Ideal Tank Mates. Siamese Algae Eater. Tank Size. Species Summary Lace catfish (Synodontis nigrita), known as the false upside down catfish, is found in Senegal and many other African countries, including. Channa gachua tank mates. The most common type of. by sidguppy » Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:02 am. You can keep Synodontis catfish with other peaceful fish, such as other catfish, but you will need to provide them with enough space. Avoid housing them with any slow-swimming fish or fish with long. 3-27. Temperature: 70-82°F (21-28°C) pH: 6. Bumblebee Catfish would be right up your alley if you want a pet that is easy to care for. The average lifespan of an upside-down catfish is 5 to 10 years. It is a basic reversal of the colour scheme many other species use for the same purpose. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. If you look through the photos, it may give you an idea of their compatibility and potential tank mates. If you want to keep the Synodontis, think about adding bigger tank mates. They can grow up to 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) in length. They have a shiny, iridescent coloration that offers these fish their title. Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons. Siamese Algae Eater. That provides the fish with enough room to swim. This species is also referred to as Mbuna Cichlid. Top compatible tank mates for African Cichlids include African Catfish, Red Rainbow Fish, Flying Fox Fish, Leopard Bushfish, etc. TOP 6 TANK MATES FOR SYNODONTIS CATFISH - YouTube 0:00 / 4:27 • Intro TOP 6 TANK MATES FOR SYNODONTIS CATFISH Finding Fishes 12. ) Size. The Yellow Lab and Peacock cichlids are both African species, and can cohabitate in the same tank, provided that they are given adequate space and good conditions. 2 Tank Mates to Avoid for Silver Dollar Fish; 13 Breeding Silver Dollar Fish and Fry Care; 14 Stress in Silver Dollar Fish: Signs to. Small fish can. Tank Mates. Synodontis nigriventris “Zebra Kutu”. Ideal tank mates include other cichlids from Lake Malawi, such as peacock cichlids, electric blue haps, and yellow lab cichlids. The minimum tank size for 1 upside down catfish is 20 gallons, with an additional 10 gallons per fish. Corydoras are typically bottom-dwellers and are often found in schools. The ideal water temperature for clown loaches is said to be between 78 degrees Fahrenheit and 79 degrees Fahrenheit. pH: 6. Ideal tank mates include: Cichlids of similar size, Gouramis, Larger Barbs, Larger Tetras, Rainbowfish, Larger Danios, Loaches, Plecos, and other scavenger catfish. Their body is dark brown with a few isolated small spots, adults have a dorsal fin in which each ray extends into long filaments that looks like a feather, giving it the common. 8. The Jaguar catfish can be housed with a wide range of non-aggressive medium-to-large fish species. Hadwin Blanton Category Catfish Have you ever been fascinated by the diversity and beauty of freshwater fish? If so, you might be familiar with synodontis. Size. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. Neons are small, schooling fish that come from the same region as angels. Dragonblood Peacock cichlids. Synodontis Catfish; Breeding. Size: 3-3. You will want to think long and hard before pairing these two together. Socolofi Cichlids are mouthbrooders, which means that. Water Conditions. Synodontis Catfish The synodontis catfish is typically pretty peaceful but is considered a semi-aggressive fish. #3. Appearance These fish are widely popular for their dwarf size and unique appearance. Another good bottom feeder to consider is the synodontis catfish. The upside-down catfish ( Synodontis nigriventris) is a small catfish with the unique habit of swimming and resting upside-down. It also doesn’t leave any room for potential tank mates. The Featherfin Squeakers inhabit much of Central Africa and can be mainly found in the basins of the White Nile, Volta and. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. The size of tank and the setup influence the level of possible aggression between tank mates. Additionally, the Synodontis Angelicus has a pair of barbels, sensory organs used to locate food. Parameters & Tank Setup. Pictus catfish have a body shape and coloration that resemble red tailed catfish and have an average adult size of 6 inches, however they are not well suited for a community tank. This species occurs throughout West Africa from. Tank setup: Provide a spacious tank with hiding spots, flat rocks or slate, and suitable water parameters (pH 6. These stunningly beautiful Haps are sexually dimorphic, and the males typically grow to be 7” long while females are around 5”. 