Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, can anyone tell me whether it is possible to keep any kind of fish with Caimens? This is for a public display so we don't want them to eat them!

How much space do you have? Several crocidilian parks keep tilapia with their animals in outdoor pools to assist in cleaning. The only displays including crocodilians and fish indoors was at the Portland Zoo, which is not generally well regarded for its husbandry practices. They kept african cichlids with slender snouted crocodiles in two large artificial rock ponds. Cavities and tubes were formed into the rock to provide retreats for the cichlid. In another exhibit at the Portland Zoo Paleosuchus palpoborsus were exhibited with arrau river turtles, arowana, pacu, several species of small south american mammals, a green anaconda, and toucans. The caiman seemed to mostly hide during the day due probably to the boistorous nature of the other inhabitants. The anaconda appeared to have a scale problem when I was there(possibly a fungal infection), but otherwise the other animals appeared outwardly healthy. So to summ it up I would say only keep medium to large fish with small to medium caiman. I would reccomend tilapia, Pacu, Arowana, and if you're looking to build a very large exhibit maybe a red-tailed catfish. Remember though that having such large fish will significantly increase the bioload on the exhibit. Good luck, and I hope to hear more about the exhibit.