RE: Sucker fish

Question
Hello,

I have got about 9 fish of which I have got convicts, green terror, texas cichlid. I have got a 180 length aquarium. I have had aquarium for like more than a year now. But once problem has been persisting. Whenever I buy a sucker fish, it keeps on dieing. I feed algae waffers to my fish but for some reason, it lives for only about 4 to 5 weeks and then dies. The aquarium shop keeper keeps on telling me that its really hard to kill sucker fish. But for some reason, my sucker fish keeps on dieing. Could you please advice me as to what I should do in order to prevent it from dieing. Thankyou very much

Answer
Hello Azhaar,

So sucker fish are pretty hardy as in tank conditions. However most all Cichlids well not get along with the sucker fish until about two months. A number of things can happen. They can get so stressed constantly that they die, also the other fish can be picking on the sucker fish, which seems like the most likely thing to have happen. you should buy the largest one you can find and make sure it has plenty of places to hide and get away. And plants are alright but you will need to purchase some sort of caves or dens for them where they know they can go and be safe. Also make sure you are getting plenty of air into the water. And maintain a good water quality is always important.

If you have any further questions or want to know some good tips on water quaility please feel free to ask!

Thanks,

Exp. Michael M