Scavenger Suggestions

[mentallylost]

Does anybody have any ideas on a scavenger fish for my 80 gallon tank? Other inhabitants include
2 Neolamprologus Pulcher Daffodil with about 50 fry
7 Lamprologus Multifasciatus with about 13 fry
3 Tropheus sp. "Red"
1 Neolamprologus Cylindricus
1 Julidochromis Marlieri

I need something that:
1) Is not too aggressive.
2) Is able to hold his own.
3) Adult size is no more than 4 1/2 inches.
4) Will not eat the fry.
5) Something a little different.

Any ideas?

 

[Fluff]

How about Synodontis ocellifer. I know the synodontis get big but the ocellifer doesn't get a big as most. Should be within your size range and peaceful omnivores.

Another synodontis suggestiand more commonly found would be the upside down cat.

 

[feeder_guppy]

I recommend ghost shrimp, they are not fish................but they are nice looking and cheap. I just some jumbo ones at a LFS I have never seen any this big but they are about 2 inches. They are normally about 1 inch. THey are neat little critters.

 

[Pacifico]

Pictus cats might do the trick for you... I've had them in with my Africans for awhile now... very slow growers and scavenge actively.

 

[mentallylost]

I like the Synodontis Ocellifer, but it gets a little too big (8") for my tank. I am looking for more in the 4" to 6" range.

Ghost shrimp are neat little critters, but would just end up as fish food in my tank. I would end up with happy Cichlids though.

And the last time that I had a Pictus cat, well lets just say that I learned about the horrors of ick and the need to quarantine new fish. I am still hesitant to try them again.

Now, the upsidedown cat or Synodontis nigriventris is an interesting cat. I have read that these are also very effecient egg eaters. Eggs I can handle, if they leave the fry alone after they have hatched. Anyone have experience with these?

I forgot to mention that I am looking to have a group of 6 or so.

 

[greenmaji]

And the last time that I had a Pictus cat, well lets just say that I learned about the horrors of ick and the need to quarantine new fish. I am still hesitant to try them again.

Sounds like you need the challange of doing things right! ROFL!...
If you like them get the QT ready...

 

[Toirtis]

The nigriventis may work well (I have not known them to eat fry), the pictus would inhale fry, I am afraid. You might be able to get away with some mid-sized corys, but you are really limited by those fry.