Simple question with a complicated past which I'll save typing out here. Are RTC happier alone or with other catfish? Specifically TSN and RTCxTSN hybrids?
RTC kept alone or with friends?
- Thread starter OTp1144
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IMHO depends on details but I'd think ideally, that is if kept in quite adequate conditions, it does not care much whether it's alone or not.
My understanding is they are solitary in the wild.
People anthropomorphize their pets, and fish is no exception, and assign them human-like feelings, which is often not what it is. If you are speaking of possible boredom or loneliness, etc.
I'd say it's a matter of taste. I know several keepers who prefer to have one fish per tank. Some combine only biotopic fish,more or less. Vast majority of us hoarders create insane communities and then sit back and admire them
My understanding is they are solitary in the wild.
People anthropomorphize their pets, and fish is no exception, and assign them human-like feelings, which is often not what it is. If you are speaking of possible boredom or loneliness, etc.
I'd say it's a matter of taste. I know several keepers who prefer to have one fish per tank. Some combine only biotopic fish,more or less. Vast majority of us hoarders create insane communities and then sit back and admire them
Thanks for the response.
Basically I'm trying to decide if I should cut down on my monster cat stock. 2 TSN, 2 RTCxTSN, 1 RTC. We're most attached to the RTC since we grew him out from literally the size of my thumb, but I didn't know if they benefit from other fish interaction like bichir or peacock bass for example. Both which can be solitary, but do better with similar species.
From what you said, and thinking about my experience, it really does seem like RTC don't care if there's other fish or not (unless they're food size). I honestly think he interacts with us more than his tank mates.
Basically I'm trying to decide if I should cut down on my monster cat stock. 2 TSN, 2 RTCxTSN, 1 RTC. We're most attached to the RTC since we grew him out from literally the size of my thumb, but I didn't know if they benefit from other fish interaction like bichir or peacock bass for example. Both which can be solitary, but do better with similar species.
From what you said, and thinking about my experience, it really does seem like RTC don't care if there's other fish or not (unless they're food size). I honestly think he interacts with us more than his tank mates.
I've got ten RTCs 1.5'-2.5' in one of my 4500 gal. There is a pecking order and it is enforced. It is challenged sometimes and enforced again.
I definitely see that in our pond. I still haven't figured out what determines it. The RTC is the largest and at the top, but the smallest (hybrid) is second. The two tsn will only eat via hand feeding and the other hybrid now has been separated because it's on a hunger strike