Hello all....I am new to this site. I have a question regarding my Red Tail Catfish. I know he is going to grow to an obscene size, but for now he's approximately 4". He is in a tank right now with a Red Tiger Oscar. My question is this: Is it possible for the cat to be the dominant fish in this tank? I know Oscar's are territorial, but he seems aloof, wont eat, and is sulking. The cat stays in a cave for most of the day, but when he does come out, he "bothers" the O. (the Oscar is 5") Any suggestions?
Stress factor.....
- Thread starter REDTAILredtailcat
- Start date
yes the cat could be the dominant fish in the tank.
how long has the cat been in the tank and how long hasd the oscar been in the tank.
and welcome to MFK
how long has the cat been in the tank and how long hasd the oscar been in the tank.
and welcome to MFK
Hi Dixon...thanks for the reply. They have been together for about 2 weeks. We bought the Oscar, then 2 or so days later we bought the cat. Could the cat be the reason that our Oscar is not eating? The cat has been very "pushy" lately. He is a gorgeous fish, as is the Oscar and we dont want to upset either one of them. Any suggestions? Also, if you know....exactly how big is this cat going to get???? We have been hearing conflicting reports. I'm wondering if we keep him in our 150 gallon tank, will he adapt to that, or will he outgrow it? Thanks for the help......
No fish "adapt" to thier tank size. That is a total myth. He is going to get 4 foot long and need at least that just to turn around, then he needs the length for swimming. I'm not trying to dicourage you but just giving you the reality of the situation. I'm not an expert on these fish but I know for sure they will not "adapt".
Chad
Chad
Catfish are dinosaurs and Oscars are... let us say "scholars". Or lets try another metaphor: Catfish are Sherman Tanks and Oscars are Humvees. How about, Catfish are from Mars and Oscars are from Venus. Either way, I would not put an Oscar in with a cat that has the potential of outgrowing it 5:1. The max your O is growing to grow would be--12- 15 inches compared to a 5 foot cat. Each has a destiny. Just my 2 rublse.
i have personally had a RTC eat an 11" oscar. had a 14" RTC in with a breeding pair of tiger oscars and i guess they tried to keep the cat away from the eggs so he ate the female oscar instead. it was a site to see half of an 11" fish sticking out the mouth of a 14 incher 
Thank you all for the info. It is of great dispair that we must find a new home for our RTC as we have no way to keep this awsome fish. I just don't understand how LFS could sell to the public a fish that will grow that large without warning us first. We had no idea how large he would get or we would not have bought him. If any of you have any sound advise as to how we should approach this, we would be most greatful. Thanks Again
REDTAILredtailcat said:
Howdy,
This might sound rude to you, but my advise is to do your homework before you get fish, not do damage control later on and blame the fish store...
There was a thread some time ago about eating monster fish that get too big ... that might be a delicious way out...
HarleyK
Just seen this thread,replied to your other thread on ph with warning on redtail.Its a hard fact of life that most stores are in it for the money.Dont beat your self up about it,but take the harsh lesson that research needs to be done before the fish goes in your tank.First thing you should do is go back to fish store with your complaint in a reasonable but firm way to get them to take him back,perhaps for a swap so they dont have to refund money,their worst evil.In my greener days I bought 3 red snakeheads for a tank with polypterus and gars with no warning except "they will grow big".They went back.