All of my fish pretty much only swim at the top level of the tank besides my pleco which is about 7.5 inches and sometimes hangs on the bottom. I've always had a fascination with inverts/critters and would like to have one. I have a 40g hex front so its decently tall for its size and I doubt It will be harassing my giant danios at the top. I have good cover and hiding spots for 1 or more guys on the bottom. My question is what combination of 2,3 or maybe even 4 (though thats probably too much) of a small crab/adf/rope fish/eel/shrimp or other things of the like that I haven't mentioned would go well together? I'm not against taking risks. Will my pleco bothered. I appreciate the input.
bottom dweller compatability
- Thread starter matthewvl
- Start date
Shrimp are pretty much out of the question. You could consider them an expensive meal for your Plec. I know from experience.
Many plecos can be aggresive, especially as they get bigger. I originally had one with my dojo loach, but it started to chase him around so I had to get rid of it. My golden dojo loach is my baby.
Some other plecos are peaceful and remain small. So it would help if you could tell us what kind it is. I don't have any specific recommendations on compatibility, but I'm sure other people will. All I know is I'm probably not getting another plecostomus as my dojo comes first.
Some other plecos are peaceful and remain small. So it would help if you could tell us what kind it is. I don't have any specific recommendations on compatibility, but I'm sure other people will. All I know is I'm probably not getting another plecostomus as my dojo comes first.
You could probably consider a peacock or fire eel. I don't have a fire eel, but my peacock eel is about 7" and I just got him, they can grow up to 10-15", I believe fire eels are about the same size from what I have read, but would defer to someone with experience with them. I have a pleco with my eel, but my pleco is only about 4" right now, but they share the same cave quite often and there has never been a dispute that I can tell between my eel and any of my other fish. The one caution about eels is you have to have a small gravel or sand substrate as they spend much of the time burrowed in the gravel. They can also be escape artists so if your tank is not totally covered it could be a problem (I haven't found any issues personally, just relating what I have heard and read). I have yet to see mine eat, but he seems very healthy after a month and I drop tubifex or blood worms in periodically and I think he cleans up what the rest of the fish drop of those as well and cleaning any other stray food.
I can't speak form experience on the crabs, but I will suggest you research the type you are wanting to put into your aquarium. Some crabs will live peacefully with your fish. Some will eat them (or nip fins).matthewvl said:
How about a larger catfish like a synodontis instead of cory? I've had one since day 1 and he/she has gotten along with everything in my tank, even the bamboo shrimp. Just an idea.