Tilapia Buttikoferi Tankmates?

[Fish Guy]

I am growing out a Buttikoferi in my 55 gallon at the moment, it is around 3" now. I will be moving it up to my 75 gallon at around 6" I'm thinking. But for the time being I was wondering if there were any good tankmates for the Tilapia, maybe some type of catfish perhaps. I know it's hard to find a fish that will be able to put up with the Butts aggression, but worth a try. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[roadmaster]

Synodontis Multipunctatus may work.Grows fairly quick to around seven inches and could maybe be a bit too quick for the Cichlid and poke back with spines if pestered. Would provide pots,pvc,or wood for the catfish to rest,hide near.

 

[Fish Guy]

They are nice looking catfish, but the only problem I'll have, being where I live is actually getting my hands on such a catfish. The stores here never want to get in anything different. Pictus might be an option perhaps, hardy and fast.

 

[always4lora]

none is the best for these

 

[Fish Guy]

Yeah I figured I would have a near impossible search for a Buttikoferi tankmate.

 

[roadmaster]

Kept one(butt kicker) for a while with Polleni,Jaguar, and Green Terror but once the fish got to around eight inches, it became too hostile for tankmates and I traded it off.
Still think the Multipuctatus could work, have kept them with many large cichlids.
Maybe fish store would special order ?

 

[Fish Guy]

I'll look into it. The stores here do take special orders but they seem to never come through with the order. But none the less I'll give it a try.

 

[Fish Guy]

I was thinking about trying either a Dimidiochromis compressiceps, Nimbochromis venustus or Nimbochromis livingstonii. I know it might be touch and go with any options, but I have a free 33 gallon that if any fish need to be taken out I can. I'll just have to keep a close eye on them.