I want a catfish can anyone help?

garfreak526 · 08-18-2009, 08:32 PM

I would like a catfish to live with my gar but I don't really know what one to pick (I am new to predatory fish) I want one that is 7 to 11 inches and is easy to care for. Also I would like it if it is easy to find at the LPS and under $50.

Thanks

petlover516 · 08-18-2009, 08:33 PM

iridescent sharks and red-tailed cats are common catfish and reach similar sizes to the gar.

garfreak526 · 08-18-2009, 08:35 PM

Yes but when the fish is young and small (this is true with snakeheads and most others) you should keep them in a smaller tank so that it is easer for them to hunt and other stuff like that. I read it on a website. I dont have the URL sorry.

petlover516 · 08-18-2009, 08:41 PM

and gars get even bigger

JIM · 08-18-2009, 09:54 PM

Funny story, i bought the cutest little Red tail cat a few years back about 3 inches long put him in a 75 with a bunch of nice cichlids, pretty soon (much Sooner than you think) he was all alone in that tank with a fat belly and hardly room to turn around. I donated him to the zoo in Indianapolis, where he resides still as far as i know in a gazillion gallon tank, which is where these kind of fish belong, if not still in an amazon river. Just for general knowledge these fish can reach at least 5 feet in length.

James0816 · 08-19-2009, 08:16 AM

Just how big a tank are we talking about here anyway? Most of the cat's that will be compatible with gars will get to be an extraordinary size like the channel, RTC, TSN just to name a few.

garfreak526 · 08-19-2009, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petlover516

and gars get even bigger

The biggest gars in the wild (gator gars) are 8 feet but most are only 5 or 6. If you go on youtube there is a guy swimming with them (most are really big). Needle nose only get about 2 feet. I am getting a longnose

toddnbecka · 08-21-2009, 01:33 AM

A larger species of Synodontis or an Asian upside-down catfish should be fine.

Bottomfeeder · 08-21-2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petlover516

and gars get even bigger

that depends on the species. i believe Florida and Shortnose Gar rarely exceed 2 feet (correct me if im wrong)

a good catfish to start out with would be the Four-Lined Pimelodus, which stays at about a foot. also try the Pseudomystus species, which are tough to ID in pet stores but most species also dont exceed a foot.
however from what ive heard, Pseudomystus species, when large, have a habit of taking smaller and similarly sized tankmates at night and slamming against the sides of the tank, as strange as it sounds.

Datnoid Man · 08-21-2009, 09:12 AM

Lima Shovelnose, marbled Pim, tiger shovelnose are good choices

Bottomfeeder · 08-21-2009, 09:48 AM

TSN have a MINIMUM tank size of 500 gallons. baaad idea.
LSN might work, as they reach about 15", but Marbled Pim reach about 2 ft.

a few other good, unique, but expensive options are the Tigrinus and False Tigrinus (Juruense) Catfish. problem is a young Juru can be up to $60, and a 6" Tig can exceed $200. however, both of these species have stunning markings when they mature, so if they can go the distance, i imagine them being worth every penny.

Datnoid Man · 08-21-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder

TSN have a MINIMUM tank size of 500 gallons. baaad idea.
LSN might work, as they reach about 15", but Marbled Pim reach about 2 ft.

a few other good, unique, but expensive options are the Tigrinus and False Tigrinus (Juruense) Catfish. problem is a young Juru can be up to $60, and a 6" Tig can exceed $200. however, both of these species have stunning markings when they mature, so if they can go the distance, i imagine them being worth every penny.

yes they are worth every penny.

bigdaddy67 · 09-15-2009, 09:37 PM

Do the tiger shovelnose and red tail cats a favor and LEAVE THEM IN THE WILD. Almost no one has a tank large enough to care for them properly. I occasionally see these great cats in fish stores traded in because they are too large. The problem is few people want them at that size so lots of these large fish get turned away. Then they either get euthanized or released in a local river or lake. They may be cool when they are small but they truly become unmanageable sooner than you might think.

my .02.