30cm. Many aquarium owners like to house. Top compatible tank mates for African Cichlids include African Catfish, Red Rainbow Fish, Flying Fox Fish, Leopard Bushfish, etc. For African cichlid tanks, consider a Synodontis Petricola catfish. Native to Lake Malawi, they are carnivorous, preferring a diet of small invertebrates. Synodontis eupterus is an upside-down species. Three ft) in size and may weigh as much as most of 44. Electric Blue Hap males can grow up to 20 cm, females usually do not exceed 15 cm. Tank mates for African Cichlids include African Butterfly Cichlid, African Red-Eyed Tetra, Clown Loaches, Flying Fox Fish, Giant Danios, Leopard Bushfish, Murray River Rainbowfish, Plecos, Pictus Catfish, Red-Spotted. Given. They are members of the African catfish family Mochokidae which contains about 150 different species in 10 genera. Standard 125-gallon tanks usually measure about 72 inches across. The water should be clean and well-filtered, with a pH between 6. Tank Mates. And iridescents don’t know how to defend themselves. Temperature 72-82°F. As long as tank mates can’t easily fit into the mouth of your Paratilapia polleni, there shouldn’t be too many problems keeping them with other African cichlids. Iridescent Sharks can live for 15 to 20 years in captivity, but the sad truth is the majority of young fish only survive for a few years due to inadequate conditions. The water flow in the tank should resemble that of a river. Water depth should be no deeper than 10 cm and tanks must have plenty of rocks and caves to provide refuge from other fish as well as blockage of larger predators such as cichlids or catfish. Tank mates . Upside Down Catfish 101 Care Size Tank Mates. 18. They commonly have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, but there are reports of them living up to 25 years. The minimum recommended tank size is 20 gallons (76 Liters). This is what you hear people talk about most when it comes to this fish, and it’s for good reason. Prefers crepuscular lighting. The recommended tank size for a full-grown bumblebee catfish is 20 gallons. Lifespan. Tank mates they tolerated while young can be bullied or. 4. Gravel can be an option, however, is not usually found in their natural environment. Featherfin Catfish Tropical Fish Learn all about the Featherfin Catfish's feeding habits and food types, its behaviour, its origins, its natural habitats, is it male or female, breeding advice and information, suitable tank mates, its sizing and growth range, minimum tank size, water PH and more. These are quite large fish, and they do need plenty of swimming space, so the minimum tank size you’ll need is 30 gallons. The Blue Botia Loach can reach up to 7 inches with an extended, compact profile and an arched back. 1 Good Tank Mates for Silver Dollar; 12. The perfect tank size for Upside Down Catfish is approximately 30 gallons. See moreApr 10, 2020May 17, 2023The best tank mates for Synodontis catfish, you ask? Well, they are best kept in tanks with fish from similar habitats, particularly fish native to the rivers and. 5 and 7. Tetra Fish. If tank mates are involved, make sure the aquarium is large enough to meet the behavioral needs of your Delhezi Bichir and your other fish!A Synodontis Catfish – depending on the species you choose – would be a suitable tankmate for most fish on this list but not all of them together at one time in the same tank. Here is a thread on our synos and there are more links inside, including to the Planet Catfish threads, we've kept synos in 120, 240, 1800, and 4500 gal tanks. The pH levels should be 6. Synodontis Eupterus. Synodontis are omnivorous and are most unfussy in terms of feeding. It’d be hard to keep both fish healthy in the same fish tank. How Big Do Synodontis Lace Catfish Get? May 9, 2023. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. Good tank mates. Other fish like Malawi cichlids can also make great tank mates though. They hail from the same East African Lake Malawi, allowing for similar water conditions and diet. African cichlids are found in rivers meaning they will appreciate a stronger current. Striped Raphael Catfish have a more rounded body shape with pointed heads and tails. Tank Mates and Compatibility. Synodontis Catfish are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts who desire a striking and low-maintenance species as part of their aquatic community. Lifespan. As we said before, the Featherfin Catfish is a territorial fish. This is because Cichlids tend to be less aggressive towards their own kind. 8, and the water hardness should be 4 to 15 KH. 8cm (6-7 ") sg. Scientifically known as Synodontis nigriventris, Upside Down Catfish is a freshwater fish that is native to Africa and can usually be found in streams and rivers. Females spawn multiple times a week, even more frequently than. Aquarium: A minimum 20-gallon tank is ideal for a single Upside Down Catfish, but a larger one is recommended if you plan on keeping tank mates. 