Striped Rafael tank mates
- Thread starter Nbiaz
- Start date
If your raph has a place to hide, you will not see it often or perhaps only exceedingly rarely. It doesn't bother other fish most usually, even the smallest of tank mates, although some exceptions have been reported, going off memory.
I'd just make sure the tank mates don't bother it - can't swallow it or attempt to swallow it and wouldn't bully it, like aggressive cichlids could.
I'd just make sure the tank mates don't bother it - can't swallow it or attempt to swallow it and wouldn't bully it, like aggressive cichlids could.
I've got a 5" striped raphael in with 11 bichirs ranging from 5.5-13", 3 eels ranging from 10-15", an Afer, a BGK, 3x elephant nose, a 3" spotted raphael, a 5" eel tailed banjo catfish, 2x Butis Butis, 11 plecos ranging from 4-12" and a bunch of mosquito fish. I have only had one fish have problems with the striped raphael and that was a 6" male bristlenose that wanted his cave both ended up bloody and I rehomed the jerk bristlenose. I agree with the previous post as long as it's tankmates can't eat it and won't harass it then it should be fine. Also it was 4 weeks before I saw him for the 1st time so saying they are shy is an understatement but I always get excited when I see him
I own 6 Platydoras armatulus, having kept them from <1" fish all the way to nearly 12" TL monsters. They are extremely passive, except to each other. They will grunt and push each other away for food. Fortunately they lack many offensive capabilities, so this is typically a very loud display with little damage. All bark, no bite.
However, they have amazing defensive ability. I had a red wolf fish with one in a 65. The wolf fish bit the face of the catfish, which then ripped it open with the spines that run its length.
Keep them with basically whatever you want (so long as it fits into their temperature range.) However, if you are keeping small tetras that sleep on the sand they may turn into food. I wouldn't keep them with anything thinner than a giant danio once the catfish reaches full size. Also, do not keep them with small snails if you intend to keep these snails. They will rid your tank of bladder snails, trumpet snails, etc. The severum would be fine 100%, but will outgrow your 60 depending on its footprint. Pictus cats are also too active for a 60 in my opinion (again depends on footprint).
I keep mine with a JD currently with no problems.
However, they have amazing defensive ability. I had a red wolf fish with one in a 65. The wolf fish bit the face of the catfish, which then ripped it open with the spines that run its length.
Keep them with basically whatever you want (so long as it fits into their temperature range.) However, if you are keeping small tetras that sleep on the sand they may turn into food. I wouldn't keep them with anything thinner than a giant danio once the catfish reaches full size. Also, do not keep them with small snails if you intend to keep these snails. They will rid your tank of bladder snails, trumpet snails, etc. The severum would be fine 100%, but will outgrow your 60 depending on its footprint. Pictus cats are also too active for a 60 in my opinion (again depends on footprint).
I keep mine with a JD currently with no problems.
I keep my striped Raphael with various other catfish and South American cichlids in a 135 gallon as has been said as long as there’s enough hiding places and no fish small enough to eat or aggressive enough to harass the raph then they’re model tankmates