--Dave

garfreak526 · 09-23-2009, 07:04 AM

I am gonna get a redtail at my LPS

James0816 · 09-23-2009, 07:45 AM

I have to ask again how big your tank is. RTCs get extremely large.

calvin17 · 09-24-2009, 04:37 AM

The featherfin squeaker is a good choice, a very friendly and entertaining catfish.

spawn · 09-24-2009, 09:35 PM

yes,even a clown loach too....

bigdaddy67 · 09-25-2009, 07:26 PM

Two kinds of people get Red Tail catfishes. Those with 300+ gallon tanks and morons.

--Dave

James0816 · 09-26-2009, 08:34 AM

no need to go that far bigd. ;o)

we just have to hope the best for the fishie and the OP that the right decision was made.

bigdaddy67 · 09-26-2009, 10:29 AM

You are right, I apologize for my choice of words, I feel pretty strongly about this issue.

good luck with your selection,
--Dave

08-18-2009, 08:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
garfreak526 garfreak526's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 153 Name: Becki Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 18 Times Said "Thanks" 31 Times Was Thanked 26 Times in 20 Posts	I want a catfish can anyone help? I would like a catfish to live with my gar but I don't really know what one to pick (I am new to predatory fish) I want one that is 7 to 11 inches and is easy to care for. Also I would like it if it is easy to find at the LPS and under $50. Thanks __________________ Being annoying is not a hobby, its a lifestyle

08-18-2009, 08:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
petlover516 Fish Lover Boy petlover516's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1,768 Name: tyler Location: Lindenhurst, NY My location Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 681 Times Said "Thanks" 933 Times Was Thanked 419 Times in 353 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? iridescent sharks and red-tailed cats are common catfish and reach similar sizes to the gar. __________________ I'm so sorry I haven't been on the forum in so long! Don't worry, I haven't forgotten this lovely website! I moved to a different county back in May 2011 and started high school in a totally different school district. So I'm still adjusting and studying hard, and don't presently have any aquariums. But once I do, I'll be right back on this forum!

08-18-2009, 08:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
garfreak526 garfreak526's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 153 Name: Becki Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 18 Times Said "Thanks" 31 Times Was Thanked 26 Times in 20 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? Yes but when the fish is young and small (this is true with snakeheads and most others) you should keep them in a smaller tank so that it is easer for them to hunt and other stuff like that. I read it on a website. I dont have the URL sorry. __________________ Being annoying is not a hobby, its a lifestyle Last edited by garfreak526 : 08-19-2009 at 09:07 AM.

08-18-2009, 08:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
petlover516 Fish Lover Boy petlover516's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1,768 Name: tyler Location: Lindenhurst, NY My location Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 681 Times Said "Thanks" 933 Times Was Thanked 419 Times in 353 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? and gars get even bigger __________________ I'm so sorry I haven't been on the forum in so long! Don't worry, I haven't forgotten this lovely website! I moved to a different county back in May 2011 and started high school in a totally different school district. So I'm still adjusting and studying hard, and don't presently have any aquariums. But once I do, I'll be right back on this forum!

08-18-2009, 09:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
JIM Banned JIM's Photo Gallery Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,136 My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 287 Times Said "Thanks" 2,045 Times Was Thanked 609 Times in 385 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? Funny story, i bought the cutest little Red tail cat a few years back about 3 inches long put him in a 75 with a bunch of nice cichlids, pretty soon (much Sooner than you think) he was all alone in that tank with a fat belly and hardly room to turn around. I donated him to the zoo in Indianapolis, where he resides still as far as i know in a gazillion gallon tank, which is where these kind of fish belong, if not still in an amazon river. Just for general knowledge these fish can reach at least 5 feet in length.

Members currently in the chatroom: 2
	The most chatters online in one day was 14, 12-05-2011. drunkenbeast, Summer

08-19-2009, 08:16 AM	#6 (permalink)
James0816 James0816's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,402 Feedback: 10 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 32 Times Was Thanked 507 Times in 438 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? Just how big a tank are we talking about here anyway? Most of the cat's that will be compatible with gars will get to be an extraordinary size like the channel, RTC, TSN just to name a few.

