Most Common Electric Catfish?

[Combatshock]

I'm having a difficult time identifying exactly what kind of electric catfish I've owned for the past year or so.

So my question is, what is the most commonly encountered species of Electric Cat at most LFS?

Malapterurus electricus grows to be thirty some odd inches and is seemingly the most common kept electric catfish on planet catfish, where as the other members of the Malapterurus family are rarely if other kept.

So, thoughts?

 

[calpoly12]

gonna be hard without pics..

 

[Combatshock]

I'm not asking anyone to identify my electric catfish, I'm asking what the most commonly sold EC is.

 

[aidenb]

I've only ever seen M. Electricus available, thats what mine is as well.

 

[Combatshock]

Any idea on their growth rate? Mine shot up to about 10' inches since I've had him, but seems to of slowed down considerably.

 

[bigbadfish711]

Most likely you have a Malapterurus electricus. Malapterurus Electricus is the most widely distributed electric catfish. As far as growth is concerned I would reevaluate the fish's environment and nutrition if it stops growing. I have noticed with the specimens I had in the past have a growth spurt at times. This when they seam to grow faster than normal or grow over night, but I contribute this to my long hours at work.

If you would like check out Homer the Ecat

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=397167

 

[aquaman45]

Malapterus microstoma is also quite ofter available,grows to a similar size but has a much longer head than electricus....more like a Giraffe cat in shape.

 

[bigbadfish711]

Malapterus microstoma is also quite ofter available,grows to a similar size but has a much longer head than electricus....more like a Giraffe cat in shape.

I have heard that in other countries different specimens are more available.

M. microstoma
22 inches


M. electricus
40 inches
View attachment 594602

 

[Saterus]

I have M. electricus and it's the only one ever available in my area. In fact, mine is THE only one I've heard of in my area and ordered on a whim by the kids I replaced at the LFS. I found it after I went to organize the fish room and had to dig through records to figure out what it was. Then hubby saw it and fell in love..
Anyway, we call him "The Dirigible" and he's approaching 12". We think he's about 10 1/2" now. He goes through obvious growth spurts where he gets really really round and suddenly is obviously bigger.
He was also stunted at the LFS being kept in a 15g with other fish, he was 4" when we got him and prompty ate a school of tetras and almost everything else in the tank (including two 5" weather loaches) when we got him..
This is him at about 6" within 2 months after we got him

This is him a few months ago, we think he's hitting a spurt now as he's always hungry (comes out when he sees me begging for food) but is about 10-10 1/2"

We THINK he has hit 11", it's hard to tell, but he can no longer fit into his PVC pipe easily, he must back in carefully and we must upgrade it. He's definitely rounder recently, we expect him to be 12" very soon and are trying to figure out if we can fit a 200g or just a 125g for an upgrade

 

[bigbadfish711]

I have M. electricus and it's the only one ever available in my area. In fact, mine is THE only one I've heard of in my area and ordered on a whim by the kids I replaced at the LFS. I found it after I went to organize the fish room and had to dig through records to figure out what it was. Then hubby saw it and fell in love..
Anyway, we call him "The Dirigible" and he's approaching 12". We think he's about 10 1/2" now. He goes through obvious growth spurts where he gets really really round and suddenly is obviously bigger.
He was also stunted at the LFS being kept in a 15g with other fish, he was 4" when we got him and prompty ate a school of tetras and almost everything else in the tank (including two 5" weather loaches) when we got him..
This is him at about 6" within 2 months after we got him

This is him a few months ago, we think he's hitting a spurt now as he's always hungry (comes out when he sees me begging for food) but is about 10-10 1/2"

We THINK he has hit 11", it's hard to tell, but he can no longer fit into his PVC pipe easily, he must back in carefully and we must upgrade it. He's definitely rounder recently, we expect him to be 12" very soon and are trying to figure out if we can fit a 200g or just a 125g for an upgrade

Very nice specimen. I'm always happy to see another Ecat owner.