Skunk Loach & Spotted African Leaf Fish

[OlyvsTank]

Hi there,
 
I have a skunk loach and spotted african leaf fish that don't seem to get along with many other fish. They've eaten/killed most of my other fish. I haven't bought any new fish because of this. And I don't want to get rid of my little guys either! (Clearly, I didn't do my research before purchasing these 2.) I want to buy new fish cause it's looking pretty sad and empty in there. Any suggestions as to what species can co-exist with these 2? My tank also holds a couple guppies, algae eaters, and an African Dwarf Frog. They've all lived together for at least 6 months without issue.
 
Thanks for your help!

 

[Ninjouzata]

Sorry I can't help with your question but I think it would make it easier for others to help if you can give what size your tank is and the exact numbers & names of the fish you currently have if you don't mind

 

[OlyvsTank]

Sure, if it helps! 
 
1 skunk loach
1 spotted african leaf fish
1 golden algae eater
1 bristlenose catfish
1 african dwarf fish
 
29 gal tank

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Your Leaf Fish (probably Ctenopoma acutirostre) is an opportunist predator and will try and eat anything that will fit inside their mouth when in extended mode, Guppies stand no chance for instance! My four at ~11cm SL (body excluding tail fin) could easily swallow anything <2cm diameter and <5cm SL.
 
Skunk Loaches are fiesty for their size and are well known to nip at any tankmates that are sedate, I'm very surprised the loach has not nipped the bushfish to date. Like many loaches, these do far better in large groups (10+) which means a decent sized tank (at least 120x30cm footprint but ideally bigger IMO) and they appreciate a decent current, not something bushfish like much at all.
 
By a 29g, I'm presuming US gallons, giving dimensions something like 75x30x46cm (~106l). From your list in the previous post, this tank is only suitable for your bushfish and African Dwarf (Frog?), all the others should be in a bigger tank long term.
 
I really would not consider new fish at this point, your current stocking needs sorting out (tank upgrade and/or rehoming).
 
If you wanted to focus on the leaf fish, good tankmates in your 29g include...
1x African Butterfly Fish
6x Yellow tail Congo Tetra OR 6x Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris)
 
They are sedate moving and not too pig-like at meal time, both important factors when choosing tankmates for Ctenopoma.

 

[OlyvsTank]

Sure, if it helps! 
 
1 skunk loach
1 spotted african leaf fish
1 golden algae eater
1 bristlenose catfish
1 african dwarf fish
 
29 gal tank

Oops! Meant to type african dwarf frog*. 

 

[OlyvsTank]

...both important factors when choosing tankmates for Ctenopoma.

Thanks for your insight! 
 
I love both these fish, but I do regret not doing my research before buying them. It's prohibiting me from enjoying new fish. Like I mentioned earlier, they've all been together for at least 6 months now. They don't bother eachother, they just stay out of eachother's ways.  So I'm not too concerned about that for now. And they're all growing pretty slowly. Once they get bigger, I'll have to figure something out. Though, assuming you're right, maybe I should find a new home for my loach.
 
Wow! That's amazing yours are 11cm. They must be beautiful!