08-21-2009, 01:33 AM	#8 (permalink)
toddnbecka Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 22 My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? A larger species of Synodontis or an Asian upside-down catfish should be fine. __________________

08-21-2009, 09:12 AM	#10 (permalink)
Datnoid Man banned Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 28 Name: Alex Location: Springfield MA Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 4 Times Was Thanked 12 Times in 7 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? Lima Shovelnose, marbled Pim, tiger shovelnose are good choices

08-21-2009, 09:48 AM	#11 (permalink)
Bottomfeeder Banned Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 24 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 1 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 12 Times in 7 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? TSN have a MINIMUM tank size of 500 gallons. baaad idea. LSN might work, as they reach about 15", but Marbled Pim reach about 2 ft. a few other good, unique, but expensive options are the Tigrinus and False Tigrinus (Juruense) Catfish. problem is a young Juru can be up to $60, and a 6" Tig can exceed $200. however, both of these species have stunning markings when they mature, so if they can go the distance, i imagine them being worth every penny.

09-15-2009, 09:37 PM	#13 (permalink)
bigdaddy67 bigdaddy Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 13 Name: Dave Location: Austin, TX Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 10 Times in 4 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? Do the tiger shovelnose and red tail cats a favor and LEAVE THEM IN THE WILD. Almost no one has a tank large enough to care for them properly. I occasionally see these great cats in fish stores traded in because they are too large. The problem is few people want them at that size so lots of these large fish get turned away. Then they either get euthanized or released in a local river or lake. They may be cool when they are small but they truly become unmanageable sooner than you might think. my .02. --Dave __________________ Just say no to Phractocephalus hemioliopterus.

09-23-2009, 07:04 AM	#14 (permalink)
garfreak526 garfreak526's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 153 Name: Becki Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 18 Times Said "Thanks" 31 Times Was Thanked 26 Times in 20 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? I am gonna get a redtail at my LPS __________________ Being annoying is not a hobby, its a lifestyle

09-23-2009, 07:45 AM	#15 (permalink)
James0816 James0816's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,402 Feedback: 10 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 32 Times Was Thanked 507 Times in 438 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? I have to ask again how big your tank is. RTCs get extremely large.

09-24-2009, 04:37 AM	#16 (permalink)
calvin17 Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 7 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? The featherfin squeaker is a good choice, a very friendly and entertaining catfish. __________________ We all belong in the water.... 1x Kenyii 1x Red Peacock 1x Red Parrot 2x Featherfin Squeaker 1x Yellow Lab 1x Common Pleco

09-24-2009, 09:35 PM	#17 (permalink)
spawn discus_dude spawn's Photo Gallery Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 215 Name: spawn Location: india Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 12 Times Said "Thanks" 1 Times Was Thanked 29 Times in 24 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? yes,even a clown loach too....

09-25-2009, 07:26 PM	#18 (permalink)
bigdaddy67 bigdaddy Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 13 Name: Dave Location: Austin, TX Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 10 Times in 4 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? Two kinds of people get Red Tail catfishes. Those with 300+ gallon tanks and morons. --Dave __________________ Just say no to Phractocephalus hemioliopterus.

09-26-2009, 08:34 AM	#19 (permalink)
James0816 James0816's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,402 Feedback: 10 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 32 Times Was Thanked 507 Times in 438 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? no need to go that far bigd. ;o) we just have to hope the best for the fishie and the OP that the right decision was made.

09-26-2009, 10:29 AM	#20 (permalink)
bigdaddy67 bigdaddy Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 13 Name: Dave Location: Austin, TX Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 10 Times in 4 Posts	Re: I want a catfish can anyone help? You are right, I apologize for my choice of words, I feel pretty strongly about this issue. good luck with your selection, --Dave __________________ Just say no to Phractocephalus hemioliopterus.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)