Catfish - What Species Would Be A Good Mix If Any?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
T

tanglovers

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 28, 2007
528
56
61
Michigan
Hi All,

I have always liked catfish but never kept any. I went from a small 29 gallon community tropical tank to saltwater long ago. If it were not for my recent interest in rays I likely would have completely missed the freshwater boat. Now that I am doing freshwater more seriously I find it much more interesting them I ever thought I would have.

Anyhow here is the tank specs.

520 gallon - 96" x 42" x 30" (L x W x H).
Temperature around 82 degrees, fairly open with a couple large pieces of driftwood, brightly lit with LEDs.

The tank is setup for 3 large marbled motoro rays and a fly river turtle. So far I have been lucky and been able to keep a group of XL clown loaches (7-9"), a group of orange head geophagus tapajos (4-8") and a pair of uaru (8-9").

I am curious if there are any catfish species that would work well.

I would be looking for something that would stay under 2' and not be able to eat 4-5" fish and likely be bigger then 12" in size so the rays will be fine with it. Maybe this does not exist but figured I would ask the experts out here.

Thanks!
 
I should add, with the fly river turtle in there an pleco type sucker cats are not a good idea. I like the look of shovelnose cats but from what I gather would not be a good fit with the smaller fish. I also like niger cats but know they get much larger then I am looking for.

If the fish is a good fit otherwise, cost is not a huge concern, meaning up to a few hundred is not a problem.
 
I think I posted my follow up more info right as you were posting that :)

Not looking to do any plecos.
 
Very true as well. Like I said maybe there isn't one that would work well.
 
lima shovelnose is what you're looking for. grows to 20"-24" although most stay under 18" and you could keep a group of them together
 
That looks like a perfect option! I assume 4-5" fish they would have a hard time eating buy anything smaller is fair game right?

They active during the day or more noctural like most cats?

Do they do best in schools/groups?
 
girraffe catfish wouldn't be able to eat as large of fish but im not sure of their max length, have you thought about getting some fish that aren't bottom dwelers? like some aro's or gaurami's ?
 
I am getting a black arowana in a little over a week for the tank. Could see trying to add another to this one later but unsure, one might be plenty for that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom