Hi, And A Few Questions

[bobberly1]

Hi, I'm new to this forum, but I've been keeping all kinds of animals, mainly aquatics, for a while. I'm setting up a 30 gallon breeder tank as a malawi biotope with some Cyphotilapia afra "Cobue". I'm wondering, could I keep any Syndontis in that tank, and how about those Microsyndontis I've seen around? Also, I have a few bristlenose plecos in a 40 gallon planted tank, and I'm wondering whether there are any slightly rarer and better looking species that would stay at a reasonable size and have at least some algae in its diet. I have my eye on L14 Sunshines, L66 King Tigers, and L260 Queen Arabesques, especially the latter. Thanks in advance.

[Birger]

I'm wondering, could I keep any Syndontis in that tank,

You could keep synodontis from Malawi

Synodontis njassae

or some of the synodontis from Lake Tanganyika, see this thread http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/view ... 61#p145161

how about those Microsyndontis I've seen around

Microsynodontis are a great little fish but are not suited for this kind of tank
As far as non Rift lake syno's there are some that will do okay in your tank but water parameters are not really to their liking, one nice thing about the ones from the rift lakes is they are generally more active.

I'm wondering whether there are any slightly rarer and better looking species that would stay at a reasonable size and have at least some algae in its diet

There are many...take some time to take an enjoyable look through the catelog and find what you like...find out what is available to you from your supplier, then you could come back with any questions you may have

[Richard B]

on the question of plecos - are they also for the malawi tank? many would be not suitable so i assume they are for the 40 planted. in a 30 gal i would go for petricola or lucipinnis preferably due to the smaller size & better patterning etc

[Birger]

I just noticed the size of tank you were wanting to use...a 30 is quite small for a breeding group of these cichlids and some catfish, you would have to go with a smaller cat like S.lucipinnis if any.

And Welcome to Planet Catfish
Birger

[bobberly1]

I've already got the cichlid idea passed by the people on cichlidforum.com, but yeah, I understand that I'm going to have to skimp on the catfish.

The pleco's meant for the 40 gallon planted tank, are all of the species I mentioned passable?

And a final question... What is the smallest rift lake cat that I could keep?

[Birger]

And a final question... What is the smallest rift lake cat that I could keep?

This is a non Syno

Lophiobagrus brevispinis

and they are occasionally available

[bobberly1]

Very nice! Well, thanks for the help, I'll post pics if I get any.

[Richard B]

And a final question... What is the smallest rift lake cat that I could keep?

This is a non Syno

Lophiobagrus brevispinis

and they are occasionally available

I'm not sure brevispinis would be the best match for a mbuna type cichlid as they are not as tough as some of the synos.

Additionally it is reported that Lophio slime can be toxic, although IME i have not encountered this with brevispinis or cyclurus, but i do keep them with less inquisitive fish than mbuna types .

[Birger]

And a final question... What is the smallest rift lake cat that I could keep?


This is a non Syno
Lophiobagrus brevispinis and they are occasionally available



I'm not sure brevispinis would be the best match for a mbuna type c*****d as they are not as tough as some of the synos.

Additionally it is reported that Lophio slime can be toxic, although IME i have not encountered this with brevispinis or cyclurus, but i do keep them with less inquisitive fish than mbuna types

quite right Richard...I should be more awake when I answer these questions first thing in the morning ...but it is the smallest

[bobberly1]

Sorry, but does anyone know anyone who sells those cats? I can't seem to find them anywhere.

[ahodge84]

Sorry, but does anyone know anyone who sells those cats? I can't seem to find them anywhere.

I have been looking for them as well and have had little luck. If you send me a PM, I can let you know what I did find.

[Richard B]

I do't know anything about stores in the US but if you are after something unusual Dave's Rare Aquarium Fish (is that the right name?) might be a good place to start http://www.davesfish.com/

[MatsP]

The pl*co's meant for the 40 gallon planted tank, are all of the species I mentioned passable?

I'd probably go for ONE of the two Hypancistrus species you mentioned, as

Scobinancistrus aureatus

grows to about 12-14" and not very slowly either. A 40g tank is too small for such a large fish.

--
Mats

[mod edit: Fixed incorrect clog tag: Jools]