atf price and questions

[yoimb0b]

So a lfs has 2 atf at about 6 inches and 1 at about 4 inches. They want $120each, is this a good price? They seem fat, healthy, active. No visible scars or anything.

What kind of care is required with these guys? do they mostly eat live food? or can they be trained to take pellets or at least frozen smelt and silversides?
I know they get decent sized, can they be housed together? I was planning on putting them in my 75 gallon for a while, until they got too big and then i could put them in my 125 that i have or even my 240 if needed eventually.

Any information you guys could give me would be helpful. Ive always wanted to try these guys, as they are true monster fish, the teeth are amazing. thanks for the help

 

[JD7.62]

They dont grow incredibly fast, but your 240 will not last long. From experience ATFs NEED a large tank. They are a very fast and powerful fish and even a small ATF can make a big tank seem small.

For $120 Id pass given your tank space.

 

[vamptrev]

ya the tank size is a little small... if u like teeth, think about a payara.

 

[ea2248]

Min for one Atf is a long 500gl. and thats for a vittatus, not a Goliath. If you are looking for a Vittatus, try to pm Exoticfishguy. I bought 2 from him (Los Angeles area) at $60 a pc. Last I heard, he only had (3) 7" and up at $80ea. Mine are still healthy and swiming like crazy, not to say eating like crazy. I will say, that they are messy eaters and you will need a good filter, espes if you have a smaller tank. The scales from the feeders go everywhere, but nice to watch. Good luck

 

[yoimb0b]

so a 240 wont last them? 8 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet? Payara are cool but they just sit there, i liked how the tigerfish were active.

 

[ea2248]

You can use the tank for a few yrs, But he will grow out of it. This fish likes to fly threw the water at a high speed. He will get banged up, and its out of its confort zone. The ATF needs space!!! I hear that when kept in smaller than 500gl tanks, they die fast. Really cool fish, but need to look into the future for this fish (tank size).