Overview: The synodontis eupterus belongs to the family of Mochokidae and shares its place among approximately 170 species, 50 of which belong to the same group of Synodontis. They may eat smaller tank mates, and need to be kept in shoals of 5+. As juveniles Lace catfish are peaceful but some mature adults may become territorial. Tank set up. However, neons are tiny, and angelfish will see them as food. Larger tetras, rasboras, corydoras catfish, and peaceful gouramis can make suitable companions. You can keep a male and three females in a 30-gallon tank. Synodontis Petricola Feeding Guidelines. The Brichardi Cichlid can be kept alongside other Tanganyikan shell-dwelling species that are bottom-dwellers if you have a large tank because it spends most of its time in the intermediate and higher layers of the water column. Synodontis catfish top out at 8 inches, making them potential aquarium mates for larger common and comet goldfish. These catfish can provide a peaceful and stable tank environment for your cichlids. It has an oblongated body, and a bit flattened from sides and a rather wide head with two pairs of barbs on its upper jaw and one on the under-jaw. Tank size. This is rather long when you compare them to other popular aquarium catfish like the Otocinclus. Compatible With: African Cichlids. Jewel cichlid care is something that revolves mostly around your ability to manage their aggressive tendencies. Care Level: Easy. Siamese Algae Eater – Care. This is to help them camouflage from. Plecos and synodontis catfish are also great tank mates. Water quality is crucial to prevent these illnesses from taking over. Other catfish species that can make good tank mates for Jack Dempsey fish are: Pictus Catfish, Striped Raphael Catfish, Featherfin Synodontis Catfish, and; Iridescent Shark Catfish. OB1-CHEWY55 • 1 min. Most American cichlids are compatible with Malawis’ as well but only with a compromised water ph of about 7. 5”-8”. The Six-banded distichodus is a mouthbrooding cichlid, which means that the female will carry the eggs and fry in her mouth until they are ready to be released. Usual size in fish tanks: 22 - 24 cm (8. Siamese Algae Eater – Care, Feeding, Tank Mates & Full Details! February. 9 inches (20 cm) in length in the wild, with an occasional specimen reportedly reaching up to 9 1/2 inches (24 cm). 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. The Synodontis Catfish or Synodontis multipunctatus is a medium- to large-sized African catfish that is attractive, long-lived, and a great tank cleaner. The minimum tank size recommended for this fish is 20 gallons long. African cichlids can make great tank mates for the pictus catfish. Are you hoping to bring the Synodontis Petricola home? Then you're going to want to read our definitive guide for caregiving details!A large fish that will eat small tank mates. Opt for similarly sized and temperament fish, such as other African Cichlids or robust species like Giant Danios, Congo Tetras, or Synodontis Catfish. Delhezi Bichir Tank Size. Siamese Algae Eater – Care,. Corydoras are a member of the catfish family and are known for their unique barbels, or whiskers, on their faces. 1. 0. #3. Select tank mates of a similar size or slightly smaller than the frontosa cichlids. Synodontis Catfish: Your Guide To Care And Maintenance - Badman's Tropical Fish. They are amicable, active and always on the lookout for food!Tank Mates. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful species such as tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids. Petricola catfish are very social, preferring to be kept in groups of 3 or more individuals and this. Lungfish and the Aba Aba don't make particularly good tank-fellows for bichirs either. Diet: Omnivore. Fake logs or a rock cave are perfect for this. Synodontis Petricola: Bringing Home The Pint-sized Catfish. Things like water quality, diet, and stress can all shorten their life expectancy. Buy direct from the breeder — live shipping with 100% safe and healthy arrival guarantee. Temperature. The Sailfin Pleco is one of the largest and most spectacular Plecos. 8, and the water hardness should be 4 to 15 KH. Breeding Pair: Select a healthy, well-conditioned pair. These catfish prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6. Being peaceful in nature, Threadfin Rainbowfish do well with other non-aggressive species. When choosing other Cichlids, it is better to choose other Madagascar Cichlids as their tank mates. Ensuring compatibility between tank mates is crucial to maintaining a harmonious and healthy aquarium. Diamond Tetras are peaceful fish and do well with other non-aggressive species. Generally peaceful, but may eat very small tank mates. 