Catfish Suggestions Wanted

[Ferris]

Hi all,

I am soon going to be getting a 75 gallon tank, which will home 1 Oscar and 1 Sailfin Plec. I'd be interested to know any reccomendations you might have for some catfish tank mates that will be compatible with these 2 fish.

I'm thinking along the lines of a trio of catfish that grow big enough to handle themselves but not more than say 12 inches.

Thanks in advance

 

[Durbkat]

Well you would have to get a pleco that is already pretty big because once the oscar grows big enough he could eat it.

 

[Ferris]

I already have the sailfin in my mbuna tank, he's currently about 7-8 inches and the Oscar will be a juvenile so no problem there.

Anyone got any ideas on an interesting trio of catfish?

 

[CFC]

Some of the larger Pimelodus species would do you, such as Pimelodus blochii, Pimelodus albofaciatus or Pimelodus ornatus. All are quite easily available (though are not particually cheap) and can be kept alone or in groups.

 

[demonmagus]

would a full grown common plec be fine in a juwel 240?

 

[Ferris]

Thanks CFC, i'll check them out. I have a very good LFS who will order fish in if they don't stock them.

Thanks again.

demonmagus - Common Plecs reach around the 12" mark and should be fine in a 240 litre, depending on the other inhabitants of course.

 

[Durbkat]

Actually they can reach anywhere between 1 foot to 2 feet and they get wider as they get longer.

 

[andywg]

Sailfins can get to 2 feet, commons to around 1 foot.

The problem is both these species and the reticulatus (to name but three) interbreed happily and as such knowing exactly what you've got is an art.

Basically be prepared for a fish that is easily going to pass 1 foot and could pass two feet.

 

[Fishy412]

pimelodus ornatus are very interesting fish. i would highly recommend one.

 

[Ferris]

I like the look of the Pim Ornatus. Would Pim Pictus be too small to house with an Oscar or are they also a possibilty?

 

[Fishy412]

no way. they might be ok for a while but a full size oscar will attempt to eat a pim pictus. pim pictus only get to 6" and their fins have spikes. so when (and he will) the oscar tries to swallow one you will probly lose both fish