Today In The Fishroom~2/15/11 P. "coatzacoalcos"

Here's a sampling of photos I recently took of my F0 Paratheraps Sp. "coatzacoalcos". I've received a few e-mails and PM's asking if these were, in fact, the same fish being sold as Zonatus "Rio Carolina". I think the answer to that question is yes. When Rusty Wessel gave me these fish he described them as looking very close to zonatus. So I can see how the name would stick. It's a whole lot easier than writing "coatzacoalcos".



The main difference I see between these and the zonatus is the intense red spangling, in addition to the red band across the snout.


A lot of these shots look similar...but I look for small differences in the "pose" of the fish.



Note how a slight change in position makes the fins more luminous.



My method of photography is to light one particular area in the tank them wither wait or draw the subjects into the light. As stated above, I moved a third of the gravel away from the front of the tank in order to facilitate a light underneath. I think it makes a real difference in the lighting of the fish...and if I didn't point it out, it might not be apparent.



I don't shoot full tank shots. Partially becasue I think it's boring..and partially becasue it's more difficult to light evenly. Here's four of the fish that are in one tank. The lights are set for the far right. Note the fish on the far left.


Normally I would crop down to the lighted fish. In the case below the fish was so perfectly centered in the sweet spot of the light that I left the "extra" all around the fish. It looks like a spotlight hit the fish.



Same fish, same light, same spot...side shot. You can see how these might be mistaken as zonatus. Having had both I can tell you that these fish at 3-4" are more blue and overall more colorful than the zonatus at the same size. I've seen some awesome shots of an adult pair. They are going to be stunners.



With the group I believe I can sort male from female with male being more heavily spangled...especially across the snout...and females less and slightly less blue. Here's a female.







A male....see?



I always strive to get different poses...not really liking the side fish shot. I took a bunch of these standing back around fifteen feet from the tank and shooting with a 70-300mm zoom. Focusing wasn't the challenge. Timing the very moment when the fish turns to catch something like this...



I was paid high praise by a very good friend of mine...who has been around CA/SA cichlids for many years. He said that one nice thing about giving fish to me is that he is certain that their growth will be documented for posterity. I enjoy photographing and posting these as much as I do keeping the fish...maybe more. Over the years I have had hundred of emails telling me how one person or another acquired the fish after seeing my photos...especially the managuense shots. For me personally, it doesn't get better than that.

Peace..........Mo

once again fantastic shots, and even better that theyre not the posing managuense, your shots are definately inspirational and would certainly draw people to buy these fish, just an idea would you put in info on these fish in your posts, tank size, adult size, water conditions, and what you feed them etc. i for one would appreciate it
Seamus

I second that motion as well. Lovely pics again Mo. Cant wait for the next fishroom pics. Thanks again.

Mick...

Just stunning Mo. You keep some fantastic specimens and can really take a picture.



Only two comments, jaesus the absolute sheite on here that gets so much replies including some of my rubbish:)

Goes to show, a lot of lick arcing goes on here big time, who posts in a lot of cases and not the content that gets attention. Not that it matters, thanks for sharin your great work.


mark

I think Butt Kissing would be the parlance that Mo would use.

Kev.

when are your photo taking classes taking place again? Pls count me in!

sheag35 wrote:

once again fantastic shots, and even better that theyre not the posing managuense, your shots are definately inspirational and would certainly draw people to buy these fish, just an idea would you put in info on these fish in your posts, tank size, adult size, water conditions, and what you feed them etc. i for one would appreciate it
Seamus

You guys are awesome. LOL

Sure. I keep all of my fish in a single species environment depending on where it was collected. Fish from Honduras, regardless if they are the same or different species, are divided into their own tanks. I keep the different variants of the fish separate. My smallest tank is 380 liters. Most of my show specimens are kept by themselves in these tanks. A lot of my breeding stock at a small size as well.

Water conditions here in Pennsylvania...I can give you the basics...but I really only measure regularly if i am having problems. The water is hard, the pH is neutral 7.0 - 7.4, the temperature is 75-80 degrees. I feed all of my fish a variety of foods...with an emphasis on giving more protein foods to the predatory cichlids and more veggie based food to the others. This particular fish gets Spirulina pellet, Xtreme Aquatic pellet (awesome stuff) and also raw scallops or shrimp. Once again...it's variety that's the key.

I started with a dozen of these fish...and had them separated into two large tanks. They were getting pretty big and started to show signs of aggression. I've been told that they can be homicidal to con specific fish. I've seen this with other paratheraps species. SO last week I split the group up again into a third tank...with four fish in each. Yesterday I noticed that in one tank the large male was ramping up the beatings on a smaller male...a sign that he was beginning the bonding with one of the females in the tank. I removed the smaller male to a fourth tank.

This fish was extremely colorful at a small size (4"). The male that is beginning to bond is...if possible...even more colorful now.









You can just make out the female in the background. BIG difference in color now between the sexes.



Better for comparison...

What are the perams of your Tap Water?

Kev.

stretnik wrote:

What are the perams of your Tap Water?

Kev.

It comes out of the tap hard and neutral (pH 7.0 - 7.5 depending on the time of season) I use a product called "Ultimate" water conditioner. According to the package "Removes and detoxifies chlorine and ammonia. Destroys chloramines, copper and heavy metals. Boosts alkalinity. Adds essential electrolytes and 3-part Skin Slime Replacer. Reduces stress. Instantly 'ages' water."

Thanks Mo,
I was chatting to the Guys on the KWAS and was curious about how you achieve soft Water given the hardness from the Faucet, They say they use Snow in the Winter and RO, what do you do?


Kev.

stretnik wrote:

Thanks Mo,
I was chatting to the Guys on the KWAS and was curious about how you achieve soft Water given the hardness from the Faucet, They say they use Snow in the Winter and RO, what do you do?


Kev.

Kev,

Fortunately I don't have to worry about that. The fish that I keep thrive in hard water. South American cichlids are more inclined to a soft water environment. And while we had PLENTY of snow this year,I'd be shoveling for hours. With 5000 gallons of water in my home...when you calculate a 30-50% water change weekly, that would be a LOT of snow.