Angelfish And Ghost Catfish

[The Noob Fish Shepherd]

Hi, I recently set up my 90cm x 30cm x 30cm tank and its been cycling for a few months and all I've introduced so far is plants and 3 Bristlenose Catfish and its all well and dandy as of yet.

Anyway, I've been seriously considering aquiring 2 Angelfish and 5 or more Ghost Catfish but I've heard its quite a risky combination because Angelfish are aggressive and Ghost Catfish are very timid...

Can you share your experience and opinions with me and tell me the similarities and differences in natural habitat, prefered tank conditions, most common personalities and traits between the two? There is alot of bogwood, plantlife and rocks in the aquarium, adding up to a few douzen good hiding spaces awell as open swimming spaces.

Aslo, I have three other things:

-Are there small (under 15cm from tip of top fin to tip of bottom fin) strains of Angelfish less aggressive than other Angelfish that are readily available?
-I would like to know any recommended species of fish for a community aquarium that grow to less than 15cm when mature that would look nice with my brown, yellow, red and white themed aquarium
-Is it better to introduce the smaller fish before the larger fish as the larger fish are less likely to get lash out after being introduced to a new environment, or should larger fish be introduced first so that the heirarchy is set up early?

Cheers in advance, Dave

 

[5teady_2012]

GLASS CATFISH

Common name: Glass catfish, Ghost catfish, Ghostfish
Scientific name: Kryptopterus bicirrhis
Synonyms: Silurus bicirrhis
Size: Up to 6" (15cm), but usually smaller.
Origin: Southeast Asia
Tank setup: Planted tank with open swimming spaces and moderate water flow.
Compatibility: Peaceful community fish.
Temperature: 21-26oC (70-79oF)
Water chemistry: Ideally, fairly soft and slightly acidic (pH 6.2-7.0).
Feeding: An insectivore, its diet should include live foods such as Daphnia. May take flake.
Sexing: Unknown
Breeding: No detailed reports.
Comments: Unlike most catfish, the glass catfish is a mid-water shoaling fish, and should always be kept as a group. It may be difficult to acclimatise initially, and close attention should be paid to water quality.


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ANGELS

Scientific Name : Pterophyllum scalare
Common Names : Albino, Black, Gold, Silver, Marbeled Angelfish, Koi Angelfish, etc - seems there is a common name for each color variety.
Angelfish Care Level : Easy
Size : Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
pH : 6 - 7.5
Temperature : 74°F - 84°F (23°C - 29°C)
Water Hardness : 5° to 13° dH
Lifespan : 8 - 10 years
Origin / Habitat : Amazon River
Temperament / Behavior : Generally peaceful, but can be aggressive eaters and may become territorial while breeding

 

[waterdrop]

Hi Dave and Welcome to TFF!

I often see the recommendation on TFF that angels need about 17 inches minimum in tank height. Generally this comes along with 28 or 29 US gallons being the minimum water volume for them also. At 12 inches, your tank would probably be too short. I agree they are hard to resist.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[hamfist]

Agree with Waterdrop, your tank is simply not big enough for angels. They all grow into big fish. You could buy tiny little ones and within 2-3 years they will be 8-9 inches tall (incl fins) .... and still with plenty left to grow of course !

 

[The Noob Fish Shepherd]

Thanks for the warm welcome and quick reply! I was a little sceptical about my tank deptch, which is why I was curious about finding any information on smaller breeds of Angelfish.

I'll keep bouncing from site to site for the next few hours (I broke my leg while skateboarding so I haven't got anything better to do ) but if evidence is lenient to what you have said then ill find a substitute because the fishes welbeing is my biggest priority.

 

[5teady_2012]

Thanks for the warm welcome and quick reply! I was a little sceptical about my tank deptch, which is why I was curious about finding any information on smaller breeds of Angelfish.

I'll keep bouncing from site to site for the next few hours (I broke my leg while skateboarding so I haven't got anything better to do ) but if evidence is lenient to what you have said then ill find a substitute because the fishes welbeing is my biggest priority.

Your going to be a credit to the hobby and forum with that attitude, good on you mate

 

[The Noob Fish Shepherd]

So I've looked around quite a bit since my last reply and it doesn't look hopeful, I guess thats the Angelfish out of the picture

Do you guys know of any particular fish that look good and be comfortable in in low light conditions with alot of bogwood?

 

[crazychris]

Agree with Waterdrop, your tank is simply not big enough for angels. They all grow into big fish. You could buy tiny little ones and within 2-3 years they will be 8-9 inches tall (incl fins) .... and still with plenty left to grow of course !

I have two large angels in a 36"x15"x12" tank and they're absolutely fine. Plenty of swimming space.

 

[hamfist]

Agree with Waterdrop, your tank is simply not big enough for angels. They all grow into big fish. You could buy tiny little ones and within 2-3 years they will be 8-9 inches tall (incl fins) .... and still with plenty left to grow of course !

I have two large angels in a 36"x15"x12" tank and they're absolutely fine. Plenty of swimming space.

Your tank has an extra 3" depth compared to the OP's. It's marginal. Personally, I would want to give them more space.