I wanted to know what Central American catfish I could have in a 125 with a group of Thorichthys meeki and some livebearers as well as a jack Dempsey or cribroheros Robertsoni. I would prefer to maybe have a group of them but I don’t mind. Max size is for me would be around 6-8” as I don’t want it to look out of place as well as eat my livebearers. Thanks for any help
Central American catfish
- Thread starter Bertie07
- Start date
central American catfish are incredibly rare in the hobby. The "cenote cats" like Rhamdia guatemalensis, are awesome, but not commonly imported.
From my research, I have found that some species of ancistrus plecos can be found in panama. So for me, ancistrus are "close enough" and are about the only CA cat you'll be able to find.
From my research, I have found that some species of ancistrus plecos can be found in panama. So for me, ancistrus are "close enough" and are about the only CA cat you'll be able to find.
Just to add on what Gourami said. There is also rhamdia quelen that can be found in Mexico and sturisoma panamense that can be found in Panama. Rhamdia quelen would be biotope correct for you and they are occasionally imported.
You could try lincs fish but I have only seen them on the odd occasion.
I presume your referring to the rhamdia?
If you are still considering the meeki group I would personally not bother with the rhamdia. They get to a decent size somewhere around 12 inches. I also think they would be a bit unnerving for any would be thorichthys pairs.
If the thorichthys are to be the main event in your tank, then I would stick with a group of sword tails as your supporting fish. This way you will get the best from your thorichthys.
If you really want a catfish in there I would say the ancistrus is the best choice.
Okay thanks, if I did sword tails and mollys would they interbreed or would it be fine as I’m going to get my livebearers tomorrow
It's very unlikely. They are both from different groups xiphophorus and poecilla. There is some belief that a variant around in the hobby is half swordtails and half black molly. How true this is I'm not sure.
I would not be put off in keeping two groups of each together. If they were to cross its extremely doubtful any fry would survive.
