Looking for Little Killers...lol.

[r3dbullxxx]

What is the smallest aggressive freshwater predator fish with the smallest tank size requirement that would eat live food? or have that killer instinct?

No, I will not be putting a largemouth in a 5 gallon or something dumb...lol....

Like 30/55 is what I have to work with....for now....I am trying to learn about new species or ones that have slipped my mind.

It can be anything...store bought, online, or even locally caught (I'm in FL), etc. like bass, bluegill, warmouth, perch, mayans, tilapia, catfish, etc.

I am fairly knowedgeable about these species though, and am asking for suggestions that are outside the box....I would still like/take any of these suggestions as I am making a list (and have posted in the FB group as well) but, wanted to ask here for starters. Thanks in advance! Cheers!

 

[Midwater]

African leaf fish, about 3".

 

[Backfromthedead]

Whatever variety of madtoms you have down there could work. Not super predatory but will hunt for bugs and worms.

 

[r3dbullxxx]

Ok....to clarify a bit more:

I have a dumb friend who wants something cool and aggressive that he considers NOT GIRLY like a betta or a guppy...he wants the visual show of "eating feeder fish" that if moved from the 30 to a 55, he can breed a pair.

What is the smallest aggressive freshwater predator fish with the smallest tank size requirement that would eat live food like rosies, or goldfish or whatever...not live food like microscopic brine shrimp...lol...?

Like 30-55 gallons.....I am trying to learn about new species or ones that have slipped my mind to help him out...It can be anything...even locally caught, etc. like bass, bluegill, warmouth, perch, mayans, catfish, etc.

I am fairly knowedgeable about these species though, and am asking for suggestions that are outside the box....I would still like/take any of these suggestions as I am making a list

 

[r3dbullxxx]

Whatever variety of madtoms you have down there could work. Not super predatory but will hunt for bugs and worms.

I think he's looking for more aggressive, but I'm adding to the list...crud...he's in Maine...lol. I wrote it wrong...Still adding your suggestion for myself to look into! thanks!

 

[phreeflow]

Hairy puffer, congo puffer, school of exodons

 

[A201]

Syncrossus Helodes, one of the mid sized Tiger Loaches.
Once my Tiger group grew to adulthood they became so aggressive that they would attack much larger aggressive Cichlid tankmates.
The Tigers constantly chase each other, making loud clicking noises.
Too aggressive for me. Couldn't get rid of them fast enough.
A 55 gallon tank should do.

 

[fishhead0103666]

African leaf fish, about 3".

African leaf fishes, assuming you are talking about Ctenopoma auctirostre will get bigger, double even, I personally had one around 6” and saw one even bigger. Perhaps you were thinking of Monocirrhus polyacanthus? They are from South America and if I remember correctly get to 4”-5”. There are a few other fish with the common name of “leaf fish” though.

 

[Backfromthedead]

I would personally have no problem keeping a group of smaller sunfish like pumpkinseed or redbreast in a 55. Bluegill are one of the larger growing sunnies but they could be fine too.

 

[EricTheRed]

Convicts are certainly aggressive, will eat guppies, and are fine in a 30G or 55G tank.