Well...

[GyradosOwner]

So I am a notorious impulse buyer. I often buy first, research later and it always makes a good adventure. Recently I bought four of what I am ninety percent certain are albino Ictalurus punctatus. They keep to thenselves mostly but have grown on me. Despite them eating all my Coris (which I thought they were too small to do), I have really taken a liking to them. I just have some questions. First off, planet aquaria said they grow to their tank size but judging from past experience, I dont believe that is ever true. What is their average growth rate and max size? Also, I know they eat anything, but is there a preferential diet? And third, due to their overall large size, has anybody had success sexing and breeding them i captivity?

 

[wednesday13]

There bred in captivity for aquaculture, stocking in their native waters and the fish trade. Usually grow 12"-24" in the first year if not larger even in aquaria. They slow down around 30" but will continue to grow as they age. I had a 30"er at 4 yrs old and have seen larger and older albino channel cats in person many times, so around 30" in captivity is what u should be expecting. Yes, they will eat anything they can fit in their mouth. Mine have always accepted any kind of food, pellets to cut fish. Very hardy species, they live in some of the most unsuitable waterways across the u.s.
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[thebiggerthebetter]

I agree with all Wednesday said above.

Recently I bought four of what I am ninety percent certain are albino Ictalurus punctatus.
*** Post some pics, please, so we know with better surety.

... First off, planet aquaria said they grow to their tank size but judging from past experience, I dont believe that is ever true.
*** I agree. I'd never return to such a website that suggests such a cruel, inhumane fish-keeping practice.

What is their average growth rate and max size?
*** Starting from ~3": 1'-1.5' in year 1, ~2' in 2 years, ~2.5' (~15 lbs) in 3 years. May reach 3'-3.5' in 5-10 years.

Also, I know they eat anything, but is there a preferential diet?
*** Pellets and/or frozen aquatic foods are a good staple. Supplement with any other foods appropriate for a fish

And third, due to their overall large size, has anybody had success sexing
*** It does not look like sexing is known for these: http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=6

and breeding them i captivity?
*** #1 farmed food fish in the US, gaining ~0.5 lb of weight per 1 lb of feed early on. I don't think they will do it in a tank but they do it naturally in almost any substantial pond (e.g., 50'x50'x10')

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Very hardy species, they live in some of the most unsuitable waterways across the u.s.

Also Canada and Mexico.

 

[divemaster99]

They grow about 1" per month for their first year then slow slightly down. They really start to slow down after hitting 18" and even slower after 24" but if taken care of correctly and given enough years they'll get over 36" as a max size. They're definitely my number one dream fish I just don't have a big enough tank for an adult.