Clown loaches with catfish?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

Mad About Cichlids

Piranha
MFK Member
Feb 3, 2004
3,382
56
81
Twin Cities, MN
Have a 75g with 10 established Clown loaches ranging from 3-6" and was thinking about adding a 8-9" Synodontis eruptus. I know the Synodontis is usually peaceful but I'm afraid they might fight for hiding spaces.



What do you'll think?
 
With synos that big, I wouldn't try such mix. Synos are very boisterous fish. I've tried the 6 inch ones but that's all they can handle. Synos tend to be pushy during feeding times. No is my answer.
 
I have had a syno, but I wouldn't really recommend it either. They will definitely compete for hideouts
 
Late to the game, but wanted to share my experience too. They do indeed fight for hiding spots and the Syno's will win and you CL's will be unhappy. I have 2 beautiful, mature Featherfin and a couple of the Valentina hybrids. They are now kept in a separate tank. Syno's are tough little buggers and they don't take any crap from cichilds of similar size either!
 
you can do it with less aggressive catfish like most doradids and some of the smaller pimelodids, but wouldn't do so with synos
 
I have had a lot of large syno's and CL in a 55 tank together with no problems. However, I have LOTS of territory for them. Everyone was fed well and had a home, so they we're very comfortable.
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com