07-25-05: Found a temporary solution, at least. The four Chalinochromis are out back in a big tub, enjoying the summer sun. The Cyps and similis seem happier, and less harried. 07-24-05: I'm trying to find a way to remove them from the 125 (so the similis and cyps can raise fry in peace) without having to sell them, but so far I'm coming up blank. Sigh. They're so gorgeous, but so aggressive! 05-16-05: The largest has total control over the rock pile. I added another 40 lbs to see if that would help, but now he just controls more space! The other three live out in the open, and sometimes almost school with the Cyps. 03-17-05: I just picked these four fish up at the Ridge Road Pet World. I was very surprised to see them, although on of the Shelldweller.com members recently found some as well, so I suppose they're just becoming available. His pictures didn't prepare me for the beauty of these fish. The striking black and white pattern is nothing compared to the blue of the fins, and I can see hints of the yellow to come. The finnage isn't unlike that of my julies, unsurprisingly. I bought four, the two largest and the two smallest. I've read that they're monomorphic and size is immaterial but there's a definite difference in look between the largest fish and the other three, so I'm not too worried about having ended up with only one sex.

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