Fish Compatibility

[Darkehorse]

Folks,

I used to have fish many years ago in college, but I gave them back to the fish store when I had to move after graduation. Now I'm married and have children, and my kids are interested in some fish. I got a hold of a 30 gallon tank and I have been cycling it for about 3 weeks using the ammonia method listed elsewhere on the web. So far so good. I want to give the tank at least 1 more week of free and clear ammonia / nitrite testing before I even think about adding any fish.

So that's my back ground story. My oldest son definitely wants an Archer Fish, which should be fine. I was also thinking of adding Australian Rainbows (about 3) because I think they are absolutely beautiful and fun to watch. This comes to the 'iffy' considerations for the rest of the tank mates.

Marbled Headstanders (Abramites hypselonotus) - I absolutely love the behavior of this fish. If this guy is compatible I definitely want him in.

Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) - I think my sons would love to watch this fish.

South American Leaf Fish (Monocirrhus polycanthus) - Because of the tendency for this fish to hide, it would be a fun fish to 'try and find'. I know this fish is a hunter but given it's size I'm not sure it would bother any of the other fish. Perhaps introducing ghost shrimp for it to hunt would be fun?

African Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi) - Another interesting fish because of appearance and behavior. I know this fish, like the archer, can tend to jump out of the tank, so I will probably keep the top covered with a mesh material to prevent suicide.

Also I'm aware the Archer and the rainbows require brackish. Will these other fish tolerate extra salinity in the water? Also I realize that I shouldn't try to force all of this residents to live in this little 30 gallon tank. It may be OK as juveniles, but as they grow it will be way too crowded. I'm trying to make the best choice for the population that will go into it (6 or 7 fish at the most). As far as levels go I know the Butterfly would stay at the top, with the Archer not very far under him, so they would definitely need to get along. The headstander tends to stay near the bottom as would the upside down catfish. That leaves the Leaf Fish and the Rainbows to get along in the middle.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.
-Darkehorse (Michael)

 

[lillykinloo]

Hi Darkehorse! I don't know too much about the other fish, but I would say no on the South Amercian Leaf Fish. My uncle has a Leaf fish. This guy is an aggressive predator that feeds on other fish. In fact, it would be difficult to get him to eat anything other than live food. He will most definitely gobble up the peaceful upside down catfish if given the opportunity. And, he would probably terrorize the Rainbows. Leaf fish are best kept alone or with other large aggressive fish (the Rainbows & Upsidedown Catfish are not aggressive). The Marbled Headstanders also would not be compatible with the Australian Rainbow Fish. Marbled Headstanders tend to get a bit nippy as adults. Hope this is helpful!

 

[Darkehorse]

Hi Darkehorse! I don't know too much about the other fish, but I would say no on the South Amercian Leaf Fish. My uncle has a Leaf fish. This guy is an aggressive predator that feeds on other fish. In fact, it would be difficult to get him to eat anything other than live food. He will most definitely gobble up the peaceful upside down catfish if given the opportunity. And, he would probably terrorize the Rainbows. Leaf fish are best kept alone or with other large aggressive fish (the Rainbows & Upsidedown Catfish are not aggressive). The Marbled Headstanders also would not be compatible with the Australian Rainbow Fish. Marbled Headstanders tend to get a bit nippy as adults. Hope this is helpful!

Lilly,

Thanks for the heads up. So the Leaf Fish is out. Just curious, would the Marbled Headstander be less likely to fin nip if he is introduced to the tank last as a juvenile or should I not risk it at all?

-Darke

 

[lillykinloo]

Hi Darkehorse! I don't know too much about the other fish, but I would say no on the South Amercian Leaf Fish. My uncle has a Leaf fish. This guy is an aggressive predator that feeds on other fish. In fact, it would be difficult to get him to eat anything other than live food. He will most definitely gobble up the peaceful upside down catfish if given the opportunity. And, he would probably terrorize the Rainbows. Leaf fish are best kept alone or with other large aggressive fish (the Rainbows & Upsidedown Catfish are not aggressive). The Marbled Headstanders also would not be compatible with the Australian Rainbow Fish. Marbled Headstanders tend to get a bit nippy as adults. Hope this is helpful!

Lilly,

Thanks for the heads up. So the Leaf Fish is out. Just curious, would the Marbled Headstander be less likely to fin nip if he is introduced to the tank last as a juvenile or should I not risk it at all?

-Darke

Hi Darke! I don't know as much about the Marbled Headstanders, because I've never observed them. I've only heard that they are nippy fish. Hopefully, someone more experienced with these types of fish will chime in.