Unusual tankmate request

[santoury]

Okay, here's the deal.

I just put a group of SA lungfish with my Gold Tulip Eels and it works like a charm.

I'd love something swimming in there though

Tried my small FH's - they were nibbling on the SA lungs...
Wouldn't try my smaller fish as the Gold Tulips will eat those...
Tried my Leporinus - they were also nibbling...

So, what can I put in there that is unusual? (Yes, that cancels out tinfoil barbs and such.)

I'd like something that swims around, and doesn't get too big. I was thinking of getting an oscar (haven't had one in many years - it would be nice) but WHEN I get my next oscar, I want to get a baby and raise it. This means it would be too small for this tank (Gold Tulip snack) I don't feel like raising it in another tank first. ( I might though...)
If only Distichodus weren't nibblers...

I was thinking perhaps some Butis, which I want anyway, but cannot find any. Fei Feng maybe? Don't like what I've heard about them sucking on slow moving fish.
Open to suggestions! (Tulip eels are between 1 and 2 feet, prey size is up to approx 2-3 inches.)

 

[tyl089]

03-01-07
09:29 am

how about an African butterfly fish? They are surface swimmers and pretty weird looking.

 

[santoury]

That actually is a pretty nice idea - but usually they are a bit on the small side at LFS... probably would end up eaten.

Anyone else?
Thanks

 

[TicaL]

03-01-07
09:29 am

how about an African butterfly fish? They are surface swimmers and pretty weird looking.

Yeah, but they tend to be not so active. I think he's looking for a fish that is a bit more active than a leaf floating in water. I think an African Brown Knife would look good not to mention they aren't overly common. Oh and a Butis Butis would be awesome too, there's been a handful at my LFS for a month or two but no one seems to buy them, probably because no one ever gets to see them hunt.

 

[santoury]

Good suggestion, too, although I've had brown knives - I don't know about down there, but they are a staple at LFS here, and they would love the SAL's legs - nibble nibble. I also would prefer a fish that doesn't occupy the lower level of the tank, as that part of the tank is "taken"

As for the Butis, just wondering how big, and what the price is. Thanks

 

[Stab]

Butterflyfish wont work -- they are too small and will get eaten for sure

Santuory,

When you say "butti", do you mean tilapia butticoferi? if so, this should be completely out of the question. Due to being hyper aggressive I couldn't keep one even with a larger electric catfish! Feifeng should work IMO, as will any species of a silver dollar. They kind of match your criteria too: fast moving and active, not too small and generally non-aggressive. Besides, they come from South America