Giraffe Nosed Catfish Growth Question

[RemainVayne]

Looking to purchase a 2-3" giraffe in the near future. Approximately how long will i have before he outgrows my 18" wide tank and needs to be moved into something wider?

I'm expecting to purchase a 36" wide tank in a couple years for reference.

 

[Drstrangelove]

I think all of these types are wonderful fish, but some get big.

Assuming it's the large variety (I'm thinking of auchenoglanis occidentalis), I've seen several owners perhaps here or on Planet Catfish post that it can reach 19-24 inches within 2 years. I can't vouch from experience as I haven't owned one.

Not nearly as fast as nigers, pacus, or RTCs, but certainly fast by most standards. Many people report much slower growth which could mean they have a smaller species.

Here's a couple related posts:
https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/bouche-giraffe-catfish-two-16.680403/#post-7651984

https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/giraffe-catfish-auchenoglanis-occidentalis.651176/


Of course, you might have one of the many smaller varieties. I'd post a pic to have some of the experts authenticate the species if you have any doubts.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

Looking to purchase a 2-3" giraffe in the near future. Approximately how long will i have before he outgrows my 18" wide tank and needs to be moved into something wider?

I'm expecting to purchase a 36" wide tank in a couple years for reference.

Chances are high it'd be one of the large-growing species, in which case it'll outgrow this tank in under a year, IMHO. I'd not keep a g-cat in there past 8" long; 12" tops.

A prudent rule is tank first, fish second; not vice versa. It appears 95%-99% of such plans either fail to happen or are delayed badly.

... Of course, you might have one of the many smaller varieties. I'd post a pic to have some of the experts authenticate the species if you have any doubts.

Only thing I'd not entirely agree with is... Insofar from what I know (which is little) there have been reported only two species that grow smaller, perhaps not exceeding 1'. That's a seemingly highly rare Auchenoglanis senegali and the sparingly available "Volta river" variety.

Also, IME it is challenging to get an ID on 2"-3" g-cats. 10"-12" is easier for an expert (not me but say Birger on Planet Catfish or Yellowcat both here and there).

 

[Drstrangelove]

Only thing I'd not entirely agree with is... Insofar from what I know (which is little) there have been reported only two species that grow smaller, perhaps not exceeding 1'. That's a seemingly highly rare Auchenoglanis senegali and the sparingly available "Volta river" variety.

Also, IME it is challenging to get an ID on 2"-3" g-cats. 10"-12" is easier for an expert (not me but say Birger on Planet Catfish or Yellowcat both here and there).

Good points. Thanks for the insight.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

Good points. Thanks for the insight.

Just occurred to me that you probably also meant gcats other than Auchenoglanis. Just to me is when I see "giraffe catfish" without any specification, I always think Auchenoglanis. Which may be erroneous. Sorry. But if other genus are included, then I'd agree more with your statement because gcats from other genus grow much smaller on average versus Auchenoglanis.

 

[SwellyJelly]

I have one of the 'bouche' species that is currently about 2.5 years pushing about 15-16"

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

I have one of the 'bouche' species that is currently about 2.5 years pushing about 15-16"

Good consistency. I have two of similar age and size. The link was kindly provided above by Drstrangelove.

 

[SwellyJelly]

Your first one definitely has more girth than mine, its closer to the size of your darker giraffe. Mines a picky eater but will bounce between eating shrimp or pellets.