5-7. Tank Mates. Barbels act like taste buds and help them. 5-7. Aggressive fish may stress out the False Upside Down Catfish and cause harm to its fins or overall health. They are hardy fish with a striking appearance, making them a favorite among those who have kept them. While common plecos are among the most popular catfish choices, they aren’t the only ones worth considering. This species likes to lay its eggs on plants, so the more plants you have, the better. The larger ones need at least 30g and do well in hard water. Corydoras catfish mature at less than 4 inches long, making them potential tank mates for smaller species of fancy goldfish. I am setting up another 55 gallon tank. Clown loaches can tolerate temperatures of 74 degrees Fahrenheit, but this is on the low end of what will be acceptable. Not only do these bottom feeders add variety to a tank, but they also help keep it clean by consuming leftover food and detritus. jerdoni include Synodontis catfish, barbs, larger tetras, larger danio species, swordtails, rainbowfish, and others that are too large to eat it. Iridescent Shark size. Giant Danio (Devario. Rate My Fish Tank: Freshwater Compatibility Chart ;Synodontis catfish; Texas cichlid; Tinfoil barbs. Tank Size. Origin: Bolivia, Paraquay, Brazil, Peru, Africa. The 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 lakes of Africa and other Synodontis catfish types. If you consider everything we’ve said here and if you make sure that the requirements are met, then they will happily live together. 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. Adorn your aquarium with Jewel Cichlid tank mates! 🐠💎 Explore ideal companions for a harmonious, vibrant underwater showcase. They are quite large and sturdy fish that require specific water parameters and large tanks. All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support! The Cuckoo Catfish is a very popular Synodontis species that is beautifully marked, stays a manageable size, and is perfect for a variety of medium to large-size fish tanks, including Lake Tanganyika biotopes! On sale today for $ 21. What size tank do synodontis catfish need? The Synodontis Multipunctatus Catfish will appreciate a fine sandy bottom with large caves and crevices. Water Parameters. It inhabits Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique. It was described by Fitzinger in 1826, originally under the genus Mochichthys. Good tankmates can be larger fish such as goldfish as well as non-aggressive medium to large gouramis, robust cyprinid species, larger characins, eartheater type Geophagus cichlids, Loricariid catfish from South America, large Synodontis catfish, and large loaches. With a 30-gallon tank, you can keep a small group together and even introduce a few tank mates. Do not forget to make the water conditions suitable for them to thrive side by side. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. Fish produce waste, liquid and solid; the solid breaks down in the tank or in the filter and turns to liquid. The aquarium will be big enough to give every fish swimming room without feeling cramped. It’s important to choose tank mates carefully and to avoid any sudden changes in the tank. The pH levels should be 6. Tank Set-Up: Safe and smooth decorations to avoid unnecessary injury but enough to add security within the tank. Synodontis multipunctatus also called cuckoo squeaker catfish is a popular addition to cichlid tanks because not only. synodontis petricola, also known as the pygmy leopard catfish, is a catfish which grows to a length of approximately 4 inches Native to Lake Tanganyika in Eastern Africa, this species is rare and highly sought amongst aquarists. Cuckoo catfish or pygmy leopard catfish – Synodontis petricola. The perfect tank size for Upside Down Catfish is approximately 30 gallons. Tank Mates. Synodontis catfish are remarkable bottom-dwellers that bring character to any African cichlid tank. It is an omnivore and will eat most aquarium foods, including flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods. This African Catfish is commonly used as a cleaner in African Cichlid tanks. These are quite large fish, and they do need plenty of swimming space, so the minimum tank size you’ll need is 30 gallons. Tank Size: 30-50 gal (113-189 liters) Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C) Care Level: Moderate. How Big Do Synodontis Lace Catfish Get? May 9, 2023. These bottom feeders include various plecos, catfish, and loaches. This means they are more susceptible to diseases common in aquarium fish. If you have just one, or if spaces are scarce, the fish will fight each other for them. The water flow in the tank should resemble that of a river. Additionally, the Synodontis Angelicus has a pair of barbels, sensory organs used to locate food. Synodontis Catfish can eat any sort of meal. The best tank mates are those that share similar water parameter needs and. Hara jerdoni should be kept in schools of 5 or more. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose suitable tank mates for yellow lab cichlids. The latter is known as the cuckoo cat because of its breeding habits. Or two cichlids, a male and a female, in a 20-gallon tank. Synodontis catfish; Leptobotia elongata loach; Kissing gourami; Salvin’s cichlid; Bad Tank Mates For Iridescent Shark. Salvini Cichlids can be aggressive and territorial, so choosing suitable tank mates is essential to maintaining a peaceful community. Synodontis eupterus. They are peaceful fish and do well in community tanks. Silver Arowana, Fancy Goldfish, Iridescent Sharks, Plecos and Synodontis Catfish are some great options for good-natured tank mates for your Flowerhorn!3. However, they prefer water that is slightly alkaline with a pH of 7. If you’re keeping. They do well with a water pH of 7. It also gives you plenty of room to add additional Upside Down Catfish and any potential tank mates you may want. Though there are over 120 different species of Synodontis catfish, the majority of them make great tank mates for cichlids. 