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Having enough space for the time being (see Auchenipterid thread) I thought it would be nice to add some new dither fish. Usually the Characins I like have disadvantages: too aggressive, too keen on plants (Metynnis - and I saw some brilliant ones at give away prices lately), too large or simply unobtainable.
When I was at the LFS to get the Peruvian Otos last Wednesday, I stumbled into Gymnocorymbus socolofi. They were large enough, all 18 together were as big as 1 of the 6 Metynnis that desperately tried to get my attention, they don't eat plants and they were very affordable.
Once in my tank some Ageneiosus tried to take a gulp, but once they found out they were too large they left the Characins in piece. And after that first night - in which I kept one light on for safety reasons - they feel very much at ease.
This is what they look like:

Quite nice Marc - i would've preferred to see more of the cats in the background though!

A shoaling species like this always seems to bring a tank of cats (which hide) some life. Keep us updated with any progress

Richard b

Richard B wrote: i would've preferred to see more of the cats in the background though!

The characins not only make the tank more lively, but they also trigger the Ageneiosus and the Zamoras to be less elusive. Which is quite remarkable so shortly after a tank overhaul. Now let's hope they'll also have some effect on the other woodcats. That would be an achievement.

I have some Arnoldichthys spilopterous, which although boisterous are very attractive and relatively unusual African tetras.

Racoll,
I just picked up a small school of the same for my 55 W. African community. I tried Brycinus longipinnis, but they are HORRIBLE plant eaters. They even munch the new growth of Anubias! I moved them to a different tank only to watch them eat all the crypts over the course of two weeks.
-Shane

racoll wrote:I have some Arnoldichthys spilopterous

Indeed a very nice fish, which for some reason seems to disappear more and more from the hobby.