Compatibility

[UniqueFreak]

I have a lone Asian upside down catfish, looking for suitable tank mates and I'm considering cichlids.
Would this work?

 

[Fishy Smell]

I got one of these recently, having not seen them before. Hes in with cichlids but has received a bit of a beating but its nothing new to see a catfish introduced to a cichlid tank and initially get some trouble. It stops after a few days, and i think mines definately tough enough to ride it out.
Long term though these guys get to 12" and can be quite territorial so ive read. They will also eat smaller tankmates once larger. Long term mine will go in my 130gallon, but is currently in a 48G.

Because your catfish is there before the cichlids hes less likely to get a beating in actual fact.

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[UniqueFreak]

Thanks for the advice, glad to see someone else has one of these great fish

 

[Freakgecko91]

They grow fast FYI and are known to be pretty aggressive.


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[UniqueFreak]

Had mine just over 2 yrs and its only 4 inches so far, was expecting faster growth actually. Maybe I shouldn't keep other fish with him?

 

[Freakgecko91]

The ones I had went from 2" to nearly 4" in a few months, if that. Are you referring to mystus leucophasis? Of synodontis nigraventris?


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[UniqueFreak]

I have mystus leucophasis

 

[UniqueFreak]

Any idea on which cichlids to keep?

 

[Freakgecko91]

Tank size? Stock list? Decor? Filtration? Water parameters? Preferences?


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[UniqueFreak]

Have decided to keep him by himself, he seems happy enough to me

 

[Fishy Smell]

Probably a good idea. I got rid of mine because I had some expensive fish in with him and I've had the bad experience of catfish swallowing everything before so decided it wasn't worth the risk.


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[UniqueFreak]

Now gonna try and make the tank more suitable for him, saw one for sale last week for £15, tho of course they labelled it a 'large syno'!!

 

[UniqueFreak]

still only about 5" doesn't seem to be growing much now

 

[Freakgecko91]

....that's not mystus leucophasis...that's synodontis eupterus


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[UniqueFreak]

If it is I feel kinda stupid! Also my lfs should too, he confirmed it

 

[Freakgecko91]

Mystus leucophasis are jet black for one


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[UniqueFreak]

Deffo not synodontis eupterus, and he is black

 

[Freakgecko91]

I see spotting on the tail, can you get better pic? Either way that's not a mystus leucophasis


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[UniqueFreak]

Any better?

 

[Freakgecko91]

I'm sticking with eupturus. The spotting and hi-ray on the dorsal are major indicators of the species


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