RTC hybrid? black and white

[ShanerBock888]

Just left the LFS, where they had a few baby fish they had labeled as RTC x Colombian catfish, which I've never heard of. I googled the name in every variation I could think of and found nothing.

They Look almost exactly like RTC's, but no red at all, just mostly pitch black with a horizontal white stripe. They look nothing like Colombian Catfish. Anyone have any ideas as to what this hybrid is? Very very cool looking fish, would just like to know more.

 

[davenmandy]

Go back and get pics. If it's a piebald rtc I would snap this up immediately.

 

[ShanerBock888]

yeah i'll go back tomorrow and get a pic. regardless of what I find out I'm not sure I'll be able to stop thinking about this thing until it's in my tank!

 

[ultimatejay]

Baby redtail catfish don't get red in their tails until they get older

 

[ShanerBock888]

Went back to the LFS and this time got a closer look because they weren't hiding. They look more like pure RTC than the first time I saw them but the owner (who's been in the business for 20 years but still thinks RTC's rarely exceed 2 feet - not exactly reliable) swears that the breeder/distributor swears its a RTC x Colombian cat. I think it's just an RTC. Couldn't get a great pic but here's the best I could do for now.

PS - I brought him home, so RTC or hybrid, basement pond here I come!

 

[fishnatics]

Looks like a regular rtc to me.

 

[moe214]

Looks like a regular rtc to me.

+1

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

I don't see anything that would distinguish this fish from a conventional baby RTC.

I'd suppose like the vast majority of LFS owners, the owner does not have either time or desire to ID his fish. It is far easier and effortless to go by what they were called on the exporter's list. And provides an easy out, a stone wall, when challenged.

 

[ultimatejay]

Regular RTC, like I said they don't get red/orange in their tails until they get older