Lake Tanganyika Species • Similis Colony

[SamMag]

After some advice on this board, I have decided to go the colonial route (no, not enslaving or killing indigenous peoples and taking their lands for my own). So now the question becomes can I keep a happy colony of Similis in a 20 gallon high tank (24x12x16) with a bushy nose for cleanup? If yes, then super, if not then back to the drawing board.

[reflexhunter]

Can you keep them in a 20h, sure. I have a small group n a 10g right now, that being said, I haven't had any fry either.

The more I read on this species, it seems they are a little meaner than their multi cousins, so eventually I plan on rehoming them to a 20l with some rocks and such to try to provide some cover to encourage spawning. Hopefully maybe a few might make it and not get picked off.

Gl
Daniel

[reflexhunter]

Ok, so I just went into the fish room to turn of the lights and was looking at said 10g and I have 2 females guarding their fry lol IM STOKED!

[SamMag]

Excellent news! Both on the colony in a 20h and your fry! You should post some pics if you get the chance.

[reflexhunter]

Ill try to get some, but the little buggars don't like to hang out much!

[reflexhunter]

Here is one of the females and her fry.

[24Tropheus]

I keep my 10 similis in a 36"x12"x12" (about 22 US gallons yes?) but they do not as yet use the whole tank and are still young. Think a 20g even a short high one would be/is fine as long as you keep the population down (below 100s) when they breed. Hoping mine will produce huge numbers (hence the extra space). Lots of folk I think want to try them.
Personaly I find the tank stays clean without a catfish as I limmit the lighting.

[reflections]

Gorgeous fish.....

Have fun!!!!!