Fei Feng Flagtail - ok with Apple Snails?

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

. As the title says. I could use a cleaner in my tank, and am wondering if a flagtail would think that my Pomacea would make a good snack...
I'm afraid it would, but wanted to get your thoughts.

Any input?
Thanks,
HarleyK

 

[sashimimaster]

If you have a flagtail you won't need a snail.

 

[moe214]

If you have a flagtail you won't need a snail.

He's asking because he needs it I would assume. He states the already settled flagtails tank can use cleaners...
Not trying to be rude in anyway.

 

[HarleyK]

I actually don't have a flagtail, but have apple snails in my large tank. They could use some help, especially with dying leaves, detritus, etc. Algae are not a problem, I never have to clear the glass.

Relocating the snails to another tank and introducing the flagtail instead is an option, but I was wondering if I can have my cake and eat it, too.

 

[koltsixx]

Hard to say, while plant matter does make up the majority of their diet from my understanding they're actually omnivores. It's too bad there's no thread or info. on the web that I can find that lists some suggested tankmates for inverts.

The only cohab's with inverts I tried was with larger CA/SA cichlids and no matter how small the juveniles I used in the cohab they always targeted the snails. Considering the Fei Fengs unsubstantiated but still worrisome rep for sucking slime coats I wouldn't try it unless I didn't mind losing some snails trying to find out.

Depending on what else you have in the tank American Flagfish/Jordanella floridae maybe a good alternative choice. While also an omnivore they do seem to favor plant matter much like the Fei Feng. They're also one of the few fish to eat hair algae. That plus their small size I think may make them a safer alternative to the Fei Feng for a tank containing snails. Another choice maybe the Siamese Algae Eater/ Crossocheilus siamensis which eats algae but also eats flatworms making them doubly useful.

 

[moe214]

Sorry for the confusion then.

 

[HarleyK]

Thanks,
And no worries, moe.

I've got Odoe and a 10'' dat in the tank, plus a couple of very old and large Spotted Raphael, together with the snails. Which gives other algae esters such as Jordanella floridae or Crossocheilus siamemsis a zero percent chance for survival... Unfortunately.