the young they get from the wild caught stock are usually stronger and nicer coloured fish than their long term captive bred counterparts.

 

[darrel69]

I have a mix of wild caught and captive bred fish in my tank ... they get on fine, no problems at all.

 

[stargirly1208]

Very cool. I feel more at ease when ordering then thanks!

 

[kj23502]

I would guess that wild caught may be more sensitive to water quality...like PH among others. Is that right?

 

[Colin_T]

I would guess that wild caught may be more sensitive to water quality...like PH among others. Is that right?

yep
they are also more sensitive to temperature, hardness and high nitrates.
Many wild caught fish can be spooked easily when first introduced to a tank, therefore a good cover is recommended until they settle down. An aquarium backing will help as well if you don't have one.

 

[KnuckleHead]

As far as temperment goes theres really no difference at all. Like others have said, wild caught require more stable water parameters. Another thing you'll notice with alot of tank raised is the difference in color. A good portion of the tank raised has been line bred to get the vibrant colors you see today. Take the Lelupi for example, in the wild they are a muddy color with an underlying ting of yellow. Tank bred Lelupi have been line bred to pin point the bright yellow, sometimes orange, we see in stores now.