I was wondering if I could put a Pictus cat in with my Mbuna. I have mostly the less aggressive ones (Labs, Rustys). I can't seem to find any African cats locally.
Thanks
Another Pictus?
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MatsP
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Aside from the water in the natural habitat for the Mbuna and Pictus being quite different, and the possibility that the Pictus's long barbels get attacked by the Mbuna, I don't see any big problem with this.
However, I'd watch it carefully.
Also, I always think that Pictus cats are better off in a group of about 5 or so, and they will reach around 6" or so in length, so you may want to consider this for the stocking level of the tank.
I'm surprised that you can't find at least some sort of Synodontis - they aren't that unusual. Have you asked one of your LFS to see if they can get one (or multiples) in? Or perhaps mail-order some S. petricola or some such?
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Mats
However, I'd watch it carefully.
Also, I always think that Pictus cats are better off in a group of about 5 or so, and they will reach around 6" or so in length, so you may want to consider this for the stocking level of the tank.
I'm surprised that you can't find at least some sort of Synodontis - they aren't that unusual. Have you asked one of your LFS to see if they can get one (or multiples) in? Or perhaps mail-order some S. petricola or some such?
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Mats
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sidguppy
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I too would go for some Syno. even riverine Syno's like ocellifer, eupterus or so adapt a lot better to both cichlids and the different water than any South America cat including pictus.
I've seen my share of SA catfish in Malawian tank, ranging from pictus or doradids to Kwikwi's or even Corydoras.
all of those usually end up dead after a long period of suffering bad
There are 2 exceptions to that rule; captive bred Ancistrus 'domesticus' and captive bred larger Pterygoplichthys like the gibby or the common. those seem to do fine in many Malawian tanks.
I've seen my share of SA catfish in Malawian tank, ranging from pictus or doradids to Kwikwi's or even Corydoras.
all of those usually end up dead after a long period of suffering bad
There are 2 exceptions to that rule; captive bred Ancistrus 'domesticus' and captive bred larger Pterygoplichthys like the gibby or the common. those seem to do fine in many Malawian tanks.
Valar Morghulis