View Full Version : water parameters/predatory fish
trackman
03-21-2006, 3:00 PM
what kind of predatory fish can be kept in similar water parameters as african cichlid?
Tank was set up for african cichlids but i changed my mind because i want something more predatory.
the substrate i put in it is dolomite so i need some ideas of predatory fish that can be kept with the PH it has.
trackman
03-22-2006, 12:18 AM
^^
liv2padl
03-22-2006, 7:53 AM
what size tank are we talking about? the vast majority of "predatory" fish grow quite large and unless you have a 150 or larger, i can think of very few which will thrive in a tank.
trackman
03-22-2006, 8:32 AM
90
liv2padl
03-22-2006, 11:26 AM
all the predatory fish in the hobby that i'm aware of grow to a foot or more and won't be happy in a 90 gallon tank. if you have a serious interest in this type of fish, consider getting at least a 150.
stingray4540
03-22-2006, 12:06 PM
Most of the lake Tanginyaka fish are carnivorous, Like my favorite the brachardi, as well as some others that would fit in your 90 just fine. Or you could just do a big giant shoal of brachardi they will help take care of each others young and even the siblings will help take care of younger siblings. that would be cool, but not much variety.
liv2padl
03-22-2006, 1:43 PM
Most of the lake Tanginyaka fish are carnivorous i think he was talking about fish that eat other fish. like gar and such. sure, there are lots of fish that eat bugs and crustaceans and worms and such and might be considered "carnivores" ... but i don't think he's talking about those.
IceH2O
03-22-2006, 7:41 PM
You didn't say what the water PH and hardness was but if its between 6 and 7.5 and soft this is what you want.
African Leaf Fish aka Spotted Climbing Perch
They only get to 8 inches.
They like to sneak up on their prey and pounce. I have one in a 20 gallon growing out for my 75 gallon tank.
http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/cteno-ac.htm
http://aquaworld.netfirms.com/Labyrinthfish/Ctenopoma/Ctenopoma_acutirostre.htm
http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/breeding/Marshall_Leopard_Bushfish.html
edit: I reread the post and guess its high PH and hard...
Whats the waters natural PH? A simple substrate change will allow you to have this fish. They also like to have some plants but you could go low light plants.
rosita
04-01-2006, 6:08 PM
Getting ready to set up a 55 for a small cichlid community, myself. You can go with smaller species such as Firemouths and the varieties of Convicts--they get @ 6 inches. I plan on a pair on one side, pair on the other, plenty of rock caving for security and spawning (they get more territorial) and some tougher dithers like Black Tetras.
An excellent site to reference and inquire re predators is our sponsor, Monsterfishkeepers.com. I've learned an awful lot asking them questions and reading through the articles and forums. Good luck, and, as I've learned, research research research BEFORE putting fish in a tank!!! Never fear to ask questions; the only stupid question is the one unasked. :)