5-6. The temperature should be between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. PinkButterfly, I have heard that most Synodontis species can live, on average, about 25 years--which goes along with what Mats said. Also, ensure that there is more than one hiding spot per tank. Use our fish community creator tool to plan your tank set up. It can get up to 11. Any aggressive fish are tank mates to avoid as well. Learn more about Dwarf Petricola (Synodontis lucipinnis), see. These fish readily accept lots of foods and aren’t picky. That provides the fish with enough room to swim. 5 and 7. Tank mates. They can grow up to 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) in length. The best synodontis catfish tank mates will be similarly sized and not aggressive. Pros of keeping with Auratus Cichlid: Both species have practically the same water requirements. Once you zero in on a list, we might help you further. Some of the best-suited tank mates for electric yellow cichlids are: Other African cichlids species, including yellow tail Acei cichlids, Peacock cichlids, Red Zebra cichlids, Johanni cichlids, blue dolphin cichlids; Synodontis catfish; Jewel Cichlid; Red Tail SharksWhen choosing tank mates, consider the following factors: Size: Avoid small fish that could be mistaken for food. When stocking your aquarium, be sure to allow one gallon of water per one inch of fish. Water Conditions. They commonly have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, but there are reports of them living up to 25 years. I’ve been keeping fish, since I was a kid. Synodontis Lucipinnis Tank Mates. What do fishkeepers have to say:Oh give me the stren. Maintain a temperature between 75°F and 82°F (24°C to 28°C) and a pH level around neutral (6. Synodontis catfish like to burrow and can have difficulty with crushed coral. 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. Lifespan. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. The Jaguar catfish can be housed with a wide range of non-aggressive medium-to-large fish species. Synodontis Catfish; Breeding. Additionally, when choosing a tank you should find a design that has a wide top and lots of surface area. Raphael catfish have unique, arrow-shaped, cylindrical bodies. 12 Silver Dollar Fish Tank Mates. 3) Rainbow Shark and Tiger Barbs. Tetra Fish. A group of 5-6 loaches would require a tank of at least 55 gallons. African cichlids are found in rivers meaning they will appreciate a stronger current. The tank is 4'x18"x12" the rest of the fish are community fish swordtails,guppies,cardinals,cloown loaches and bronze catfish,There are no signs of any injuries. 8 Feeding: Omnivore Behavior & Care: As a catfish, it is quite hardy and can be forgiving. 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. Standard 125-gallon tanks usually measure about 72 inches across. Fake logs or a rock cave are perfect for this. However, neons are tiny, and angelfish will see them as food. 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. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. 45 inch) 0 14. Synodontis catfish can be compatible with a variety of peaceful fish species in a community. Siamese Algae Eater – Care, Feeding, Tank. Gravel can be an option, however, is not usually found in their natural environment. 5 to 7. Naples, FL, USA. Mostly a nocturnal fish, it will come out in the daylight hours when food is added to the tank. This is what you hear people talk about most when it comes to this fish, and it’s for good reason. Short description. Scientific Name: Synodontis sp. These catfish are equipped with spikes on the dorsal fin, making them capable enough to hold their own even against the most aggressive cichlid species. Synodontis Catfish. Tank Mates. Pictus cats are tropical freshwater fish that prefer stable temperatures from 75 to 81°F. 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. Hara jerdoni breeding. Do not forget to make the water conditions suitable for them to thrive side by side. Cuckoo Squeaker Catfish. Like the Common Pleco, their diet is primarily made up of algae and. They are peaceful fish. 3 Same Species Tanks 1. 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. 5 to 4 inches from head to tail. Clown loaches can tolerate temperatures of 74 degrees Fahrenheit, but this is on the low end of what will be acceptable. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. Fast, Hardy Large Fish. 5 and are usually found in soft water in the wild. Read on to learn more about these 12 species and why they make good tank mates for electric yellow cichlids. 