Xenomystus nigri

[OllieNZ]

Hi All
Im looking at getting some Xenomystus nigri (ABKs) I have read through a few threads and still have a few questions.
My tank is 48x12x16 40usgal and densely planted
Rena xp3 340ish gph (rated) for filtration delivered through a spraybar the length of the tank.
Planned tank mates 6 bosemani rainbows, 2 striped raphael cats.
I was thinking 2-3 ABKs.
Will they get on ok with each other?
Will there be to much flow?
Will the rainbows be to active for them?

Thanks

Ollie

 

[Kaya]

@ollie - hey there.. i'd suggest you just get one.. they tend to be a little aggressive.. I had an 8" ABK and he tried to take a swipe at my largest Silver Arowana who was around 16" then. as for the rainbows.. if they are little.. they'd definitely be on his dinner list. yes.. i'm sure you've read sites sayin they tend to be ok in groups but depends on the fish too.. anyway.. all the best... thought i'd just tell ya my experience with them..

 

[dbcb314]

I have always read that x. nigri is ok in groups but I have never seen it done actually.

They don't seem to fight with each other in the pet store but I have always kept them by themselves.

If x. nigri can't swallow it, it won't bother it. Really peaceful fish... only thing mine ever bothered was my hand when i was cleaning the tank lol

 

[OllieNZ]

Thanks for the input Ive read various things about their temperment which was why I asked, might try 3 and see how I get on. Im not too worried about the rainbows they are nearly 4 ins and will get a little bigger and they are quite deep bodied.

Thanks

Ollie

 

[Hoyo12]

Thanks for the input Ive read various things about their temperment which was why I asked, might try 3 and see how I get on. Im not too worried about the rainbows they are nearly 4 ins and will get a little bigger and they are quite deep bodied.

Thanks

Ollie

I have two together in a 60-Gallon with some African Cichlids right now. At first they fought, and pick at each other, but now they just follow each other around the tank. Great species of Knife, even though it is one of the most common.

 

[benzjamin13]

Great Knives. I've had a few in a tank together. Your choice of tankmates will be fine. And the flow doesn't really matter as long as you're not putting them through a washing machine type effect.

 

[OllieNZ]

Thanks all
Still not decided wether to get these yet or not I quite like them and want to try something a bit differnt but the boss... sorry I mean my wife quite likes discus and wants me to have a go at them we will see. Im still doing a bit of research into discus but I think the ABKs will win will keep you posted and put up pics either way.

Thanks

Ollie

 

[OllieNZ]

Got these two yesterday about 4.5", settling in well very bold and very quick both of which surprised me. Eating flake and blood worms I have no idea how these guys would ever get a small fish they dont seem to have very good eye to mouth coordination lol.

Regards

Ollie

 

[Hoyo12]

Got these two yesterday about 4.5", settling in well very bold and very quick both of which surprised me. Eating flake and blood worms I have no idea how these guys would ever get a small fish they dont seem to have very good eye to mouth coordination lol.

Regards

Ollie

Very nice looking African Knives.
If they see a small fish they would like to eat, they will swim right at it with speed, and then snap at it in an attempt to get it into their mouth's. Sometimes it doesn't work too well, because as you said, they are not very coordinated, lol.

 

[OllieNZ]

Thanks.

What kind of growth rate do these guys normally have?

Thanks

Ollie