FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Ugh, this is why I don't like planet catfish >_> They never seem to be helpful to me. . . Anything in the catelog that says that they like warmer water, the boards say they like colder water Sooo, anywho. . .

I've got a 20 gallon high tank with(currently) only fluorite substrate, which is in the process of being planted. It'll have stems all along the back and eventually some sort of grassy stuff over the bottom. It stays around 80 degrees(it's in my NO AIR CONDITIONER room in the MIDDLE OF THE CO DESERT *ahem.*) so I really don't have a temperature choice in the middle of the summer like it is now. I'd honestly prefer something that stays around 2" long at max, but it HAS TO tolerate the warmer temps. The tankmates are going to be Some sort of smaller peaceful tetras. Not sure the type or number yet though. Any ideas?

[url=http://dragcave.ath.cx/viewdragon/bNFR][/url]

Try a Upside Down Cat I have one im my tank and shes great. Right now she is about 2.3 inchs(I have had her for about 1.5 yrs) but i have seen some places that say they can get up to 7 inches not sure about that one. The profile here has them at 3.9 inches. 80F maybe a little warm for them thats the best i can think of hopefully some else with a little more catfish knowledge can suggest a better species

"No whammy, No whammy, No whammy, STOP!!"

1984-Michael Larsen On Press Your Luck

How about something like this

http://www.scotcat.com/factsheets/t_exilis.htm

or this

http://www.scotcat.com/factsheets/tatia_perugiae.htm

two of my favourite small species there. Both can take 80f , no problem.

Plecos are my favorite, have you tried looking into any of the smaller breeds? Hypancistrus family, Zebras, leopard frogs, queen arabesque, and ect. stay small ranging around 4 inches or so. But are mainly carnivors. The Ancistrus sp. Family, Mainly bushy/ bristle nose plecos, are smaller and very effective algae eaters. Also, the Panaque family, Clown pleco's, ect. are good algae eaters, But also need a strong amount of bog wood/ drift wood in there diet. They also stay small at around 4 inches. ( all i know came from plecofanatics.com )

Hey, it's another plecofanatic. Welcome.

Some Otocinclus species fit the bill nicely.

If you can find Otocinclus mariae, which is the species I have )and which is frequently mis-labelled in the trade as "Otocinclus arnoldi" ) then that has a pretty wide tolerance of temperatures provided you maintain reasonable aeration. Mine have survived two 90-degree plus heatwaves without any trouble.

You'll need my primer on Otocinclus catfishes to help you deal with some of the issues surrounding these fishes (they tend to have a rough time at the wholesalers and need a little extra TLC during acclimatising as a result, but once properly acclimatised are superb small algae eating catfishes for the smaller aquarium).

Here's the article you'll need to get the best from Otocinclus catfishes.

Usual max length is 1.5 to 2 inches depending upon species. They make PERFECT company for small Tetras, assorted Corydoras species etc (mine are currently living with 13 Panda Corys and 10 Cardinal Tetras) and if looked after properly they can live for 6 years or more - one of mine was over 9 years old when it finally went to the great aquarium in the sky ...


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002