Center Piece Fish

[orange shark]

Hey!

I am thinking of doing a south american biotank (or whatever u call them lol) and wanted a centerpiece fish, can anyone suggest one? Also im thinking of having,

3 Sterbai Cory,
1 Bristlenose Pleco,
6 Neon Tetras (when matured),
6 Black Skirt Tetras,
3 Platys.

29 US Gallons

If I can fit anything else in aswell as my centerpiece fish please suggest. Also I know corys need to be in atleast 6's but sterbai are too expensive so im getting 3 for the moment and another 3 when i can afford it!

Thanks, orange shark

P.S. Dont want angelfish

 

[Biulu]

What about some type of dwarf cichlid?

 

[orange shark]

What about some type of dwarf cichlid?

I considered a ram but they need perfect water conditions and seem like too much hard work. Can you suggest anything else?

Thanks, orange shark

 

[parker313]

My first reaction would be to suggest a firemouth or keyhole cichlid. There are a few cichlids that are bigger than dwarf size, but smaller than Oscar size and well suited for community aquariums.

 

[-germ-]

biotope(ish)

 

[parker313]

Also check out the Rainbow Cichlid or maybe a pair of Flag Cichlids.

 

[lljdma06]

I'll tell you what I'm thinking about doing for a centerpiece fish in my 20g that's a bit unusual. I had thought about rams, but my tank specs are a bit off for them and I wanted something a little different. I'm considering a pair of Scleromystax barbatus. They are a semi-large catfish, about 4" long and hail from the Brazil. They are also known as the bearded catfish (an adult male grows fine bristles on his checks, razor anyone?) and were originally placed in the Corydora genus. Their coloration is really quite attractive (yellows, creams, and browns, with some irredescence). They are not overly critical about water conditions. The only drawback to these fish is that they really prefer cooler temperatures. Planet catfish recommends temperatures in the low-upper 60s, while Baensch and other sources say between the upper 60s to mid 70s. I figure if you've got good circulation and surface agitation, the temp can go up into the lower tropical range. My 20g is unheated and stays pretty much at either the low-end of the tropical spectrum in the summer (room temp is 74-76) and can plunge to the upper 60s in the winter. This is a bit low for me to consider a cichlid, but very nice for catfish, and my tetras don't seem to mind. My tetras, however, really don't care much about anything, as long as they are being fed. Of course, I'm in a bit of a pickle if a hurricane strikes and power goes out, but considering that my source for these catfish is also from FL, they'll be in the same boat no matter what. That is what floating ice cubes and battery-powered pumps are for.

Just a thought. They are a real attractive fish.

llj

 

[Biulu]

I'll tell you what I'm thinking about doing for a centerpiece fish in my 20g that's a bit unusual. I had thought about rams, but my tank specs are a bit off for them and I wanted something a little different. I'm considering a pair of Scleromystax barbatus. They are a semi-large catfish, about 4" long and hail from the Brazil. They are also known as the bearded catfish (an adult male grows fine bristles on his checks, razor anyone?) and were originally placed in the Corydora genus. llj

No wonder they were classified as Corydoras first! They look so much like it, LOL! Thank you, now I know what I saw in my LFS the other day..... I was going to ask what kind of Corydora it was, but now I know it is Scleromystax.

 

[orange shark]

Thanks for the suggestion but I will have plenty of bottom dwellers when I get another 3 sterbai when I can afford it

 

[fishwatcher]

Laetacara Curviceps are great fish... nice colors, beautiful markings. I have a single female that is just great, and they always look like they're smiling!

 

[fishwatcher]

OH, I forgot about kribensis, too. They are beautifully colored, quite smashing in a planted tank. The only problem with them is that they breed like rabbits! Not a problem if you have somewhere to take all the fry, but I ended up having to get rid of my pair and just kept one female fry.