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can anyone suggest a bottom feeder other than cories and BNs that will live with 6 threadfin rainbows in a 15g tank?

Hi,
I think some small shrimps and/or snails would do the job for you.

-Mughal

Given that Threadfin Rainbows are pretty small and delicate, I'd say you're stuck with Corys, Otocinclus, possibly a trio of Kuhlii Loaches, or if you can find them given how rare they are in the trade (but numbers are increasing), Pigmy Chain Loaches (the smallest of the Botia type loaches).

However, if you can find them (and again it'll be an interesting hunt) you could try for Aspidoras catfishes. Related to Corys, but distinctive. Check maintenance details in advance because there is a possibility that they could be more demanding than Corys, but if you can find an Aspidoras species, and one that proves to be compatible with your Threadfins vis-a-vis water chemistry, this could be a winning combination, because Aspidoras are relatively rare even among specialist catfish keepers here in the UK, and you will have the fun of telling everyone "No, they're NOT Corys!"


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

ok, not idea i know but due to having to shut down another tank my 6 threadfins now have a 5 inch orange tailed loach for company.

i was also thinking of adding a centerpiece if there is room, possibly some form of dwarf gourami.

any thoughts?

Got a scientific name for this loach?

I'd be wary. a FIVE INCH Botia in with Threadfin Rainbows is not the mix I would have chosen, but I gather it's been forced upon you ... I'd try and get a new home for the Botia up and running ASAP, and find a more suitable collection of bottom feeders for your Threadfin aquarium, because that Botia could cut up rough depending upon species.

Is this your fish by any chance?

At least it's not a Skunk Loach - you would have BIG problems if you put one of those in with your poor Threadfins, given the Skunk Loach's reputation for being as tough as Cichlids and frequently as aggressive ...


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

There are far more aspidoras breeders in the UK than in the states,which bites the big one.

The only species we get around here with any frequency are C-35 and pauciradiatus.

Calilasseia - yes thats the chap, but he is very shy and retiring, not at all aggressive. im having more trouble with the 2 serpae that he used to live with causing havoc in the community tank