Looking for a catfish to eat up leftovers from my mbu puffer

[Heymikki]

My mbu puffer is fed crayfish and will often leave behind small pieces of the crayfish in the substrate. I’m looking to add a catfish to the tank that will help clean up some of the leftovers from the puffer. Any recommendations on which species? Thank you!

 

[Deadeye]

Honestly a gravel vacuum is the best option. No waste and actually does it’s job.
Otherwise, something that hides a lot like a Raphael or something just too big like a sailfin pleco will fare best. No guarantees though, as puffers are unpredictable and dangerous.

 

[A201]

You might look at Syncrossus Helodes, the Banded Tiger Loach.
They grow fast & are probably tough enough to hold their own against the Puffer.
Speaking from experience, Banded Loaches are very efficient scavengers, but can be extremely aggressive towards tankmates.

 

[twentyleagues]

You might look at Syncrossus Helodes, the Banded Tiger Loach.
They grow fast & are probably tough enough to hold their own against the Puffer.
Speaking from experience, Banded Loaches are very efficient scavengers, but can be extremely aggressive towards tankmates.

I would definitely worry about the second part for sure. Loaches are pia fish. Some of the most aggressive fish I've owned have been loaches. Catfish can be right there too. I am currently housing a gold synodontis nigrita with my fahaka. They are about the same size and seem ok with each other. As for clean up it's not to bad but the cat is a little shy. If you go catfish I'd say a syno of some sort for sure.

 

[Toiletcar]

The problem w/ using a fish like this is they can’t just be fed scraps after another fish. May not be enough food for the clean up fish, so you’ll have to feed that too. Same w/ fish used to eat algae, they really need more than just what’s on the side of the tank. There is no fish that is going to do all the tank cleaning for you. And what goes in comes out so a “cleaner” fish actually increases your over all waste and nitrates. IMO, more damage than good in some cases. I agree w/ the vacuuming, it’s the best option for messy eating fish. I also feed in small quantities at a time. Some fish are less likely to be as messy IME.