FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I have a 30 gallon tank with a female convict cichlid and a firemouth. They get along relatively peacefully and the convict is abotu 3 inches and teh firemouth is about 4inches. I want to getr a bottom dweller that will not be killed by these fish and is fairly active. i don't want something that sits in a cave all day. Thanx for your input.

Hmm, could be a tough one.

Doradid catfishes are underwater battle tanks covered in spiny armour that even Green Terrors would think twice about taking on, but their activity level might prove disappointing. You could try Platydoras costatus (which I believe is known as a Raphael Cat) or Acanthodoras spinosissimus, known as the Talking Catfish because it makes audible pig grunting noises that are LOUD!

Either of these will coexist with Cichlids, even really bad tempered demons like Neetroplus nematopus. That armour is seriously heavy duty - in the past I've described these things as the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks Of The Aquarium, and when you see one, you'll see why!

Check out the Family Doradidae in planetcatfish.com, and pick out some species from that list. Take care - some Doradids grow BIG!!!

Oh, by the way, many Doradids are crepuscular (twylight active) or nocturnal. But they can be adjusted to daylight feeding by the infamous "Lights Out" feeding régime, and quickly learn to associate the aquarist with food. Some may even become quite bold during the daytime. Make sure there are plenty of sheltered spots (e.g., bogwood;/rock caves) for the Doradids.


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002