Suggestions for an interesting cull eater?

[aa79606]

I have an abundance of "plain" blond guppies so I've been thinking about the possibility of getting something carnivorous to feed them to. I'd like to get something sort of unusual or beautiful or somehow different, so that we can enjoy it as a pet in its own right.

It would need to be something that will not outgrow a 29 gallon tank (it will have the tank to itself, probably). If it will leave plants alone, that would be an extra bonus, as I'd like to also use this tank to grow out some plants if at all possible. It would also need to be big enough/able to eat an almost-full-grown guppy.

My first thought was maybe a crayfish, but I know nothing about them at the moment. I would appreciate any suggestions, experiences and advice anyone has to share. Thanks!

[Sigmar]

african leaf fish

[poel_19]

Sigmar has the right idea, those fish are sick awesome

[laurelty4]

lol, leaf fish. but if not, possible puffer

[jlcoop277]

if your tank was bigger Xenentodon cancila.

[Craydaddy]

Crayfish are great, I have two Sp. orange clarkiis "orange lobsters" They're loads of fun to watch and VERY easy to care for. They are extremely hardy. My female is in berry and I should have some babies for sale in a month and a half.

[aa79606]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Please keep them coming!

I haven't seen the african leaf fish before... a quick google search says they require soft acidic water, but my water is very hard. Does anyone have experience keeping the leaf fish? And is it similar to the leopard Ctenopoma? I can't seem to get a straight answer on a minimum tank size required for the Ctemopoma.

Craydaddy, how quickly do the clarkiis grow? Would an adult cray be able to eat an adult guppy? And most importanly ;) how much are you going to be asking for the babies?

[Sigmar]

Mine is in a 20L, he eats about 20 every 3/4 days. Puffer may or may not work, all mine did was nip tails. crawfish just fouled the water with their kills. So I've tried all three and the leaf fish works the best. your plants ought to soften the water a bit, if not try some peat. petsmart has leaf fish for sale periodically

[spacefish34]

I concur with Sigmar.And yes,he is speaking of Ctenopoma acutirostre,or spotted climbing perch/african leaf fish as apposed to the south American leaf fish, Monocirrhus polyacanthus.The Ctenopoma is one of my favorite fish.They are hardy and tolerant of different water parameters.In my experience good stock,a larger tank and good water quality are advantageous to achieve good size(up to 6")and longevity.Watching them actively hunt,stalk,and devour prey is awesome.They assume a head down position and then flare their compressed bodies showing impressive spiked fins and gulp the prey whole.http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQt3ZpfliFcWt8mrRGFDp6aemn62y4IZ GWdMxT_3ZSW9u0RI47h

[pam916]

Pet World in Haltom City has a mated pair of African Leaf Fish for sale.

[Erniec]

Awsome fish the Leaf, they hae some great vids on youtube on them

[aa79606]

So does the Ctenopoma need to have the tank to themselves?

[Fish]

Wow now I really want 1.....hmmmmmm

[aa79606]

OK peeps my daughter and I stopped at Petsmart this afternoon and they had leaf fish in stock! So we brought one home!!! Thanks for all the suggestions... Wish us luck!!

PS I still want a crayfish too LOL

[laurelty4]

you got a african bushfish/ leopard ctenopoma. I have 2 old guys about hand size lol. very happy to eat guppies, crickets and such.

[satyra]

sweet, ive always liked those but never kept them. i didnt know they ate feeders though :eek: :D

[aa79606]

you got a african bushfish/ leopard ctenopoma. I have 2 old guys about hand size lol. very happy to eat guppies, crickets and such.

Crickets, really! We have an abundance of those too!

This one is still under 3" or so right now, so it has some growing to do... my daughter named it "Goo P." -- do NOT ask me why, I've learned not to question these things... :rolleyes:

[Fish]

Awesome! How much were they?

[aa79606]

$10.99... not on sale, but oh well, I was ready to buy today. :)

[Sigmar]

great, don't think you'll be disappointed

[Craydaddy]

I believe clarkiis get up to 6 inches max although my male seems to have topped out at 4. I'll be sellin em for 15 apiece as soon they get up to an inch, LFSs sell em for 25. Crayfish can be messy but the plus side is they're tough as nails, it takes a lot to kill them buggers. Also, they come after you even though you're outside the tank. My wife and I would come up to the tank and the male would throw his claws up and we would take a step back, he would take one forward, it was hilarious!

[WRabbit]

Have you considered a pet heron?

http://stevecreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/heron-3429.jpg

On second thought, maybe this isn't such a good idea.

http://www.hemmy.net/images/animals/unluckyrabbit01.jpg

[aa79606]

LOL replace the heron in the second pic with a german sheperd mix and I've got that goin' on already... my dog has a knack for finding baby bunnies in our front yard. :eek:

[Michael Scarn]

Jim, you should be OK with that Heron. Apparently, it doesn't like White Rabbits.