8 inches (30 cm) in length , though they usually only obtain 6 – 8” (15-20 cm) in the aquarium. Water Temperature: 73 to 82 F. Other planting is beneficial but not essential. Raphael catfish have unique, arrow-shaped, cylindrical bodies. Another worth remembering point is that African Cichlids love to hide. Breeding. Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris)Home » Blog » 15 Best Cichlid Tank MatesThere are so many delightful cichlids to choose from for the beauty and enjoyment of your fish tank! However, if you’re looking for even more beauty, you may be wondering what are the 15 best cichlid tank companions? As an aggressive and territorial breed of f. The Featherfin Catfish ( Synodontis Euptera) is a species of catfish of the Mochokidae family, originally found in rivers and lakes of Central Africa, such as the White Nile river. If you consider everything we’ve said here and if you make sure that the requirements are met, then they will happily live together. They are great for medium to large-size aquarium setups. I’m Fabian, aquarium fish breeder and founder of this website. Next Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full. These fish inhabit various habitats, such as clear and murky waters, rocky and sandy bottoms, and fast and slow-moving currents. Synodontis Lucipinnis Tank Mates. Synodontis Catfish. Their color schemes can include blue, yellow, gold, and orange, with iridescent hues on their skin. 2) African Cichlids and Synodontis Catfish. Maintain a temperature between 75°F and 82°F (24°C to 28°C) and a pH level around neutral (6. Adults attain as much as 130 cm (4. The featherfin squeaker is a pretty peaceful fish and can live happily with most non-aggressive species like tetras, gouramis, zebra danio, Rasboras, and plecos. Buy direct from the breeder — live shipping with 100% safe and healthy arrival guarantee. Compatibility: 4 out of 5. Synodontis Angelicus is believed to be native to the freshwater rivers and lakes of West Africa, specifically in the Congo River basin. Avoid aggressive or much larger fish that might bully or prey on them. Oct 1, 2012. Tank mates for African Cichlids include African Butterfly Cichlid, African Red-Eyed Tetra, Clown Loaches, Flying Fox Fish, Giant Danios, Leopard Bushfish, Murray River Rainbowfish, Plecos, Pictus Catfish, Red. Guppies appear bigger because their tails and tend to stay on the top, where is safer in this case (this is only my opinion). 5-7. Sometimes this fish is called the false upside down catfish. Within the morning, they present all of the habits of predators. It is recommended to keep them in a group of 5 or more when placed in the species-only tank. This is a form of camouflage, making the fish harder to spot by predators above, such as predatory fish, birds etc. Clown loach. Corydoras Catfish. Gourami. Arman Alamaar • June 18, 2023Northampton. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. Nat Commun 13, 1723 (2022)) shows that individual pairs of these catfish learn. Their body is dark brown with a few isolated small spots, adults have a dorsal fin in which each ray extends into long filaments that looks like a feather, giving it the common. I would recommend focusing on fewer different types of fish in the tank and getting more appropriate schools of them rather than small numbers of so many different. Or two cichlids, a male and a female, in a 20-gallon tank. If you want excitement and a fish with attitude, then these fish are for you! Share. Pictus Catfish Facts & Overview. Temperature. #10. Siamese Algae Eater – Care, Feeding, Tank. Plants do to some degree, but the partial water change is the only and best method of removing liquid waste from the fish. Temperature 72-82°F. 2. Catfish: Many catfish species make suitable tank mates for Jack Dempsey Fish, particularly those that are large and robust, such as Plecostomus, Synodontis, and Pictus Catfish. Obviously, specialized. Unlike many other catfish, the Featherfin Squeaker is not a nocturnal fish and is most active during the day. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. 8. Lets take a look at some of the most suitable tank mates for Synodontis catfish. This article will discuss what the best Electric Blue Jack Dempsey tank mates are when trying to find companions for your Electric Blue Jack. Choosing the right tank mates is crucial due to the Paradise Fish’s territorial nature. Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons (189 liters) for 3: Adult Size: 4 - 8 inches (10 - 20 cm). Of course, you can add them with suitable tank mates in a community tank, such as Aulonocara species, Synodontis Catfish, and other mildly-aggressive Haps. Not only do these bottom feeders add variety to a tank, but they also help keep it clean by consuming leftover food and detritus. Size: 9 inches; Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons;Buy direct from the breeder — live shipping with 100% safe and healthy arrival guarantee. 5 centimeters) and do best in a group of 10 or more. Since most dwarf shrimp don’t exceed 1-inch in size and they have specific tank parameter needs, especially Caridinas, they are not a great pick for many tanks. Other common peacock cichlid colors include the albino, yellow, red, orange, blue, pink, and purple. Installing a water pump in your fish tanks can achieve such a requirement. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose suitable tank mates for yellow lab cichlids. Usual size in fish tanks: 22 - 24 cm (8. Details. It inhabits Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique. Here are my picks for the most popular fish species that will not only make good angelfish tank mates but are also good community fish. 5. The Pygmy Synodontis (Synodontis petricola) is one of the smallest Synodontis, reaching 5 inches in length although they are much smaller at the time of purchase, sometimes under an inch in length. The expected life span for Synodontis nigrita is 5-8 years. They may eat smaller tank mates, and need to be kept in shoals of 5+. Catfish can be an excellent addition to an African Cichlid aquarium As the house cleaners of the freshwater aquatic world, they reduce algae build-up and consume extra food that falls to the bottom of the tank. A complete guide to caring for the pictus catfish including diet and tank mates. If tank mates are involved, make sure the aquarium is large enough to meet the behavioral needs of your Delhezi Bichir and your other fish! A Synodontis Catfish – depending on the species you choose – would be a suitable tankmate for most fish on this list but not all of them together at one time in the same tank. (125 gallons or more) they are generally pretty easy going towards their tank mates. South American cichlids are generally more peaceful than their African counterparts. They are nocturnal by nature, which means they are most active during the night, creating a well-balanced tank activity schedule for both species. As the synodontis catfish are peaceful fish that are large enough not to become targets, they make great suitable tank mates for cichlids. 5-7. Water Parameters Though there are over 120 different species of Synodontis catfish, the majority of them make great tank mates for cichlids. Apple Snails, Mystery Snails, Nerite Snails), and shrimp (e. Synodontis are kind of nocturnal, so probably they found a snack there. Piranhas prefer warm water conditions. Perhaps one of the more surprising tankmates for African cichlids and other large fish, Synodontis Petricola are cute, shy, and good-natured. Once you zero in on a list, we might help you further. This patterning breaks up as the fish mature and adult specimens have a simple spotted colouration. They are rare yellow and leopard synodontis and decorus is a interesting catfish. Zero kg (97. It can get up to 11. If you have just one, or if spaces are scarce, the fish will fight each other for them. Find out which fish species are most suitable. Any aggressive fish are tank mates to avoid as well. The Synodontis Catfish is a fascinating and unique addition to your Jewel Cichlid tank. TheWest African lungfish is a freshwater fish that is native to the rivers and lakes of West Africa. The minimum tank size to keep a small group of 4 – 6 cuckoo catfish is at least 55 gallons (48″ x 13″ x 21″) , as this will give them enough space at the bottom and lets them establish their territories. Feather-Fin Catfish, Featherfin squeaker, Featherfin Syno. Aggressive fish may stress out the False Upside Down Catfish and cause harm to its fins or overall health. . 68°F to 79°F. 5. 22-26°C. Mostly a bottom feeder and generally peaceful towards tank mates. 5 to 7. Synodontis are the dominant African catfish in the aquarium trade, because of their attractive colour patterns and generally peaceful nature, making them suitable tank mates for a community tank consisting of medium to large-sized fish. Most species of medium/large Synodontis can be sexed using this method but it should be noted that most species take 2 years or more to reach. Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (113 liters) Temperature Range: 75-80°F (24-27°C) Care Level: Moderate. Try to find a tank mate with similar requirements and a non-aggressive personality. Synodontis Catfish. Cichlids have the most bulk, but as you increase their size, they usually come with aggression. Having Yellow Tail Acei Cichlids as tank mates will not only add a pop of color to your aquarium but also offer an enjoyable and social environment for your fish. These are neat fish that could be a lot of fun to care for in the community tank. As stated above, they are usually easy to cohab. Origin: Bolivia, Paraquay, Brazil, Peru, Africa. Siamese Algae Eater. Catfish: Some species of catfish, like Plecostomus and Synodontis, can coexist with Salvini Cichlids due to their nocturnal habits and armored bodies. Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons. Siamese Algae Eater – Care,. Ensure the tank size is appropriate for. Tank Size . While Synodontis Nigrita gets along well with most fish, avoiding keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping tank mates and ornamental invertebrates is crucial. The Striped Raphael Catfish have a cylindrical, arrow-shaped body with a flattened belly. Native to the vast and sprawling rivers of Southeast Asia, the iridescent shark is known by many names, a lot of which include “shark”, yet this is something of a misnomer, as they are, in fact, catfish. Origin: Brazil. The tank should be horizontally oriented. The best tank mates for Frontosas are other peaceful African cichlids from Lake Tanganyika. Lungfish and the Aba Aba don't make particularly good tank-fellows for bichirs either. Regular Water Changes. It will cause no harm to the Paradise Fish. Ideal Tank Mates for Mayan Cichlid 1. Fast, Hardy Large Fish. Diamond Tetras are peaceful fish and do well with other non-aggressive species. They are quite large and sturdy fish that require specific water parameters and large tanks. Other planting is beneficial but not essential. The aquarium will be big enough to give every fish swimming room without feeling cramped. As long as this beautiful, berry-eyed fish is kept with a cichlid like the African cichlid which is too small to do it harm, it makes a great tank mate. Striped Catfish have 3 sets of barbels on their mouths. This is to help them camouflage from. Buy direct from the breeder — live shipping with 100% safe and healthy arrival guarantee. Things like water quality, diet, and stress can all shorten their life expectancy. What size tank do synodontis catfish need? The Synodontis Multipunctatus Catfish will appreciate a fine sandy bottom with large caves and crevices. Siamese Algae Eater. The Synodontis Schoutedeni Catfish is a relatively peaceful fish but can demonstrate territorial behavior towards other Synodontis catfish. When it comes to selecting tank mates for your Elephant Nose Fish, it’s best to stick with other peaceful species. deden56. Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (113 liters) Temperature Range: 75-80°F (24-27°C) Care Level: Moderate. If your aquarium is not very big, you can combine your Jaguar with tetras. 12. Tank Mates. It's my. Scientific Name: Synodontis sp. 5, temperature 77-80°F or 25-27°C). Giant danios fish are good tank mates for jewel cichlids. Some suitable tankmates for Synodontis catfish include: Other peaceful catfish, such as Corydoras or Loricariids; Characins such as tetras, danios, and rasboras; African cichlids; Barbs; Livebearers;. Ensure that you avoid tank mates that are less aggressive, small, and docile fish as they can hardly survive in the same aquarium with African Cichlids. It’s best to keep them in groups of at least four or five fish. 5 to 8. Even though the temperature is not a critical factor, but the Upside-Down. When it comes to tank mates, choose peaceful species that won’t compete with the Corydoras for food. Boasting over 2,000 species worldwide, these active bottom-dwellers add dynamism and diversity to any tank setup. Avoid similar-looking species as well as larger, more aggressive tank mates. When you want to give them more tank mates, you need to make sure they have the same requirements. They are great tank mates for African cichlids and are really the only appropriate tank mate. Fake logs or a rock cave are perfect for this. There are many factors to consider when choosing tank mates for your Angelfish. There are many other tank mates for african cichlids that don't (several types of synodontis catfish would work great) which means less contribution to the. Shop Synodontis ocellifer and hundreds of other common and exotic freshwater aquarium fish direct from one of the leading aquarium fish breeders in North America since 1970. Popular types of peacock cichlids include: OB peacock cichlid – red base color with dark blue spots that are spread throughout the body but more prominent on the fish’s head. With the right care, suitable tank mates, and a healthy diet, these beautiful fish