Hey guys, picked up a salmontail catfish for FREE from one of my LFS's yesterday and i was just wondering if anyone has kept one before and could tell me a bit more about them.. i.e tempermant, tankmates, food etc.. i know they get to a max of 32" but thats about it and i was also told that they are peaceful, is this true? Any info or advice would be appreciated, ive never owned this catfish before.
Heres what i got from Google:
Scientific Name(s): Arius Graeffei, Arius leptaspis, Hexanematichthys leptaspis
Common Name(s): Salmontail Catfish
Family: Aridae
Species Type: Australian Catfish
Maximum Size: 32 inches
Life Span: 15 years
Natural Habitat: Australian Rivers (Estuaries)
Minimum Tank Size: 1000 gallons
Tank Region: Bottom
Possible Tank Mates: Other large peaceful species.
Description: This fish grows to be quite large and because of this is not suitable for long term aquarium use. Feed with sinking pellets. Use small grained gravel and do not use gravel with sharp edges. Hiding places are not required as the Salmontail Catfish usually spend their days swimming up and down the glass until feeding time. Care should be taken when handling this fish, as the sharp dorsal and pectoral spines are covered in a mucus that will irritate the skin. Can live in fresh or brackish water. This is a nocturnal species that will be far more active at night.
Breeding Information: No real way to breed in an aquarium due to sheer size of adult specimens.
Sexing Information: No known way to determine visually.
Diet: Omnivorous - does well with sinking pellet foods supplimented with fresh fruit and vegetables. Shrimp or frozen foods can also be added as a treat.
Temperment: Generally a peaceful schooling fish but will eat smaller fish.
Common Diseases: None specific to species.
Heres what i got from Google:
Scientific Name(s): Arius Graeffei, Arius leptaspis, Hexanematichthys leptaspis
Common Name(s): Salmontail Catfish
Family: Aridae
Species Type: Australian Catfish
Maximum Size: 32 inches
Life Span: 15 years
Natural Habitat: Australian Rivers (Estuaries)
Minimum Tank Size: 1000 gallons
Tank Region: Bottom
Possible Tank Mates: Other large peaceful species.
Description: This fish grows to be quite large and because of this is not suitable for long term aquarium use. Feed with sinking pellets. Use small grained gravel and do not use gravel with sharp edges. Hiding places are not required as the Salmontail Catfish usually spend their days swimming up and down the glass until feeding time. Care should be taken when handling this fish, as the sharp dorsal and pectoral spines are covered in a mucus that will irritate the skin. Can live in fresh or brackish water. This is a nocturnal species that will be far more active at night.
Breeding Information: No real way to breed in an aquarium due to sheer size of adult specimens.
Sexing Information: No known way to determine visually.
Diet: Omnivorous - does well with sinking pellet foods supplimented with fresh fruit and vegetables. Shrimp or frozen foods can also be added as a treat.
Temperment: Generally a peaceful schooling fish but will eat smaller fish.
Common Diseases: None specific to species.
