Tropical Fish Keeping banner

May need help

3K views 11 replies 5 participants last post by  fry1goat 
#1 ·
Hello Everyone,
I was saying about a month ago I got a new catfish. I am yet to find out what kind of catfish it is. I have compared it with all that I have found thus far at planet catfish. I got this fish for free, and I did not research him. The LFS told me they did not know what it is. It looks like it could end up being a mistake. The guy told me he thought it was a red tail cat. The thing is, he does not have a red tail. I mean he looks like a red tail cat but he is all dark. Like a purplish black. He was given to the owner for free. I took the fish as a trade for a pleco. I do not have any pics of this catfish yet, because he loves to hide. The closest thing i could compare him to is a Hemibagrus wyckioides. BUT HE DOES NOT HAVE A RED TAIL. Does anyone have any ideas?
 
#3 ·
Its hard to describe its markings. It has white antenas. Pretty long intenas. It has the same body shape as a red tail cat. When i got it is belly was purple in color. It appears like his belly maybe turning white. But last i saw him his belly looked purple in color. He is pretty much all black. Any Ideas?
 
#6 ·
fry1goat said:
Its hard to describe its markings. It has white antenas. Pretty long intenas. It has the same body shape as a red tail cat. When i got it is belly was purple in color. It appears like his belly maybe turning white. But last i saw him his belly looked purple in color. He is pretty much all black. Any Ideas?
But this sounds a bit like the RTC's I've seen in my pet stores. I dread the thought of keeping even one.:shock:
 
#7 ·
So the RTC does not start out with a red tail? How can i tell exactly what it is? Im pretty sure it is a RTC. If it is a RTC what do i need to know about this fish? How large will it get in a 40 gallon tank? What should i feed it? Any helpful hinters on what to do with him?
 
#9 ·
a picture would really really help.

but yes if it is a RTC then take it back... now thats potentially a 5 foot fish.

and if by any chance it is Hemibagrus wyckioides then you REALLY need to take it back they are pretty much the most aggresive fresh water fish going and can reach 3.5-4 feet.

I'd also have serious words with the LFS as well, should not be selling either of those fish without knowing what they are and should only go to serious keepers with SERIOUS set ups eg a pond.
 
#10 ·
That is the thing. I did not purchase this fish. I got this fish free in a trade. My pleco was getting to large so I got the catfish in a trade. I am still not able to get a pic of the fish. He hides to well. Anyhow I think for sure it is either one or the two catifsh. Going to work at capturing a pic. Well anyhow if anyone else has any info, please share.
 
#11 ·
fry1goat said:
That is the thing. I did not purchase this fish. I got this fish free in a trade. My pleco was getting to large so I got the catfish in a trade.
Thats even worse! they swapped a (potentially?) 2 foot catfish for a 4-6 foot one.

fry1goat said:
Anyhow I think for sure it is either one or the two catifsh. Going to work at capturing a pic. Well anyhow if anyone else has any info, please share.
You have had all the info you need, work on returning it rather than the photo. Or building a few thousand gallon pond otherwise.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top