can thrive in your aquarium, providing you with years of aquatic enjoyment. This is rather long when you compare them to other popular aquarium catfish like the Otocinclus. Known as the “Zebra Upside Down Catfish”, they do indeed. While not particularly aggressive with others, the Synodontis catfish can mistake smaller fish for food. A hundred of others the ecat didn't pay attention to. Synodontis multipunctatus is a species of catfish in the genus Synodontis. This catfish is relatively peaceful with similarly sized tank mates, reaching an adult size of approximately 4″. These young fish are often sold as Synodontis “Network” due to their attractive reticulated patterning. com. Synodontis Petricola: Bringing Home The Pint-sized Catfish. Synodontis eupterus. Aquarium: A minimum 20-gallon tank is ideal for a single Upside Down Catfish, but a larger one is recommended if you plan on keeping tank mates. Mostly a nocturnal fish, it will come out in the daylight hours when food is added to the tank. 0 to 7. Apr 27, 2018. Best. Suitable tank mates for Keyhole Cichlids include similar-sized, peaceful fish. Here are my syno tanks, 120 gal and 2x 55 gal, from 10 years ago. 2°C). Most peaceful freshwater fish with similar water parameters are excelling tank mates for Peacock cichlids. When mixed with compatible tank mates, they can live harmoniously, but a that’s mix less than the perfect match will end in disaster. Charney 's got a 2-footer so his input would be quite fitting here. Females will have a round papilla; the males will be longer and more triangular in shape. Rusty cichlids. I've got 5 fry and currently are in a breeder trap at the top of my show tank. Just be aware that they do not get along with fast-moving, long-finned species such as Mollies and Danios. Siamese Algae Eater. Gourami. Their ability to make noises to communicate with one another and their high feather-like fin give them their name. As the house cleaners of the freshwater aquatic world, they reduce algae build-up and consume extra food that falls to the bottom of the tank. 2-7. My 3 large S. It is a freshwater fish that can be found in a variety of habitats, such as rivers, streams, and lakes. However, the Blue Botia Loach still makes one of the 17 best tanks mates for Peacock cichlids. Water hardness should be between 6 to 25 dGH. Synodontis catfish; Nyassachromis; Sciaenochromis; Shrimp and crabs aren’t good tank mates for strawberry peacock cichlids, because the fish will eat these tank mates. Even though the temperature is not a critical factor, but the Upside-Down. Add tank water: After the temperature has equalized, open the bag and add a small amount of tank water (about 1 cup) to it. As long as this beautiful, berry-eyed fish is kept with a cichlid like the African cichlid which is too small to do it harm, it makes a great tank mate. Go slow when you decide to pair your shy, retiring (monstrous) catfish with a potentially aggressive tank mate. The Synodontis Catfish is a fascinating and unique addition to your Jewel Cichlid tank. Tank size is crucial, with larger Cichlids needing at least a 30-gallon tank and smaller ones requiring a minimum of 20 gallons. Tank Size; Water Parameters (Temperature and pH) Tank Setup and Decorations; Filtration and Aeration; Suitable Tank Mates;. Maximum Size: 2-3 inches. Tank Mates. #4. . Fake logs or a rock cave are perfect for this. How Should I Set Up My Tank? Synodontis are nocturnal, so you won't see them out too much during the day, and you should provide them cover to sleep under. Tetras, Guppies, and other Corydoras species make great tank mates. Do synodontis catfish lay eggs? Synodontis petricola eggs hatch out in about 48 to 78 hours , from my first spawn we had over 200. This African Catfish is commonly used as a cleaner in African Cichlid tanks. These bottom-dwellers are easy-going but have the means to protect themselves. A colony of tiny to medium-sized cichlids, like Cyprichromis and Synodontis catfish, could be kept in a roomy tank. The tips of its ventral, pectoral, dorsal, and anal fins are white, and the bases are darker. Cramped aquariums, aggressive tank mates, dirty water and poor diets all take their toll on these sensitive catfish and reduce their lifespans. Siamese Algae Eater – Care,. Some suitable species of catfish for Oscars include the pictus catfish, the Synodontis catfish, and the Raphael catfish. For Mbuna cichlids, aim to replace 10-20% of the tank’s water every week. They blend in well with their tank mates and even provide a natural form of clean-up, feeding on uneaten food and debris. Keep in mind that these fish are active and enjoy swimming, so the bigger the tank, the better. When. To search for high quality aquarium heaters, click here.