Phallichthys Tico

[dwarfgourami]

This is a fish I am really getting interested in, but I read such conflicting stories. According to Clint Norwood's article (online) they are hardy and easy to breed, Baensch (vol 4) claims they are quite sensitive. Does anyone know anyone who has actually met anyone who has ever spoken to anyone who has really kept these fish?
I suppose it might depend on what you define as hardy. I would clearly be keeping it in a small species tank with plants and decent filtration, not sharing a 55 gals with oscars and tiger barbs.

 

[nmonks]

Exactly. I'd definitely give them a go.

The FishBase page is interesting. Says they eat algae, and only "sometimes" insect larvae. This might be a fish where you would want to avoid a high-protein diet. (Compare with Panaque catfish, which are actually harmed by a meaty foods, and should really only be given wood and vegetables.) Anyway, it also lives in "slow flowing waters" so I'd definitely opt for an air-powered sponge filter rather than anything electrical.

You ought really surbscribe to one of the livebearer mailing lists run by a major livebearer clubs; I have some links to them in the FAQ.

There really aren't any "delicate" fishes, just fishes that cannot tolerate much beyond the range of conditions they enjoy in the wild.

Cheers,

Neale

I suppose it might depend on what you define as hardy.

 

[dwarfgourami]

I sent my subscription form in to the BLA some time ago and am waiting for them to get back to me. Can I join their mailing list, do you reckon, even if I'm not yet a member?

 

[nmonks]

Well, if you mean the Yahoo group, the answer is yes.

Cheers,

Neale

Can I join their mailing list, do you reckon, even if I'm not yet a member?