Looking for catfish

[redbelly]

This summer I am planning a 90+ gal setup. I plan to have a school of fresh water barracuda. They are top swimmers and are very wimpy fish, easily bullied by others. I am trying find some catfish that might do well in this setup. I would like something that gets around 6" but not much more than 8". I would also like some thing that looks like a catfish. I would like to have atleast 3 or more of them, whatever I end up choosing. Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks

 

[Gibbo]

The FW Barracuda, if memory serves me, get to about 12" or so, is that right? And are they truly freshwater or Brackish fish? This info will determine what Catfish can coexist with them. I'll see what I can find out myself....

 

[Gibbo]

Found these links

thetropicaltank

mongabay

aquariacentral

They recommend 2 males to every female and a tank size of at least 90 gals. They can be tricky to feed as well. Will be seeing Richard Hardwick @ Wharf Aquatics hopefully tomorrow. He writes for Practical Fishkeeping (UK magazine) on all things oddball. He has kept these fish for certain and I'll ask his opinion on them. Personally I think they are fascinating looking creatures. I'm certainly intrigued!! B)

As to catfish, I'd say any medium sized Loricariid so long as there is plenty of dissolved oxygen in the water. Try for a Leporacanthicus Galaxias (Vampire/Galaxy Plec). I have one that's about 4.5" in length. They get to about 10" in length. Great fish!!

 

[redbelly]

Yeah, the barracuda are true FW water and most are listed as getting up to 12", but I have been told by people who have kept them they rarely get over 9-10". I think basicly anything too big to fit in there mouth would work, as long as the cat itself was not aggressive. The cuddas tend to be easily bullied. Kinda goes against thier fearsome reputation. They pleco sounds cool. I was also thinking of bristlenose cats. Thanks for your help.

 

[Gibbo]

You won't have to worry about bullying, the Barracudas will stay near the surface. If the tank is big enough you could go for both a Galaxias and a couple of bristlenoses.... so long as there is plenty of territory!! B)