choosing tankmates for a female kribensis

[GamePix]

Heyas,
My Mom Kribensis will be solo in the 20 long tank soon, once I rehome her last babies.
I had to rehome dad a while back, so it's just her now.
I plan to re-arrange the tank before adding any new tankmates, but I'm considering a Hillstream Loach or a smaller Botia - what do you think?
She's been alone with the babies for a bit, so I'm hesitant to introduce new fish, but I want to keep her and give her some company.
The alternative is moving her to my 29 gallon community tank with the Cory's and dwarf female Gourami.
I'm not sure that'd be the most peaceful move, though.
Thanks,
GG

[jaguar]

It can depend on how aggressive your Kribensis is, they can vary. I've heard yoyo loaches can be kept with them, but I think yoyo loaches need a bigger tank.

[graye]

Hillstream loaches require substantial water flow, which can be challenging to manage in a 20-gallon tank, and would likely cause your kribensis significant distress.

Even if she's alone, she'll still claim the entire bottom of the tank as her territory. While she won't have any tankmates, she'd appreciate some visual targets above her, like birds, to help her unwind. It's as if she thinks that if the surface fish get eaten by birds, they've fulfilled their friendship obligations to a cichlid. A 4-5 cm shoaling fish would make suitable companions. Although smaller African tetras and barbs can be difficult to find, some South American tetras would work, provided you choose species that inhabit the upper reaches of the tank.

Botias and loaches, however, prefer the bottom of the tank and would constantly annoy her. And yes, I know you probably don't have birds in your house, but your kribensis doesn't know that.

[GamePix]

I think she's earned a peaceful setup after raising her babies. For dither fish, I'd consider Rummy Noses or Harlequin Rasboras, possibly even Cardinals - what's your preference?

[GamePix]

Considering a peaceful tank for your krib, I think a Clown Pleco might do well, they're calm and like to stick to themselves, plus they're small enough not to bother her.

[Corona]

I'd recommend Florida flag fish, they've got character and tend to stick to the upper levels of the tank.

[GamePix]

I'd recommend Florida flag fish, they've got character and tend to stick to the upper levels of the tank.

Those Florida flag fish do seem like a great idea, I had actually considered Killifish at one point too. The thing is, I've heard I can only keep two in a 20 gallon tank. Maybe I could pair them with a couple of Rasboras, see how that works out?