Regional tanks… what can go in with Congo tetras

[Magnum Man]

So I never planned it that at to begin with, but my tanks are gravitating towards a regional look… right now ( after reading @GaryE ’s cichlid thread ) and after the “in depth discussion on Angels” I’ve pretty much decided not to try them again… so now I’m looking for a fish (s) to go with the Congo tetras I have… I’ll be picking up some more Tetras in variety, and hadn’t really thought about African Cichlids

Not sure how many would be compatible with a mixed shoal of Tetras… I’m thinking Brachardi might… I think I had some back when I had tanks before, but curious if there are any more of the colorful species that would work with the Tetras

 

[Colin_T]

Brachardi or Neolamrologus brichardi
N. brichardi are from Lake Tanganyika and require hard water (GH above 350ppm and pH around 8.5). The are highly territorial when breeding and usually kill everything in the tank except for their family.

African long fin tetras are similar size and shape to Congo tetras.

Some of the Pelvicachromis species would be fine in relation to the water but probably wouldn't get any food with Congo tetras in the same tank.

It's going to be difficult due to the Cono tetras speed and movement and water requirements.

 

[GaryE]

Soo, it gets complicated. The Congo is hard to imagine. The size and force of the rapids is like nothing we have in Europe and the inhabited Americas. The water is super oxygenated, and even along the edges where our fishes live, agitated.

If the tank is deep, Congo tetras won't bother with the lower parts of the tank. A geographically realistic Cichlid would be the buffalohead, Steatocranus casuarius. They have severely reduced swim bladders, and while murder is always on their minds, they really can't catch anything. With normal swim bladders, the current would pull them into the oxygenless depths, so their apparent handicap is a great adaptation. They hop around grouchily on rocky bottoms, avoiding the rush of water.

Some say they're ugly, but I'm calling 'cute' on them. They are great fish who spend a lot of time with their noses sticking out of caves. They eat snails like popcorn.

Another available at only the best stores possibility is Nanochromis parilus, a slender blue Cichlid from the Malebo Pool region, source of most of the Congo fish sold in the hobby. It was common and popular into the late 1970s when the discovery of blue Malawi species made it unemployed. It happens to fish too.

I like both fish. Neither will harm the Congos. Both are fish I kept for 2 or 3 generations before moving on, and I still like them a lot. They are interesting beasts.

But look up Alestopetersius caudalis, please. The fish is available, sometimes, not crazy expensive and beautiful. The fishfarms are producing them now, so stores can get them.

 

[Magnum Man]

so I realize they are not regional... but I'm leaning towards a small group of Laetacara curviceps ( Dwarf Flag Acaras ) in that tank but don't know much about them yet, still doing my research... thoughts ???

 

[GaryE]

I hate that fish... sorry. It is purely subjective. They are cute when young, but as they grow they turn into lumpish fish. One of my friends described his as vaguely blue dog droppings with fins.

They are peaceful and docile - possibly the dumbest Cichlid out there.

Other than that, they're okay.

 

[Magnum Man]

Hey Gary... you don't have to hold back... just tell me what you really think of them

so then looking at other Acara's... how about Acara punctulata or other suggestions in similar

 

[Magnum Man]

was looking at...

Cichlasoma salvini​

that fish just looks African... as long as water parameters match up enough, & it didn't decide my Congo Tetras look like lunch... that might be interesting???

 

[GaryE]

salvini - what a tempting fish. I have tried to convince myself I could enjoy them many times. I can't do it. Trichromis salvini is like a Guatemalan gang member with fins, and lovely red splatters over its tattoos. They are really aggressive fish, and I mean really.

I expect it would kill the congos, and then climb out of the tank to ummmm, do you have a family?

It's funny. This thread has made me want to have Steatocranus again. I just sent a message to a friend who gets them to see...

I don't like acaras in general, as they grow larger than what I appreciate. Again, no diss to those who love them, but I like smaller fish. If you are thinking Central or North American, there is a Genus that is hit or miss - some individuals are brutal and others peaceful. Thorichthys. T elliotti was calm at a friend's. You could also look at Cryptoheros.

South America? Red hump eartheaters, Geophagus steindachneri, are really cool to watch if they breed. They aren't huge psychos, either.

 

[Magnum Man]

I've been looking at the Steatocranus as well, found a Wisconsin dealer I've ordered from before, that has several in stock... still trying to make up my mind...

I guess that is one advantage of not having local dealers... no Impulse buying

 

[GaryE]

Yeah. Canadian shipping costs make me think too. But I may order up some dwarf Cichlids when I receive the list of arrivals, which haven't arrived yet....

 

[Magnum Man]

Found these at one supplier... they look like an interesting tank mate for common Congo Tetras
anyone had or know much about these guys??? actually Wet Spot seems to have more than a Dozen African Tetras

Bathyaethiops breuseghemi​

 

[GaryE]

I have some. They are the only true shoaling tetras I have ever kept. They swim in groups, and are lovely, hardy and did I say lovely? I have 10 in a 75 gallon.

The only problems are that they would dominate smaller tetras, and they are a nightmare to spell, so I rarely talk about them online.

 

[MuddyWaters]

when the discovery of blue Malawi species made it unemployed. It happens to fish too.

 

[Magnum Man]

I found these available...
Phenacogrammus pulcher
they should shoal with the rest of the Congo tetras???

 

[robmcd]

Have you looked into any mormyrid species?