Honestly- How Hard are Retics?

[AttackFish]

also larger tanks keep you water quality in better shape.... I would hold off on the ray till you can house it a lil better...

Why couldnt I just grow it out, and then once it get too large, give it to someone who has a large enough tank? I've got quite a few people around my area that have large tanks and wouldnt mind a ray...

And theres always the rubbermaid "pond" route. Been Looking into the 300 gallons, going to be going to home depot tommorow to see what prices they have/different sizes.

I'd love to get a scobina, but like you said T1KAR "Good luck finding one"

But I really dont see why I couldnt atleast try it. Ofcourse I'm not going to just go out and get a retic and dump it into the tank.

I've seen alot worse things here on MFK than me possibly getting a retic and attempting to grow it out.

 

[Miles]

I would say 90%+ dont live after imported

Only because the wholesalers treat them like crap.. and LFSs irresponsibly sell them to ignorant folks, giving them mis-leading information, allowing them to think their 55g tank is sufficient.

Most in the fish industry look at retics, aka "teacups", as any other fish.. They bag them in heavy numbers, put them in small tanks, feed them improper foods, and basically neglect them to the point by the time you purchase it, it's on the way out.

Make sure it's eating well before you buy.. also consider treating for internal parasites. Should live fine in that tank for a long while, but the long tail can be an issue towards max size..

Retics also have tiny mouths, and usually come in very skinny due to the neglect.. The best way to retrieve them from death, is to bulk them up with blackworms for a few months, and give them a 'stress-free' environment.

Since these rays only cost a few bucks out of the wild, people don't take the precautions they would with an 'investment fish'.. If a wholesaler shells out a few bills for a 'rare' ray, it's funny how much time and energy they put into that ray to make sure it's healthy..

 

[AttackFish]

Only because the wholesalers treat them like crap.. and LFSs irresponsibly sell them to ignorant folks, giving them mis-leading information, allowing them to think their 55g tank is sufficient.

Most in the fish industry look at retics, aka "teacups", as any other fish.. They bag them in heavy numbers, put them in small tanks, feed them improper foods, and basically neglect them to the point by the time you purchase it, it's on the way out.

Make sure it's eating well before you buy.. also consider treating for internal parasites. Should live fine in that tank for a long while, but the long tail can be an issue towards max size..

Retics also have tiny mouths, and usually come in very skinny due to the neglect.. The best way to retrieve them from death, is to bulk them up with blackworms for a few months, and give them a 'stress-free' environment.

Since these rays only cost a few bucks out of the wild, people don't take the precautions they would with an 'investment fish'.. If a wholesaler shells out a few bills for a 'rare' ray, it's funny how much time and energy they put into that ray to make sure it's healthy..

Thanks very much for the Information Miles.


Not very sure if I will be infact getting a ray anymore, I've decided to put a Jag, 2xXingu 1 pikes, and possibly a pair of Amphilophus Lyonsi, and I wouldnt want the ray to become a victim of an angery cichlid.

If I do infact get a Retic Ray for this tank I'll keep everyone updated!

Again, thanks for all the help guys.