I have had my Hemibagrus wykii (8.5” when introduced) in with my two sub-adult Channa micropeltes (large one is 14”, smaller one 12.5”
for 26 days. A few times I have heard thuds and splashes during the night, when the wyckii has been “out and about” but nothing drastic in terms of damage to any of them, I have noted some flank damage to the micros and a small split in the wyckii tail, which healed up in two days. Today I was removing several rocks which formed a cave for the wyckii at one end of the tank to put a large semi-circular pipe section in to give him more room, as he eats even more than the micros and is now 10.25” v. 8.5” in 26 days, with A LOT extra girth. I was interested to see how he would react when I removed “his” rocks before putting the pipe section in.
Firstly he bit me twice, then went along to the end of the tank where the two micros were. They both immediately turned very dark in colour before the bigger one had a bite at him, with a rasping sound.
The wyckii then flexed his body, turned and bit BOTH the Channas with a loud thud and held his corner without fear of the two micros flanking him. I have had one before but I tell you this guy has balls! There is an uneasy truce. I do note that some things that still spook the Channas, movement in the tank, lights going on/off, glass cleaning do not bother the wyckii in the slightest.
I think both species are great but I think I am in for very few dull moments in the next few months, even after they go from their present 6 foot tank to a 290 gallon in August. Im very pleased with the wyckii, great colour, girth and fins, with long trailing white edges to the forked caudal. Hope you like the pictures!!!
for 26 days. A few times I have heard thuds and splashes during the night, when the wyckii has been “out and about” but nothing drastic in terms of damage to any of them, I have noted some flank damage to the micros and a small split in the wyckii tail, which healed up in two days. Today I was removing several rocks which formed a cave for the wyckii at one end of the tank to put a large semi-circular pipe section in to give him more room, as he eats even more than the micros and is now 10.25” v. 8.5” in 26 days, with A LOT extra girth. I was interested to see how he would react when I removed “his” rocks before putting the pipe section in.Firstly he bit me twice, then went along to the end of the tank where the two micros were. They both immediately turned very dark in colour before the bigger one had a bite at him, with a rasping sound.
The wyckii then flexed his body, turned and bit BOTH the Channas with a loud thud and held his corner without fear of the two micros flanking him. I have had one before but I tell you this guy has balls! There is an uneasy truce. I do note that some things that still spook the Channas, movement in the tank, lights going on/off, glass cleaning do not bother the wyckii in the slightest.
I think both species are great but I think I am in for very few dull moments in the next few months, even after they go from their present 6 foot tank to a 290 gallon in August. Im very pleased with the wyckii, great colour, girth and fins, with long trailing white edges to the forked caudal. Hope you like the pictures!!!
