How to extend gulper catfish lifespan

[djsaltynuts]

I currently have two gulper catfish in a 20 breeder both are under 5".

Ive been keeping fish a very long time and am an advanced aquarist so my question doesnt revolve around the basics but more the abstract.
-ph
-how often to feed and what size prey

-Tank size

-How many times should the tank be turned over an hour etc

Currently ive been feeding raw shrimp twice a week in portions large enough to fully expand their stomach.

Ive heard gulper catfish tend to crash suddenly and get sick.

 

[tlindsey]

I currently have two gulper catfish in a 20 breeder both are under 5".

Ive been keeping fish a very long time and am an advanced aquarist so my question doesnt revolve around the basics but more the abstract.
-ph
-how often to feed and what size prey

-Tank size

-How many times should the tank be turned over an hour etc

Currently ive been feeding raw shrimp twice a week in portions large enough to fully expand their stomach.

Ive heard gulper catfish tend to crash suddenly and get sick.

Have you checked out Planet Catfish?

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

-ph
***not high, around neutral to acidic, stable

-how often to feed and what size prey
***judge by stomach, from full to flat and a day or a few more. Comfortable size feed.

-Tank size
***dont need a large tank, they are relatively poor swimmers

-How many times should the tank be turned over an hour etc
***Basic requirements

Currently ive been feeding raw shrimp twice a week in portions large enough to fully expand their stomach.
***Shrimp is high in thiaminase and this will sicken and kill gulpers or any other fish fed exclusively a diet containing thiaminase.

Ive heard gulper catfish tend to crash suddenly and get sick.
***the most common reason appears to be inhospitable water where they develop skin disorders. I've killed 6 probably by an unbalanced diet of thawed, whole but unfortified marine bait fish some containing some not containing thiaminase.

 

[fishdance]

I would not "feed until it's stomach is fully extended" as this is very difficult for the fish and tank. They will do fine with light feeds and do not need to be fed often.

If you wish to extended lifespan, strive for slow growth rates.

 

[SourAngelfish]

I would not "feed until it's stomach is fully extended" as this is very difficult for the fish and tank. They will do fine with light feeds and do not need to be fed often.

If you wish to extended lifespan, strive for slow growth rates.

This is the key to most predators, and most fish that everyone seems to overlook. Powerfeeding your fish/feeding extremely often will significantly shorten their lifespan

 

[-Bosshogofthasouth-]

Theyve both been doing well ive been bad about varying their diet and have kept it almost exclusively raw shrimp.

I observed the smaller one getting eaten by the larger gulper but they were swimming side by side the next day and havent had a problem since.

I am worried that they will crash due to a bad diet and may try to get them onto an insect and earthworm diet to avoid thiamines.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

My experience with gulpers and thiaminase suggests you may start having B1 deficiency problems very soon if not already.

Right. Gulpers don't eat gulpers. They may try but quickly retreat from this.

I am a bit confused. B -Bosshogofthasouth- it almost sounds like you are the original poster, but the OP has a different name?