Whats a good cleanup catfish?

[Fishman Dave]

Dorididae are a good clean up crew, but it does depend how often you want to see the fish you have in there. As for size, probably won't matter if it gets too big if you already have a VATF - will need the upgrade at some point.

 

[New-World-cichlids]

I have to look for mine. Do you have more than one? How do I get him out from under the filter.

Mine is petty active. Is yours brand new or being bullied by someone in the tank?

 

[Gunfleet]

striped Raphael catfish would be my choice. Spotted Raphael cool, but don't get as big as Striped. Most Synodontis species would also work, just do some research on where they can be collected (riverine vs lake).

 

[New-World-cichlids]

striped Raphael catfish would be my choice. Spotted Raphael cool, but don't get as big as Striped. Most Synodontis species would also work, just do some research on where they can be collected (riverine vs lake).

Raphael catfish are cool. Only reason i got rid of mine is because i never saw the thing. They are active at night though like most catfish

 

[Chief Tom]

Mine is petty active. Is yours brand new or being bullied by someone in the tank?

He probably is more active after lights out. He's in a temporary tank with a couple of pia goldfish, 2 baby plecos, 2 spastic emerald corys and a grumpy frog. He might just be tired of the activity.

 

[New-World-cichlids]

That's possible. I have 2 125s and each one has an african featherfin. One of them is about 6in and is extremely active all the time and my other one is about 2.5in and is less active buy does fly around the tank during feeding.

 

[Hendre]

Synos are nice, my featherfin chills around a wood piece in the day, comes out at night or for food

 

[BIG-G]

It’s been my experience that any time you add another fish for “clean up” it’s just another fish in the tank that needs to get feed.
I would suggest feeding less if you have uneaten food.
Unless you are just looking to add another fish anyway.

 

[Fishman Dave]

If you really want THE best clean up fish like you asked, that isn’t just another fish to feed, then imo you will not find any better than Clarias Batrachus. Will grow to 18-24” , always active day or night. The only issue you will have ....... is making sure the other fish get ANY food.

 

[Sasha Isles]

Giant Raphael Catfish make an excellent hoover fish up until they get to a certain size of course their heavy armor protects them from predator tank mates but they are very unaggressive themselves.. very slow growing but once they get over 5 years they become a nice size... we just released one at 6 years old into our main lake this morning, it was so exciting and I cannot wait to see him again...