zennzzo;4316674; said:
well, OK,
Baramundi,
from the top,
and I'd like it all, please...
Didn't know you were an Australian Native Fan Zennzzo. That's cool.
Barramundi:
They are fantastic pets. They are ugly yet beautiful animals with "old-soul" faces. Perhaps not as personable as GGs or Oscars, but they are definitely a pet, not just a fish to observe. They seem to recognize the owner. I think it is the way they look at you that appeals the most.
pH: 6.5 7.2
Temperature: 68 - 82 °F (20 - 26 °C)
The biggest problem with barra are their size, like you said they can get to a whopping 192cm and are a big solid fish at that size. You need a serious tank for that. I have seen 4' barra in 8' tanks with no hope of turning around ever. Cruel!
The second problem is the tank mates. Barra are highly predatory but not particularly aggressive. They don't seem to bully but they can eat another fish their own physical size! Fortunately they don't do this often. My friend with the barra farm kept them well fed and equally sized so he didn't lose too many to predation. I wouldn't keep them with your prize fish!
Barra also do not handle bullying well. I lost several to mild bullying from an eel. I'd keep them away from anything territorial.
I hate species tanks but I recommend them for barra. If you want tank mates then I can't really help you but I found this on the net:
Best kept in a species tank, or in a large tank with larger fish. Archer fish are a common tank mate.
Obviously the Archer fish are only temporary tank mates. The barra will snack on them after a while.
Stress in general is an issue for barra in my opinion. They need a well managed tank. Definitely not suitable for the beginner.
Other than that Barra are easy. I have never had a problem feeding them meaty foods, fish or pellets (all my barra were farm raised). I trained them to take pellets out of the palm of my hand. Avoid sharp objects in the tank. Barra can live in fresh or marine.
PS - the reason some barra taste so good and fetch such high prices is that they live in lovely clean water and eat prawns. The flavor of the prawns goes through the barra. Yummmm.
to MFK!
