rainbow shark with cichlids?

Falina

is this a good idea? i know they can become quite agressive so i thought keeping them with cichlids might work. getting a new tank (probably about 30 or 40g, will this be enough??) and was thinking about a Rainbow Shark with some cichlids, maybe keyhole or blue acara? and a synodontis because i really like them.

would this work? if not what would you recommend keeping him with as he is going to be my main piece if i go ahead with it, i can work the rest of the fish round about him.

thanks

Age of Aquariums

My friend has cichlids and they have killed everything he puts in.

Lupin

Depends on the size of your tank. Labeos will always be aggressive and tend to defend their territories. Cichlids as well have the same thing in common. I wouldn't do that if I were you. True Siamese Algae Eaters on the other hand will work well with the keyholes and acaras. SAEs are generally peaceful.:)

Falina

thanks for the advice - i def wont go for that mix

is there anything that would work with a Rainbow Shark in a 30-40g? im going to look at a tank tonight which is 37g (48x15x12). even if i get it i have to make the hood and stand so theres plenty time. i just like to try and plan in advance.

ill probably just go with cichlids instead of the shark but its ncie to know what my options are

blue - dont saes get HUGE? or am i thinking of chinese ones?

Lupin

Only dither fish will work such as danios. Any bottom dwellers and cichlids will certainly not. Labeos love to defend their territories and beat anyone else that trespass their areas.
SAEs don't get big. The largest I've seen is 6 inches. I have one at 4 inches who live for 5 years.:) They live for several years, mind you.:) Note that they are fast growers.:)

You are thinking of CAEs, yes.:)

Good luck, Julie.

j.c fishfan

Im against what everyone else says i have a Rainbow Shark in my 6x2x2 african cihlid tank and he was the king of the tank!

Goodluck on whatever you choose

Jamie :D

Falina

your tank is much bigger than what mine would be which may have something to do with it. also, i have found that all fish are individuals. so-called aggressive fish on occasions will just not be aggressive, and so called peaceful fish will occasionally be aggressive. i do appreciate your advice, and will keep it in mind if ever i go for an even larger tank but at this point i dont think i shall risk it. your tank however sounds like a lovely set-up. have you any pictures?

Falina

blue - i am confused.

i looked up the siamese algae eaters (true and false) and come across a site which calls them flying foxes (at least i think it is the same fish?)

anyway, on this site it has siamese Flying Fox, and Flying Fox. i thought that the siamese Flying Fox was the true sae, and the Flying Fox the false sae. however, under "Flying Fox" it says "the true Flying Fox..."

could you maybe take a look and confirm for me which is true and which is false because i am confused?

http://www.tropicalfish4u.co.uk/acatalog/Sharks.html

youll find both on this page

thanks :D

Lupin

The picture labelled Siamese Flying Fox is indeed a true SAE. The one labelled as Super Special is indeed a Flying Fox which does not appear to consume algae quite diligently compared to the true SAE. The false SAE is not as good compared to the true SAE as well.

Here's the false Siamese Algae Eater:


More pictures of a true SAE can be seen in my Personal Gallery.:)

For more info, check this link:
http://www.thekrib.com/Fish/Algae-Eaters/

Good luck.:)

Lupin

Jamie, she is talking about South American cichlids, not African. Regardless of whether the SA cichlids have the temper of the Africans or not, 'no' is still the answer. Labeos are far too aggressive and can cause troubles in a 35 gallons tank.