I have noticed that some RTC's that i have seen have bright, vibrant, red tails. Others have more dull colored tails. Is there anyway to predict which tail a young RTC will have? Is it because of genetics or what they are fed?
Tail of a RTC
- Thread starter th3champish3r3
- Start date
A combination of both, but if fed foods high in carotene or astaxathin, they will have a brighter red tail. Good food candidates are carrots (RTC do eat fruits and vegetables if offered), and ESPECIALLY krill.
Also, their tails don't turn bright red until they're larger, over a foot, I believe. Up until then it remains a murky brown color.
Also, their tails don't turn bright red until they're larger, over a foot, I believe. Up until then it remains a murky brown color.
th3champish3r3;4776212; said:
Well, first make sure you can house an RTC of adult size, that is, 5 feet, because RTCs don't have good resale value. Meaning, they're not like clown loaches or datnoids where you can grow them out and sell them again... no one wants to buy a 3'+ RTC.
If you've got the room, then first and foremost make sure the RTC doesn't have gill curl. That's one of the more common problems plaguing RTCs due to the less than optimal conditions at the LFS. Next, look at the head shape. Some have "squashed" heads, I think it's referred to as "dome face," which a lot of people find unappealing. The tail in small RTCs will always be murky brown, so don't base your selection on that because I doubt you'll find one with a bright red tail.
After that, the obvious, make sure it has all its fins, both its eyes, and looks to be in good health.
^ truth on almost no value, you will probably end up paying somebody else to take it from you, its kinda tough to see any differences in a RTC when they are babies, i picked mine on behavior, still acts the same as he did when i got him, just my .02
One of my catfish books says the red on the tail rubs off on hands of handlers. It this true? Sounds like baloney to me.
very good question posted by the OP
Was thinking to myself about the genetics of the RTCs due to the fact that the last time I visited a LFS the 2'' RTC there was already was sporting a nice red tint at the edges to its tail with a brownish/orangish base. That was a couple of months ago. Nicest baby RTC i've seen in that size. However didn't buy it due to the fact that its beyond my means to house it at this time. But yet. I still always wondered ever since.
Was thinking to myself about the genetics of the RTCs due to the fact that the last time I visited a LFS the 2'' RTC there was already was sporting a nice red tint at the edges to its tail with a brownish/orangish base. That was a couple of months ago. Nicest baby RTC i've seen in that size. However didn't buy it due to the fact that its beyond my means to house it at this time. But yet. I still always wondered ever since.
knifegill;4776277; said:
you are right, the red will not rub off on you hands who ever wrote that book should recheck their information sources.
Not try to beat the size tank into the ground but believe me have the tank( more then likely pond) for it first. I bought mine and was I'll upgrade later. No joke these fish do 3 things 1. Eat alot I mean alot! 2. Poop 3. Grow like weeds. Mine seriously averaged a 1" a month and ate everything ( including tank mates). I luckily rehomed it to a local guy.
P.s. I admit I was selfish and just wanted the fish period. I didn't think it through and luckily come to reality before it was bad for the fish which most people don't do. A local guy here had a 11" on a 20 gallon long. It was the most pathetic thing I ever saw.
But if you can house it they are amazing fish my favorite fish. Really check their eyes thou I tend to see them missing one at the lfs.
P.s. I admit I was selfish and just wanted the fish period. I didn't think it through and luckily come to reality before it was bad for the fish which most people don't do. A local guy here had a 11" on a 20 gallon long. It was the most pathetic thing I ever saw.
But if you can house it they are amazing fish my favorite fish. Really check their eyes thou I tend to see them missing one at the lfs.