madtoms anyone??
- Thread starter klmt
- Start date
We have a checkered madtom (used to have 2 but one got eaten). He was about 2 inches when we got him now he's about 3 1/2 and he'll eat pretty much anything. They scavenge on the bottom just like most catfish.
Right now he's spoiled and gets handfed carnivore pellets. He's taken over a piece of clay pot we have in there and he swims in circles and wiggles when we come near the tank, waiting for carnivore pellets.
They also like live foods (assuming they can catch it - he'll ambush guppy fry) such as fish, worms, and small crustaceans, and many frozen foods or dry foods such as krill, bloodworms and that type of stuff, though it's up to the individual fish what they like to eat best.
The main criteria for a madtom is that it fits in their mouth, other than that they don't seem to be very picky, though I don't know if that varies by species or not. I had a tadpole madtom as a kid and he was pretty much the same way.
Right now he's spoiled and gets handfed carnivore pellets. He's taken over a piece of clay pot we have in there and he swims in circles and wiggles when we come near the tank, waiting for carnivore pellets.
They also like live foods (assuming they can catch it - he'll ambush guppy fry) such as fish, worms, and small crustaceans, and many frozen foods or dry foods such as krill, bloodworms and that type of stuff, though it's up to the individual fish what they like to eat best.
The main criteria for a madtom is that it fits in their mouth, other than that they don't seem to be very picky, though I don't know if that varies by species or not. I had a tadpole madtom as a kid and he was pretty much the same way.
i have one, possibly two if it hasn't gotten eaten. mine hides all day until food is availible. he goes crazy for frozen meaty foods. he'll stuff himself then return under his rock. not very active but one of my favorites
Madtoms live in many types of habitat. From stagnant marshes to cold fast flowing riffles. I'd recommend getting a "fishes of" book in your state or nearby state and do a bit of homework before jumping into madtoms or any native fish. Understanding where they come from and seeing them in the wild will help you understand what conditions they require at home as well as nutritional needs.
I should not answer for Teleost, but I am very certain that he busted his seine net out, and caught him some madoms (sic). If you are not in a madtom rich area, try KV aquatics( aquabid) KSI aquatics (aquabid). If either does not have them listed, message them, and put in a request.
Skipjack is right, I did collect my own madtoms and just noticed that you live California. D'uh. I'd definitely give Ohio Valley Natives or KSI Aquatics an email or equal and discuss what kind of fish you're looking for. Both of these guys are really knowledgeable and friendly as well.
I really stuck my foot in my mouth since the west doesn't have madtoms. Sorry about that.
I really stuck my foot in my mouth since the west doesn't have madtoms. Sorry about that.