RTC behaviour

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abominus

Redtail Catfish
MFK Member
Jan 27, 2023
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i bought a RTC 3 months ago. it ate like a monster and has grown from 3.5 inches to 7.5 inches. After that it has become less eager to accept food and usually skips one day or two before eating and has become less active too. is there something wrong or am i just worrying. it has no visible signs like discolouration or fin rot.
 
Well going off your other threads regarding this pond you have, I'd say it's sudden inactivity and loss of appetite are maybe down to water temperature? You seem to be having problems with the (night time) winter temps in Saudi?

You've already lost one RTC and other fish are uncharacteristically lethargic too. "Thanking god" that winter's nearly over is not really the best way of approaching this issue! You need to deal with the now!

Could you give us an idea of the typical differences in day and night time water temps of your pond at this time of year? I don't think you've posted any actual numbers in any of your previous related threads. Those day and night fluctuations will speak volumes.
 
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Your overfeeding.
Predatory fish only need 2 feeds a week.

Just because it will eat daily doesn't mean it needs to. The majority of its poo will be undigested food. Especially if it gets a tummy bulge.

Also faster growth equates to shorter life span.
 
Well going off your other threads regarding this pond you have, I'd say it's sudden inactivity and loss of appetite are maybe down to water temperature? You seem to be having problems with the (night time) winter temps in Saudi?

You've already lost one RTC and other fish are uncharacteristically lethargic too. "Thanking god" that winter's nearly over is not really the best way of approaching this issue! You need to deal with the now!

Could you give us an idea of the typical differences in day and night time water temps of your pond at this time of year? I don't think you've posted any actual numbers in any of your previous related threads. Those day and night fluctuations will speak volumes.
i have it in a aquarium not pond. the aquarium is heated and inside my living room.
 
The 14 and 21 Celsius are in the aquarium indoors?
If so, Way, way too cold for a RTC. Even 21 C is towards too cold. 14 C can kill it.
 
The 14 and 21 Celsius are in the aquarium indoors?
If so, Way, way too cold for a RTC. Even 21 C is towards too cold. 14 C can kill it.
Not aquarium, its the outside air temp. Aquarium is much warmer
 
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