Aggressive little catfish - tankmate ideas?

[Romeowns]

So I've got my 6 inch Two Spot Catfish home ("Mr Mystus"), and it turns out he's got a history of "tearing the stomachs out of angelfish". Apparently he killed about $100USD worth of Angels before they realized it was him. I've heard that whilst catfish generally aren't aggressive to medium sized fish, they can fight back if provoked.

He was in a 20 gallon tank, with about 50 other small fish at the pet store. But now that he's in his own 10 gallon, I'm wondering if it's possible to put something in with him? Because he seems a little dull during the day, just lounging about doing nothing - I guess this has something to do with the fact he's nocturnal.

What can I put in with him to see whether he'll kill again, or not?



Cheers,
Romeo

 

[Pyramid_Party]

Hard to say with a 10 gallon. If the tank was a bit bigger you'd have more options. He probably stalks at night, so you need something quick and robust to evade him. Cichlids would be fine I think, but you need a bigger tank. Only recommendations I can make for a 10 gallon is something like tetras. Or a Golden Wonder Killifish. And even then with a 10 gallon its a risk.

 

[Fishes33]

So I've got my 6 inch Two Spot Catfish home ("Mr Mystus"), and it turns out he's got a history of "tearing the stomachs out of angelfish". Apparently he killed about $100USD worth of Angels before they realized it was him. I've heard that whilst catfish generally aren't aggressive to medium sized fish, they can fight back if provoked.

He was in a 20 gallon tank, with about 50 other small fish at the pet store. But now that he's in his own 10 gallon, I'm wondering if it's possible to put something in with him? Because he seems a little dull during the day, just lounging about doing nothing - I guess this has something to do with the fact he's nocturnal.

What can I put in with him to see whether he'll kill again, or not?



Cheers,
Romeo

Id think your talking about Asian Red Tail Catfish! They are aggressive! and I just got one too!

keeping with two 1.5" datnoid and some LARGE fish

Pray for me!

 

[fishlover88]

Can we get pictures of your specimen. I know you had previously posted a picture of Mystus cantaneus. I just want to make sure they are the same sp. Cause if you did end up with an ARTC that would be a bit of a bummer.

As for tank mates. Im gonna have to go with nothing. A 6" catfish in a 10 gallon aquarium is much too big for that tank. And as for adding tetra you can almost guarentee he'll kill them. I mean he is 6" and tetras are a good snack for cats.

 

[FavCatfish]

Did you pay more for the fish then the tank?

You gonna need a bigger tank asap if you want it to survive. He will outgrow the tank and will stressed and die if you keep him in there. I agree with fishlover too, you cant put anything that is supposed to be in a 10 with a 6in catfish. They will be a nice midnight snack.

 

[Romeowns]

Oops, my tank's more along the lines of 14 gallons. Sorry, we work with litres on this side of the planet :].

A friend of mine's willing to give me as many Guppies as I like, or 6 glow light tetras. Would any of these be suitable?

We legally only have 3 species of catfish in New Zealand, so it's definitely a Mystus Micracanthus.

Oh, and I paid $7USD for him :].



Cheers,
Romeo

 

[fishlover88]

A friend of mine's willing to give me as many Guppies as I like, or 6 glow light tetras. Would any of these be suitable?

Not really. Any of those are an easy snack for a 6" fish.

We legally only have 3 species of catfish in New Zealand, so it's definitely a Mystus Micracanthus.

humor me. will ya.

 

[Romeowns]

Sorry, when I meant "catfish", I was referring to the Mystus types. We've got Plecos, Corys and what-have-yous.

Effectively, we're not allowed anything carnivorous that could survive in our local waterways. The most lethal fish we've got are probably Arrowanas & Oscars.

 

[fishlover88]

Sorry, when I meant "catfish", I was referring to the Mystus types. We've got Plecos, Corys and what-have-yous.

Effectively, we're not allowed anything carnivorous that could survive in our local waterways. The most lethal fish we've got are probably Arrowanas & Oscars.

i know and im not questioning the laws of New Zealand or whether or not you know them. The problem i have run into is that i have found little to no information about Mystus micracanthus. From the sources i have found say that there is a serious taxonomic problem between M. micracanthus and M. bimaculatus (which some have said was previously named micracanthus.) Although one source seems to clarify that these are in fact two different species. but as it was only a single source i dont want to jump to any conclusions.

So i was hoping a picture of your specimen could clean up the confusion, or if another member is willing to try and straighten it out for me.

 

[Romeowns]

Ah, sorry. I mistook your concern for something entirely different. I'll get a photo for you ASAP. Though I cannot guarantee the quality, as he's a bit elusive.