20" Channel Cat--how much room?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
wannaarro

wannaarro

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 22, 2006
290
1
0
Cape Fear River Basin
Went to my LFS yesterday, they'd gotten 2 returned channel cats--a black, 20-incher and an albino 12-incher. I'm still new to such monster fish, but it was love at first sight with this big guy. It was really painful to see them in a 150g with 6 large oscars, but the dude said, "You should have seen what they WERE in!!" Couldn't even move, now they can at least turn and swim a bit. So, what size tank or pond would you recommend if I can rescue this big guy (or both!) I know they will only get bigger, and bigger. . . I live in the country and can create something outside if necessary, although we get cold temps here (north-central North Carolina--piedmont, not mountains). Any ideas???? :cry: :help2:
 
bigger the better. I would say at least a 750g for life for one. you could get a away with smaller but the channel cats are very active swimmers. Mine(8") witch will soon go to a small cattle pond, swims constantly and will bump into the glass on the other side of the tank (125g).
 
Tyler said:
220 gallon tank
Click to expand...
Hey tyler welcome to MFK!!
Glad to see another hoosier (you're in the same area as me)

I am going to have to disagree on the size of tank though, I have a channel in a 300 and its going to outgrow it. keep in mind how big these dudes actually can get, and them compare that to the width of the tank.
 
Ok so what I'm thinking from ya'lls input is:

a) cattle pond on our farm--@ 70 feet across, round, but depth only 4-5 feet OR/

b) my dad's pond, roughly 20 feet by 10 feet by 6 feet deep--will it eat the ducks?
and he's had some koi in it for 3 or 4 years???

I really appreciate the help, because it breaks my heart to see them like this--even if they're in a muddy farm pond, I'll know they're happy!!!!!
 
I have seen channel cats wild in NC, so it seems they should survive outside. also, I have seen a large Channel cat eat baby ducks, but never an adult. I water skied past a dead one once- that smelly thing was easily 5.5 feet long, and as big around as me.
 
You'll be wanting a cup or so of cornmeal, some salt and pepper, and a fry pan that can hold enough oil to cover a filet at least half way up, without spilling the oil over..... ;)


Figure give at least 2 body-lengths on the short side (end) and 4-5 body lengths long side. At 20", that gets to be a *big* tank quick. Got a pond to put 'em in?

Edit - either pond should work, as it gets bigger it may take a baby duckling (fuzzy floating golfball) but otherwise should be fine.
 
Channel cats are gamefish here in Ky. I fish for them year around and they are tasty! A typical trip using jugs will net around 20 fish in the 2 to 6 pound range. The largest I have ever caught on a rod and reel was 19 pounds. The record for KY is 32 pounds. I believe the world record is in the 80 pound range.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom