[morningsky]

I have a female venustus, I am assuming she a female, is about five inches and has no blue on the face. she swims from one side of the aquarium to other all day long. She nevers stops. If a fish gets in the way she will chase a little, not real aggressive. If she is not swimming side to side then she is swimming up and down the glass. Is this normal behavior for a venustus?

 

[Gibbs]

It's not that normal at all. I find that new fish will do this but once they have settled in then it stops.
What are the dimensions of the tank it is in?
Is she picked on?
Temp and water parameters?

 

[morningsky]

4 feet long, 27 inches high by 24 inches side...water parameters normal, ph 8, temp is 78..she is not being picked on.

 

[Gibbs]

It is just enough room.
What are her tank mates? Should have asked that to :lol:

 

[morningsky]

Her tank mates are 3 acei , 8 peacocks and haps, 4 clown loaches, 2 yellow labs, 2 synodontis catfish and 2 small frontosa about 1.5 inches. The venustus is the largest fish. As I am writing this the fish is still alternating between swimming all over the tank and sifting thru the sand.

 

[bma57]

I have a 4" as well in a similar size tank (120g 4x2x2), and the behavior is pretty similar to what you describe. The venustus is always active and up front, even if the others are chilling in the rocks. I think it's pretty typical behavior.

FWIW, mine is in the 4"+ range and I have always assumed it to be female, but in the last week or so, I have noticed some definite blue under the lights. I think it may be male after all!

 

[morningsky]

That is kind of what I hoping to hear. Her/His color looks good and the fish eats well other than being kind of hyper does not seem to have any other problems. Maybe ours will color up too.

 

[eoconnor]

my male didn't show blue in the face until 6 inches and it's just coming on now at 7, I thought i had a female at five inches, can you see any blue in the lips in sunlight?

 

[morningsky]

no blue lips or hues

 

[morningsky]

no blue lips or hues