Microglanis sp. tankmates??

[nvcichlids]

What type of other catfish ( and maybe other species) would you recommend keeping with Microglanis sp. in a 20 gallon L? The specimen list currently is Microglanis sp.x8. They are still young. Just need some input.

[nvcichlids]

Would it be safe to keep them in the large tank with my young gymno. balzani's?

[Richard B]

IME microglanis will eat small fish, in the gupy/neon category bit stuff lke black widows, columbian tetras are left alone, therefore the young geo's should be ok

[apistomaster]

I would consider keeping some Pencilfish and/or Hatchet fish with them and in that way, perhaps get to enjoy possibly breeding them.
This is one of those projects I want to try someday. 8 specimens in a 20 L is a good start for such a project.
If you wish to keep some Cichlids with them, I would consider Bolivian Rams, Blue Rams or one of the Aequidens spp like A. curviceps or A. thayeri are also good choices. All the Geophagus types grow too large for making a 20L their permanent home. The Dicrossus spp are another option. I did not list any of the Apistogramma species because they would have to compete with the Microglanis for hiding places. The other small Cichlids I have listed are open spawners and therefore, less likely to come into direct competition over choice caves and other hiding places. Apistogramma spp all use caves for spawning so they would always be contesting territories with these catfish. I don't believe that Microglanis would bother the top water Characin spp and the top water Characins would not present a threat to any Microglanis fry, should they spawn. Microglanis catfish are one of those species I believe would spawn more frequently if more people bought and kept them in groups.