When Do RTC get RED/RTC update!

[mattstevens1]

Bought my RTC about 2 months ago he was around 2 inches or so. now he is around 6 inches. Now I've red they are supposed to start getting there red tail around 5 inches or so. Is there something with mine? I heard another thing to do is to pack there food out with paprika. is this bad for the fish? Would rather him get it naturally then hurt him and make him look nicer


The first one is when i first got him. the second one is a month or so later. and the last two are from today. This is all in the span of about 8-10 weeks! thank you

 

[ColeFishing]

i thought it was around 8" or so. looks a little red to me in the last few pics. do you have any in-tank pics?

 

[houie925]

Don't worry, it'll color up. Agreed on 8" being about when the red really starts showing. make sure he gets some shrimp or crays with shells on and it'll be bright red in no time.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[brutonsbrew]

Get it eating frozen krill

 

[mattstevens1]

alright i'll try out the krill!

 

[follen]

The one I just sold was very dark till as said about 8" then the blood red started to show.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

I'd not worry much about this. Normally it is rarely bright red, usually some shade of red/orange/brown. Shells of crusteaceans contain the needed pigment.

It appears paprika is harmless (no overdose of course): page three of this thread may be useful http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...n-my-Red-Tail-Catfish/page3&highlight=paprika

and this one too:

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...Vibrant-colors-on-your-fish&highlight=paprika

 

[bassguy]

I feed mine raw unshelled market prawns. It might help if you quit taking him out of the tank to measure him too, just put a ruler in front of the tank.

 

[Mayo]

I feed mine raw unshelled market prawns. It might help if you quit taking him out of the tank to measure him too, just put a ruler in front of the tank.

i do the same, mines on diet of unshelled prawns and massivore. Also agree with stop taking him out of the tank all the time, causes stress = no colour

 

[Chicxulub]

My sister has a RTC that had a vivid red tail when she brought it home at 2".