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I currently have a couple of large Syno Euptera. My question is If I wanted to add more Multipunctata (ihave have two) how many more would you add? I understand they do better in groups?

Don't the two species do best in different water conditions? You'd best house them in separate tanks.

They may do better is different water conditions but they all seem to be thriving at this time. My water here is very hard as is. I have good filtration so my flow is good.

I think at least 6 total but I am not a syno buff. I'd wait until greater syno experts chime in.

Besides the water and behavioural differences between the two synos you also should give more information.

Are they in a 2 or 200 gallon tank? Being Multi's (most likely )you will probably want to add some mouthbrooding cichlids? Will you be doing this?

Sorry but basically any other info (besides that by Silurus)given by someone is a guess at the moment.

Birger

Sorry, I should have included more infomation

125 Gallon Tank
FX5,2 fluval406's, Marineland C530
2 200 Watt Heaters
T5 HO Lighting.

Fish:

2 3" Oscars
4 Silver Dollars
1 Parrot Cichlid
2 Synodontis Multipuncata 2.5"
2 Synodontis Euptera 5"

Water
PH:7.8 to 8.0 out of tap(perfect for Africans, live in Rocky Mountains)
All parameters are kept in check
Regular Waterchanges


I feed Bloodworms, Pellets, Algie Wafers

At this time all the cats along great if fact they all stay in the same Cave. I realy have no interest in breeding if so I will set them up in a African Cichlid tank. I just have read they are happier in groups? Are most Synos slow growers? Anyway I hope this covers most of it, as you can tell I am a novice with Synos. I do think the Euptera are just awsome looking fish mine are very good natured contrary to what a few folks have I told me.

I've kept 10 Multipunctata (Grandiops) with my Euptera in my 125 gallon tank since 2007. They get along fine. However, looking at your stocking list, I wouldn't recommend putting either species with adult Oscars. Oscars I've owned in the past would eat anything they could fit into their mouth. A 12 to 15 inch Oscar could eat either species. Also I've seen a large female Oscar kill several large plecos due to territorial aggression. There are some hobbyists who don't agree with keeping species coming from rivers with those coming from lakes. To each his own as far as that goes.

Thanks for your help, I intend to have the oscars in another tank before they get near that large. As much as I love oscars I have learned they will eat just about anything . Do you have any suggestions as to any other cichlids go well with Synodontis?

I've personally kept mine with both Mbunas, Peacocks & Haps from Lake Malawi and several of the smaller cichlids from Lake Tanganyika. Most of them just ignore the catfish until it comes time to breed. If you have mouthbrooding cichlids the Multipunctata (Grandiops) will interrupt their breeding and eat their eggs & lay their own eggs in place of the cichlid eggs. The bigger the group of Multipunctata you have the better. Their interaction isn't the same with 2 or 3 that you get when you have 4 or more in my experience. Interestingly they also make my Granulosa come out more readily also.

I was looking at around 6 it works out cheaper than ordering less or very close. Also I wanted to ask as have been eyeballing them for awhile. How would the Angelica fit into this group? Though I have had a very hard time finding pure ones. Most advertised seem to be Hybreds. There are some now on Aquabid but my tanks will not be ready for more until after after the New Year. So are these usually available in the US on a regular basis? I am going to start another African Tank and have to move oscars. My other thought has been a all catfish tank or lets say mostly .

I just wanted to add that I feel the Synodontis are just neat fish. They are almost like Oscars they all seem to have there own personality. I only own but these two species but have observed many and it seems common in the family. I think I enjoy watching them as much or more than allot of my other fish. They always seem to need to know whats going on? Anyway just a add in I have always been a catfish fan but lately I think it has been renewed....Im in Trouble more tanks

How would the Angelica fit into this

most likely they wouldn't, once they reach 4-5 inch they begin to assert themselves on the other synos. they are a nice fish but are best when a tank is put together around them.

I just wanted to add that I feel the Synodontis are just neat fish.

They really are but from experience they can have very different personalities, from species that are shy to boisterous to downright mean, they are not all the same.

Birger

I agree with Birger on angelica in general. The fact that my situation was a bit different does not mean he is not right - I've had what one would call a syno-hoarder mix of ~20 kinds of synos, multiples of most kinds, including a single ~10" angelica, who dominated but was not mean whatsoever; everyone appears to have known their place; no one was beaten up, harrassed, underfed, etc.

Although all my synos appeared to enjoy a good life and where ok in my average water (not soft, not hard, neutral pH) I'd not recommend such a mix. That was during my early learning stages. Synos are resilient and adaptable and it is not the end of the world if your syno lives in a different water from their natural habitat but it is not as optimal as it can be.

Also, it appears that only 1 in a thousand synos that get sick and die in hobyyst's care do so due to their water being too different from their natural water. 999 result from overall poor care (uncycled tanks, bad tankmates, not quarantining new fish, etc.) and accidents.

Thanks everyone for your help. I will skip the Angelica and just stick with the two I have. Will order some more Multipuncata to give me five or so. I do not want to mess up my balance. I am well used to aggressive fish being a Cichlid fan. I still need to decide which Africans I want. I think my current Syno tank will be for the Africans Cichlids. I intend to just have a few with my Synos, would like to try something different that would supplement the Cats. Then move all my South American fish to the other Tank. I know this is a Catfish forum but any suggestions on a neat African Cichlid, on the mild mannered side (if that is Possible) and maybe larger side? I want no more then maybe four with the additionial cats I'm adding. That will leave the tank at a good stock level with plenty of room.