best predatory catfish for 55?

**steeler1** · 03-11-2013, 02:15 AM

As long as they can't swallow the fish your okay. Read this thread my one of our members: http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...d.php?t=109122

**Honey Badger 1** · 03-11-2013, 03:50 AM

Originally Posted by talldutchie

Drifting off on a tangent... hows the availability of rhinogobius in the states?.

I don't know about other areas, but in mine they aren't very common, at least not in the shops I frequent. I do see a couple species occasionally. They are more readily available online though.

**genocidex** · 03-11-2013, 04:56 AM

dwarf cichlids would be a great choice in a 55g. also theres killi fish... flag fish are native to your area so you can get a very attractive native tank (mixing your thread ideas here)

**talldutchie** · 03-11-2013, 05:07 AM

Originally Posted by mommy1

I don't know about other areas, but in mine they aren't very common, at least not in the shops I frequent. I do see a couple species occasionally. They are more readily available online though.

IMO this would be an unusual and intriguing choice. I love to watch them hunt frozen bloodworm in the shops.

Anyway... when you guys say bumblebee catfish which one do you mean? According to wikipedia there's several:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bumblebee_catfish

**MasterJW** · 03-11-2013, 11:15 AM

how many bumble bee cats could live comfortably in the 55 gallon if I did do the species only tank.

**talldutchie** · 03-11-2013, 11:27 AM

I suspect that would depend on which species you are thinking about.

**MasterJW** · 03-11-2013, 11:29 AM

The smaller south American ones.

**talldutchie** · 03-11-2013, 11:49 AM

ahh...Microglanis iheringi Do make sure your dealer has these correctly identified and that you do not end up with juvenile Pseudopimelodus.

hmm... a 55 gallon is 48" x 13" x 21" ? that's 120 cm wide.

I think if I had my mind set on these here's what I'd do:

Get pool filter sand. Get some well rounded river pebbles in various sizes. Scatter in a way that looks natural but allows for nooks, crannies and hiding places. Even go as far as to silicone a few together to offer shelter and minimize the risk of rock slides. Get some wood that looks like tree roots, something really tall so that it reaches the edge of the water. Manzanita would be suitable since it releases relatively little tannins and often comes in attractive shapes.

Decorate with some anubias nanae if you want. Get some amazonian frogbit for shade. This is not a species that likes bright light. Spice up the top layer with Astyanax bimaculatus if you can get them or maybe bloodfin tetra. Run relatively cool, say 75f. Position the spraybar over the water to get some air in. ideally you do want some a moderate flow but certainly no whirlpool. Start with 6 of these cats and see how that works out. 8 should be possible as well.