Chiloglanis pretoriae setup and tankmates

[Chilo_glanis]

Hello all

I have setup a 900 mm X 300 mm X 380 mm aquarium for 4

Chiloglanis pretoriae

. I have not sexed them yet as they are still relatively small.

The substrate is smooth gravel mixed with kids play sand and cover features comprise of petrified wood, cobbles, pebbles and mopani drfitwood.

Temperature ranges between 24C - 25C, conductivity between 400 - 500 microSiemens/cm and pH is generally 7.0.

I have not filled the tank to the top as the powerhead creates a higher velocity with the lowered level and I enjoy the water falling from the HOB filter (appears akin to a plunge pool below a rapid).

Photos of some of the specimens are below.

I currently have a single Enteromius paludinosus in the aquarium as well which I actually brought home by accident in one of my sampling buckets!

I am querying what would be suitable tankmates for them in the tank?

Will any of the Chaetostoma or Ancistrus species be suitable? In addition, one of the LFS that I frequent has some, what appear to be,

Sturisomatichthys aureus

.

I assume there will be territory issues and I am unsure if the setup is congruent with habitat characteristics that Sturisomatichthys prefer. Nevertheless, I would like to hear other members experience/perspective.

[Shane]

Did you see this thread?

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=18706&hilit=Pretoriae

-Shane

[Chilo_glanis]

Hi Shane

Apologies but I did not see it. I should have done a search.

Thanks for the link.

[Shane]

I think you could try loricariids and Chiloglanis. You just will have to make sure they do not out compete each other for food. The plecos will want the high protein foods the Chiloglanis need.
-Shane

[Chilo_glanis]

Just an update to this post as it maybe useful for others. I decided against adding the loricariids as there was already quite a bit of intra-specific aggression amongst the Chiloglanis, especially during feeding. While they are small fish, they appear to be quite territorial.

However, I did add 4

Pareutropius buffei

to the setup (the LFS only had 4 and I will get more next year once the LFS orders more). Consequently, the Chiloglanis have become more confident and I see more of them.

[Tanganyikafreak]

That is great news
Did you manage to get the Chiloglanis on video, by any chance?

[Chilo_glanis]

That is great news
Did you manage to get the Chiloglanis on video, by any chance?

Hi Tanganyikafreak. I was actually considering taking a video this morning while they were feeding .

I will hardly be at home for the next few days but I will try, although I am not sure if the quality of my phone or Olympus will be suitable.

[Tanganyikafreak]

No problem, I can wait ;)