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. Synodontis Catfish Tank Mates. by deden56 » Wed Jan 20, 2010 7:09 am. Tank mates. Tank Mates. Jul 2, 2019. Description. Males can reach up to 70 centimetres (28 in) while females are slightly smaller at 61 cm (24 in). Many tropical fish hobbyists are familiar with Synodontis catfish, with S. Siamese Algae Eater – Care, Feeding, Tank Mates &. Pictus Catfish Facts & Overview. As Johanni Cichlids mature, they can become more territorial. Synodontis catfish are bottom dwellers who would rather burry beneath rocks and tank decor than get into fights with cichlids; this is what makes them a good tank mate. These catfish may bother more timid species at night with its long barbels when in search for food. The Synodontis Schoutedeni Catfish is a relatively peaceful fish but can demonstrate territorial behavior towards other Synodontis catfish. Regular Water Changes. It inhabits Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique. Tank Mates and Compatibility. Nat Commun 13, 1723 (2022)) shows that individual pairs of these catfish learn. It reaches a maximum length of 55 centimeters (22 inches), most commonly reaching 25 centimeters (9. Since they are bottom-dwelling, the two species of fish pay no mind to one another and things are generally peaceful within the tank. You can also house them with small, peaceful livebearers like mollies, guppies, and platys. Compatibility: 4 out of 5. Tank mates they tolerated while young can be bullied or. They are rare yellow and leopard synodontis and decorus is a interesting catfish. Synodontis Catfish. The average adult in an aquarium is 6-8 inches and in the wild the average adult can reach 12 inches. They are large bottom feeders that. The Synodontis Catfish is a fascinating and unique addition to your Jewel Cichlid tank. That small tank size could pose an issue as your fish gets older. Asian stone catfish tank mates. Ensure the tank size is appropriate for the number of fish in it. 5) Tank substrate is an important choice. The Synodontis Catfish is a fascinating and unique addition to your Jewel Cichlid tank. 5 centimeters) and do best in a group of 10 or more. The upside-down catfish very seldom spawns in a tank, that’s why to trigger the spawning process hormones injections are used. If you’re keeping Synodontis multipunctatus (commonly known as a cuckoo squeaker). Obviously, specialized. The water should be clean and well-filtered, with a pH between 6. Its diet must include live foods. Examples of tank mates incompatible with. Not all tank mates you'll see ended up living in peace with each other long term: 55 gallons. pH: 6. Tank Mates. 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. The first step is to set up a breeding tank. Juveniles may start their lives in 20 – 50 gallon tank before being moved to their more giant, permanent aquarium. 18. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. Min. The tank should be horizontally oriented. Installing a water pump in your fish tanks can achieve such a requirement. You have a lot of unique options when it comes to Synodontis catfish tank mates! As always, try to keep the sizing similar across the board. 5. Considered a dwarf catfish, Synodontis nigriventris reach an adult size of only 3 to 4 inches. Bristlenose Plecos. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. Synodontis Catfish. Always avoid pairing your Iridescent shark with aggressive fish. An oddball of the clan, Synodontis nigriventris is arguably the most fun catfish in the aquarium trade. Here are my syno tanks, 120 gal and 2x 55 gal, from 10 years ago. 12. Julidochromis dickfeldi prefer relatively shallow water. Siamese Algae Eater. multipunctatus aka "cuckoo catfish". If you have just one, or if spaces are scarce, the fish will fight each other for them. The Right Water and Aquarium Conditions. Origin : Tank-bred, but indigenous to Lake Tanganyika, Africa. 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. Like most catfish species, the dazzling shark prefers a varied diet. The average lifespan of an upside-down catfish is 5 to 10 years. Learn more about Synodontis ocellifer, see beautiful images, care and tank info. Just be aware that they do not get along with fast-moving, long-finned species such as Mollies and Danios. Species profile. The Synodontis Catfish is a member of the family Mochokidae, which contains more than 190 species of African catfishes. These fish inhabit various habitats, such as clear and murky waters, rocky and sandy bottoms, and fast and slow-moving currents. Females spawn multiple times a week, even more frequently than. Top compatible tank mates for African Cichlids include African Catfish, Red Rainbow Fish, Flying Fox Fish, Leopard Bushfish, etc. Candy Stripe plecos grow to around 5 inches long and can do well as the only pleco in a 25-gallon tank or larger with no other bottom-dwellers. 8. Corydoras Catfish: Known for their peace-loving nature, Corydoras Catfish make excellent tank mates for Sailfin Plecos. The recommended tank size for one adult Delhezi Bichir is 100 gal. Neon Tetra. 