Do I rescue a etc?

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Jhncf

Jhncf

Piranha
MFK Member
Jan 23, 2014
609
198
76
Scotland
Someone is looking to rehome a 4" baby red tail catfish because apparently they found out how big it would get after buying it.. Do I rehome it and put it in my empty 260 gallon knowing that eventually I'll have to try and find a bigger home/possibly even euthanise the fish or leave it to end up in someone else's tiny tank? Here in Scotland large tanks are very rare, in fact I know of only one person with a tank larger than mine and it's a reef tank.

Do I let the rtc live a happy life until it outgrows my tank and then try and find a bigger home/euthanise it or do I leave it to die a slow death in a small tank?
 
You can re-home it and feed it until it outgrows your tank. Then what do you do? That is one fish that doesn't belong in the aquarium trade.
 
I already said what I'd have to do with it, either search for a huge tank or euthanise it, either way it would have a longer/happier life than it will I'm any of the tiny tanks it will end up in otherwise. I agree to an extent, people should need a license and proof that they can house one for life before they're able to buy one, along with pacu, paroon sharks etc.
 
Jhncf said:
I already said what I'd have to do with it, either search for a huge tank or euthanise it, either way it would have a longer/happier life than it will I'm any of the tiny tanks it will end up in otherwise. I agree to an extent, people should need a license and proof that they can house one for life before they're able to buy one, along with pacu, paroon sharks etc.
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Would a local aquarium or shop accept it as a donation?
 
That's a tough one, with pros and cons to both ways. Probably a gamble anyway. Most RTC perish not from being in too small a tank but from inadequate care and from accidents. IME. And that of others.
 
Sounds like you are leaning towards getting it. I'd personally try to resist the temptation. Its not pleasant putting down a fish you've grown out. Perhaps the current owner can return the fish and then theoretically the shop won't reorder more.
 
Try and convince the owner to return it, if not I say get it with the complete knowledge of having to put it down eventually. I don't know what your zoo's are like there but maybe ask if they'd accept an RTC at the 2 foot mark.
 
KNH said:
... Perhaps the current owner can return the fish and then theoretically the shop won't reorder more.
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Great thought! That'd be ideal. That's how one saves RTCs, really. A long shot but given the stakes, worth a gentle try.
 
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