Heckel Photos

[Apistomaster]

Just a couple of Heckel Photos to breathe some life into this feature.


And a group photo of 9/10 of my Heckels.

I'm still growing them up for that rare chance a pair may form.

[Dan S]

Larry,

They are beautiful!!!!!

Dan

[tacks]

Larry nice of you too send in the photo. Yes they are very nice. If you get time could you tell me how big they are? thanks Ed

[fishmama]

I really enjoy the group shot with the sterbai in the mix!

[oskita]

wonderful, you know its origin? has formed you some pair?

[pcsb23]

Larry really very, very nice!

[Darren's Discus]

Larry,
they are looking great thanks for sharing.


cheers

[Apistomaster]

Thank you for all the compliments.
These are all 5.0 to 5.5 inches in diameter. I bought ten of them in May 2006 at just over three inches in diameter. They are said to be from the vicinity of the confluence of the Rio Branco and Rio Negro but who really knows?

The substrate is black basalt so they tend to have darker color than they would on a lighter background.

They are being kept in my local tapwater; pH 7.4 conductivity 339 microseimens. Mainly fed on Earthworm Sticks, Tetra Color Bits, and an awful lot of blackworms with a feeding of frozen bloodworms; same stuff everyday.
They like beefheart blends but I have decided not to make it a more than an occassional treat, few times/month at most.

Two 75% water changes/ week.

I seriously doubt they would be mature enough to spawn for at least another 18 months. Wish I had room for another large tank for ten wild RSG. I would be a pretty happy camper. I know I can breed those but Heckel's seem to require a special dispensation from a higher power for the priviledge of raising some little ones. One thing is certain, if one does not keep them and try, it will never happen.