Fish suggestions

[Raskolnikov]

I'd like to get 4-6 schooling fish for my new tank. Something not too erratic that will move continuously without being crowded in the space I have or becoming a meal for the other inhabitants. I am considering silver dollars.

The tank is 72" x 24" x 30" and has a light sand substrate, several pieces of driftwood (forming hide-outs), and dense artificial plants along the rear and sides of the tank (giant asparagus fern). Lighting is somewhat subdued; there is one 4ft 40W flourescent fixture on the tank.

The tank will definately house a senegal bichir and an african knife fish (once they get a little larger).

I'd also like suggestions for a catfish (not a pleco). The Colombian Shark is very appealing but this tank will not provide proper water parameters for it. I've read that "hard, alkaline water is critical" for them. Does anyone have a suggestion for a fairly active catfish that won't exceed 18 inches?

Thanks.

 

[Karnaaj]

As far as a catfish is concerned I would go with one of the Synodontis spp. The S. angelicus is one of the most beautiful fish in the world, if you can find one and can afford one. Otherwise S. brichardi or S. eupterus would work as well. Go to this website Planet Catfish to get all the info you'll ever need on catfish.

Silver dollars would work very well in your setup as long as you stay away from live plants. Congo tetra's or one of the Rainbows such as Boesmani's or Irian Reds would work too.

 

[LMOUTHBASS]

I think a shoal of silver dollars are your best bet - especially since you have fake plants - they are an awesome fish -


not sure about water conditions this cat will need but how about the pictus catfish? They get about 5-7 inches in time and are very active

 

[Raskolnikov]

Yeah, silver dollars seem to be my best bet right now. The pictus cats are very cool, but with a Synodontis I'd still be within the realm of African species (of course it's a moot point if I end up w/ the silver dollars).