5. They can be great Arowana tank mates, but their nocturnal activity might disturb the Arowana at night, so you will need to observe the activities of this fish initially. At the end of the day, Upside Down Catfish need as much room to roam as possible. The size of tank and the setup influence the level of possible aggression between tank mates. Apple Snails, Mystery Snails, Nerite Snails), and shrimp (e. The aquarium will be big enough to give every fish swimming room without feeling cramped. On top of differing water requirements, the aggression of the Cichlids is practically nonstop. An excellent choice would be the Synodontis catfish species, as they won’t compete. com. Temperature. Tank Mates. Synodontis catfish; Nyassachromis; Sciaenochromis; Shrimp and crabs aren’t good tank mates for strawberry peacock cichlids, because the fish will eat these tank mates. They hail from the same East African Lake Malawi, allowing for similar water conditions and diet. Another good bottom feeder to consider is the synodontis catfish. They blend in well with their tank mates and even provide a natural form of clean-up, feeding on uneaten food and debris. I recommended Synodontis Catfish because they. As peaceful fish, Rainbow Cichlids can coexist with a variety of tank mates. Mostly a bottom feeder and generally peaceful towards tank mates. The dorsal fin is well developed, which extends from the gill line to the tail itself and is pointed at the end. 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. Avoid Aggressive Tank Mates And Ornamental Invertebrates. Synodontis Angelicus is a species of fish in family Mochokidae. The volume of the aquarium should be sufficient to accommodate a big number of fish. Short description. 8 inches (30 cm) in length, though they usually only obtain 6 – 8†(15-20 cm) in the aquarium. Blue Orchid Peacock cichlids. Plecos. Rusty cichlids. Cons of keeping with Auratus Cichlid: Availability & Pricing of Electric Blue Acara. Care Level: Easy. Synodontis eupterus is an upside-down species. While not particularly aggressive with others, the Synodontis catfish can mistake smaller fish for food. You will want to think long and hard before pairing these two together. Choose other peaceful fish of similar size to avoid any potential conflicts. Yes, it’s possible to house raphael catfish together with cichlids. It also doesn’t leave any room for potential tank mates. Breeding Tank: Set up a separate 10-gallon breeding tank with slightly softer water (pH 5. Tank Mates. The Cuckoo catfish well deserves its name as it will lay its eggs at the same time as its tank mates, normally members of the Haplochromis species. Water Temperature: 73 to 82 F. Size. The Cuckoo catfish well deserves its name as it will lay its eggs at the same time as its tank mates, normally members of the Haplochromis species. Lifespan. Easily one of the more. Bolivian Ram Tank Mates: Friends and Foes. Siamese Algae Eater – Care,. 5). It also doesn’t leave any room for potential tank mates. Water Parameters Though there are over 120 different species of Synodontis catfish, the majority of them make great tank mates for cichlids. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Tank Mates & Full Details! April 10, 2020. Nice aquarium right size for your synodontis catfishes careful have many you want to house has they can turn on each other I always played it by ear . Corydoras are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, and live foods. 5 and 7. When choosing tank mates for a synodontis catfish, it is important to consider their size, temperament, and compatibility with the catfish's specific needs. TheWest African lungfish is a freshwater fish that is native to the rivers and lakes of West Africa. Even the fastest small fish will eventually become lunch for your cichlid as your cichlid matures, so it is important to select tank mates that are about the same size as. 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!My research tells me that synodontis catfish grow quite large, can be aggressive, are better kept one per tank and are more suited to a cichlid set up. 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. In this post, we’ll examine which fish make for good companions and offer guidance on how best to house your catfish with them. The Right Water and Aquarium Conditions. 22-26°C. To search for high quality aquarium heaters, click here. The water flow in the tank should resemble that of a river. Some medium-sized non-aggressive type of catfish, such as Synodontis catfish or smaller Plecostomus species, make compatible tank mates. Arman Alamaar • June 18, 2023Northampton. Siamese Algae Eater. Ideal tank mates include similarly sized tetras, guppies, and other rainbowfish species. It is a basic reversal of the colour scheme many other species use for the same purpose. Avoid aggressive or much larger fish that might bully or prey on them. These fish are actually quite long-lived compared to other freshwater fish. 7. It’s crucial to provide a spacious tank with plenty of hiding spots, plants, and decorations to create territories and alleviate aggression. For a fully grown-up fish, you need an aquarium that is at least 30 gallons in size equipped with a 30-inch aquarium hood. These fish are actually quite long-lived compared to other freshwater fish. (125 gallons or more) they are generally pretty easy going towards their tank mates. Siamese Algae Eater – Care, Feeding, Tank Mates. Common name: Lace catfish. ©boban_nz/Shutterstock. Hiding places should be provided in the tank, rocks and bogwood are ideal for this. Only keep fathead minnows with other peaceful species. It reaches about 2. The Blue Botia Loach is a petite freshwater tropical fish rarely found in standard fish tanks. Synodontis Catfish Tank Mates. 5. 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. Food and Diet. 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.