PlanetCatfish.com

Hi all!

I'm looking to setup a 30 gallon (maybe a bit bigger if I can get away with it) all catfish tank. At first I wanted to just have some Petricola with some Cichlids but it seems the tank is a little small for cichlids so I'm making it an all catfish tank. My question is which species would you suggest?

Seeing as the Petricola are from Lake Tanginyaka other species from the same area would be good

Thanks for any help!

Are you on about genuine Petricola or more likely, Lucipinnis which are still called Petricola by nearly everyone.

If they are lucipinnis, then you could look at lophiobagrus brevispinnis or perhaps phyllonemus typus.

If they are Petricola, then lophiobagrus cyclurus might be an option.

It is important to figure out the exact species to enable the correct mix. Also some of these are not that frequently available.

Thanks for the reply,

What's the difference between lucipinnis and petricola? I had a look at the info pages and can't seem to spot the difference (no pun intended ) Also how many would you suggest I have

http://www.planetcatfish.com/shanesworl ... lucipinnis is a very good article explaining the differences. These become easier to recognise with experience.

In short, Petricola are scarce, expensive & get bigger.The have regular fine round spots which becomes more obvious as they grow

Lucipinnis are frequently available & cheaper but are still called petricola by most people, LFS etc. They have more irregular body spots/blotches.

Both are very similar when small.

Here in the UK Petricola adults costs £30-£70 each. Lucipinnis adults cost half this, maybe £15-£25. Young Lucipinnis can be had for £5 but Petricola are £15 each for young ones.

A pic of your prospective purchases will help us give a correct ID but chances are they will be Lucipinnis

Yeah I think they are Lucipinnis then at the price they were selling them but labelled Petricola. I'm not buying anything yet anyway as I haven't even got the tank! Still in the planning stage

What other catfish are there which are a similar shape to these and Pictus cats?