Small-but-fat catfish?

[Betta132]

Are there any catfish that only get 6-7" but are wider than a golf ball? I'm looking for a reasonably small catfish that I can keep with my warmouth, and he is going to have a very large mouth when he gets to full size.

 

[aseldon]

Striped or spotted Raphael catfish are exactly what you described.

 

[Betta132]

Ok, thanks!
Know of a good source in Central Texas, by any chance? Petsmart used to have striped Raphaels, but apparently not any more.

 

[Jmart159]

Yellow bullhead might be an option. They may get a little larger than what you have listed but they occur naturally together, are hearty, and very easy to find.

 

[Jmart159]

Yellow bullhead might be an option. They may get a little larger than what you have listed but they occur naturally together, are hearty, and very easy to find.

 

[Betta132]

What size can I expect from a bullhead kept in a 65g? Is that large enough to not stunt one?

 

[fishnatics]

Striped or spotted Raphael catfish are exactly what you described.

Mine are round as heck. It's like a spiked ball swimming around.

 

[Betta132]

Is there any risk of a Raphael cat accidentally hurting something with its spines? My longear lives in a very good catfish spot (cave under a log), and I'd rather not find him all shredded if the Raphael charges into his cave and jabs him with spines.

 

[Jmart159]

This is about the size that mine maxed out at inside of a 125. I think they would be fine for a 65. I wouldn't go any bigger though. Is your tank heated? If it is, the striped raphael would be a good choice. They are pretty peaceful whereas the bullhead is more likely to claim a home all to himself.

***Not my image. Pulled from google***

 

[fishnatics]

My Raphael's will push and shove but no real harm done. They seem to bicker between themselves and leave the other tank mates alone.