ltb09uk

Im buying a 4ft tank ( ! ) and putting about 10 or 12ish tiger barbs in there the tank will be planted and have swimming space in the middle. Sand substrate due to the nice look it adds.

I was wondering if Cuckoo catfish's would do well in the tank with the barbs too? I am just looking for different fish to put in and I think they eat algae? but I dont want to get any plecos due to bad experiences. Also Cuckoos are beautiful.

Can someone help me?
Would they get attacked or live peacefully?
What do they eat?
Will they attack the TB's?

Anymore info youd like to add please do feel free, criticism welcome to, try make it constructive and offer ways around it IF possible.

Tony G.

Welcome to Fishlore Itb09uk!!

I suppose your tank is a 55g because of the length, so you would have to check the requirements of the Cuckoo catfish.
Here is a very helpful website:
www.planetcatfish.com

and here is the specific catfish profie which is searched for you:
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog...?species_id=95

I have heard that synos are agressive, but idk for sure. So if you plan on keeping him with TB´s they should be fine. Make sure you have lots of hiding spots for him since Tigerbarbs are agressive sometimes. They should be kept in a school of no less than 8 (In my opinion) or else they would be agressive and pick on other fish.

Gouramiguy17

My syno is a very peaceful guy, he is sometimes aggresive but other than that he is very peacful.

Nutter

What pH are you going to be running the tank at? Multipunctatus are from the rift lakes & really require a higher PH than the barbs will. I have several of them in my african rift lake tank & they cause no problems what-so-ever but I would be quite worried about thier long term health if you have them in water with a PH under 7.6. They should really be kept with cichlids at 8.0 or above. They should be kept in groups & with cichlids as this is how they breed. The catfish will slip thier eggs in with mouthbrooding cichlids & the cichlid will raise the catfish's fry. Not having them with mouthbrooders will deny the cuckoos the opportunity to breed. You will need LOTS of rockwork to make the cuckoos feel comfortable. They won't be happy with just plants & bogwood. They NEED LOTS OF ROCK. Big piles of it.

ltb09uk

Its been changed due to PH levels and compatibility. It will be a tiger barb ONLY tank. With about 15-20 barbs in

Thanks for replying though.
Is there any advice you could give me on my idea?

Nutter

Your plan should be fine so long as you stay within the total length of fish you tank can hold in inches. Tiger barbs are best in a shoal of at least 8 anyway so having more is only a good thing.
Sorry for the slow reply.