Hi. I ended up getting two oscars but had to trade one into the fish store because he was beating up the other one. So, I have one albino tiger oscar. I have the opportunity to get some pictus cats or Synodontis catfish. I wouldn't mind getting 6 pictus but I do have one concern. My water is hard with a ph of around 8 or so. I am worried the pictus won't be able to adjust to this. Would it be better if I just went with the Synodontis decorus or could I go with the pictus? Thanks.

you'll find that most of these fish adapts really well to the water conditions. remember that you are mixing South American and African fish. in the wilds, water conditions will differ so it's always a compromise when you mix these type of fish in captivity.

I have kept Synodontis catfish myself with no problems whatsoever. The only reason I got rid of them is because catfish are nocturnal and can cause quite a disturbance at night when the other fish are sleeping.

Ok. So, I could get either the synodontis or pictus? Thanks.

Pictus reach the maximum length of around 5 inches. If you're going to go for these, I would strongly advise you to try and find adults, if you get some that are still juvenile, the Oscars will definitely try and eat them. The problem with a lot of catfish, including pictus is they've got some nasty little spikes that can get stuck in the Oscars throat if they try and eat them. However, Synodontis decorus I believe can reach around 12 inches in length so you would have to have the appropriate tank for this type of fish. I'm afraid it's six of one, & half a dozen of the other.

Pictus this also like being in groups of at least four or five.

Other options with the Oscar I am considering include:

1) the synodontis and a chocolate cichlid,

2) the synodontis and a Trinidad pleco (I have read on this site that most people don't think a pleco is a good idea with an oscar because of the pooping),

3) or the Trinidad pleco and a Chocolate cichlid.

I have a 125 gallon, 6 foot long tank.

Given a choice between the chocolate Cichlid, the Pleco or the catfish, I would go for the chocolate Cichlid. You'll find it will be much more active by daytime so you'll see it. If you are keeping catfish, you will have to provide suitable hiding places for them. Also, the Pleco and catfish will probably hide away quite a lot until the tank lights go out. When I had my syndontis catfish, he spent all his time in the pot I have provided for him, until the tank lights went out.

My philosophy is, if you're going to go to the trouble of setting up a large tank, put fish in there that you're going to see during the day. But that's my own personal opinion.