"Lace cat" is generally a synonym for Synodontis eupterus. It will work fine in your tank, and probably not get much above 4-5" in length. Two should not be a problem.
There are larger synodontis that get 8-10" long, but that's about the limit that I've seen. The larger catfish that look like synodontis are not the same genus, but are similar in behavior, though.
Synodontis omias and S.schall both can get near a foot an a half, but I have not kept either. S. dhoti from Lake Tanganyika is seen in the trade and is well over a foot.
reds and greens would be from lake Victoria. I believe they have similar water requirements but not sure about compatibility between fishes. don't know anyone who's tried it. Where are you located? I would recommend getting with a local aquarium club. I'm not sure about in your area but there are quite a few people in my club that regularly breed different mbuna's and they rarely fetch much money due to the lack of other people being able to buy them. As for the knife, I'm not so sure that was a good idea but I may be wrong. Kyle
forgot to mention before, there are many peacock's with red on them, can't think of hap's or mbuna's off the top of my head that have either red or green. Kyle
That's one heck of a lake. It easily looks as big (maybe bigger) as any of the Great Lakes up here. With fish like that all over, it sounds like a divers adventure for sure.
I'm located in Wisconsin. I'm not sure about fish clubs around.
I'll just keep circulating to the shops. If a red one pops up, I'll consider it.
FHbrumb How far north of Chicago are you located? Are you willing to order online? If so check this site out they are amazing. www.kingcoral.com They have everything,if they dont have what your looking for they can order it. I told one of my friends the other day that when they have full tanks; I'd rather go there than the Shedd Aquarium.