Electric Catfish

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lonzoencho

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 24, 2012
301
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Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hi Guys, just wanted to get second opinion. I have an opportunity to get the "dwarf" electric catfish and have been getting mixed results(research) in regards to whether they can be kept in a predatory community setting. This is not massive monster commonly seen available as this species grows 10". Any help/info on these guys would be appreciated. Thanks!:)


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It's a gamble. It may be (1) fine with all tank mates, (2) develop a dislike and zap some of them, (3) zap most of them. I tend to think 1 or 2 are more probable. My 6"-er was in a community of 50 other catfish and a few other types of fish. It was quite fine with all but one - a boistreous Pimelodus blochii, who would get zapped every now and then, especially during the feeding times, I am guessing because he was way too active.
 
Nope, its growth slowed at around 6 inches. It may be more feasible to comm them in larger tanks, however. Mine was in a pretty small tank.
 
A recent revision of Malapterurus split the genus into 19 species. 8 of them are decribed here http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/genus.php?genus_id=46. Little is known about most of them except maybe the electricus and microstoma. Very hard to ID to the species level - too alike. One needs to read the revision paper to understand more.
 
First off I would assume that it is not the dwarf variety. I've only seen like 2 members across all forums that actually had that specie and both were overseas (Asia). Malapterurus Electricus is the common trade species and gets 3ft ish. I wouldn't risk putting it in a community tank unless you don't mind losing the other fish to electrocution. From what I've read and from personal experience synodontis specie of catfish are immune to the e-cat's discharge. I successfully kept 2 different species of them syno flavitaeniatus and syno multipunctatus with my 12" e-Cat for a year or so. The other fish that was added to the tank was killed overnight the first night after it tried to sit where the E-cat liked to sleep.
 
amazonfishman: gets 3ft ish.
from what i have researched. in captivity its uncommon for them to reach more then 16in. :D
 
Bad idea...there a nusiance in the end...ive had mine for 3 years now and hes 8-10". I house him alone in a 10gal due to the fact its a gamble to put anybody with him. He has lived with many different species of fish just fine but its not worth risking other fish you like.

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