Need some information on a Vulture catfish. Looking to possibly add one to a stock of some larger cichlids (Oscars, Severums). More concerning the Severum's as they're somewhat of a delicate fish, will the Vulture be a problem with them? I am getting conflicting messages about these cats and mostly none of them involve cichlids.
Vulture Catfish Help
- Thread starter danperagine
- Start date
I have two vulture cats and mine are very easy to keep and are not at all aggressive. However, their tankmates are currently fire eels that are much larger. They readily eat pellets, and anything the fire eels left laying around. I really don’t think they are as aggressive as some people say. They are mostly scavengers and I think a lot of times the situations where people talk about them killing fish are not as they seem. Most likely the fish died of some other reason or by a different tankmate and the vulture just scavenged off of the body.
I think you’ll be fine, but they do have the strength and teeth to do a lot of damage if they choose. So, keep that in mind.
Here are a few pictures of mine at about 13”:
I think you’ll be fine, but they do have the strength and teeth to do a lot of damage if they choose. So, keep that in mind.
Here are a few pictures of mine at about 13”:
Should be ok. As long as the size difference isn’t drastic.
I mean if the Severus are small enough to get swallowed then it can.
The one thing to mention is most vultures are imported in larger sizes so plan ahead if ur getting or have small severums.
I mean if the Severus are small enough to get swallowed then it can.
The one thing to mention is most vultures are imported in larger sizes so plan ahead if ur getting or have small severums.
I think your cichlids should be fine. No guarantee against a freak occurrence but overall, adequately fed and kept vultures don't go after tank mates. If a tank mate is injured or sick or dead or is freaking out, they may try.
As already stated, generaly they are fine. Mines 20" in a mixed pond with both bigger and smaller fish with generally no issues. Smallest fish are silver dollars and severums which tend to get ignored. However, they get their name for a reason, and if not fed often enough with any injured fish around then say goodbye. They have a great ability to suddenly remove a strip of flesh off what may have been a small abrasion with ease.
If i was to add a "catfish of that type/shape" and didnt want something quite as big but just as active, i would choose another favorite of mine, the Bolt catfish. Better size for your final severum size with 12" being a decent fish with special coloring. Aguarunichthys torosus.
All depends on final tank size and occupants.
All depends on final tank size and occupants.