Pleco or Cat with Cichlids

[TehTANK]

Is there a Pleco or a Cat that would eat alge that can go with Malawi Cichlids? If so do you have any pictures so I can see what they look like?

Thanks,

Tank

[jessie]

I think the only scavenger that is recommended for Malawis is the syndodontis. I don't have any pics, but I chose not to get a scavenger for my tank because they are incredibly ugly. My fish have never-ending appetites, so there isn't much food to be wasted or scavenged.

[Drumachine09]

Synodontis nigriventis-the upside down cat: swims upside down, grows to about 4 inches. You probobly wont see him much

Synodontis eupterus-the feather finned squeaker: Characterized by its dorsal fin, which has a feathery appereance. Grows from anywhere between 4 and 6 inches. its hard to get an actual size, when every website says a different number.




Yes, synodontis would be your best choice.

[Fishguy2727]

There are other Synodontis that are more appropriate for the water conditions of Lake Malawi.

[TehTANK]

I have been reading that a Chinese Algae Eater would work....What do you guys think???

[Fishguy2727]

No, they won't do well in the parameters needed by the cichlids.

[TehTANK]

http://badmanstropicalfish.com/profiles/profile47.html

This informations states that it can according to the PH levels.....that is what I am really worried about.

[Fishguy2727]

Their upper limit is 8.0, Lake Malawi fish should be in 8.2. And tolerating a certain pH and 'a good choice for that pH' are two very different things. They are hardy so could tolerate that water, but in the long run the pH and special salts will end up causing problems and shortening their life span as well as decreasing their quality of life.

[Jedu]

I have a gold nugget pleco in my cichlid tank, and thus far is he and the other cichlids are doing great. I try and maintain a PH of around 8.0. Although he does poop ALOT. He helps keep the tank very clean, and the other fish in it have ignored him totally.