When to move my Goonch?

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Egon

Egon

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Jul 4, 2007
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Tempe AZ
Question for experienced Goonch keepers: I have a Goonch cat (B. yarrelli) in a 125 grow out, water temps 74. I got him at about 6" and it was a typical little catfish, always hiding, eating what ever drifted into its cave but never ventured far from a good hiding spot. The plan is to slowly grow out the fish in its fast moving cold water tank. Then when large enough move the fish to my 450 predator/comm tank.

Now: The fish is about 14 inches and not staying inside the cave anymore. There has been a shift in its behavior indicating to me the fish is moving to a more “adult” hunter role than an opportunistic “baby” scavenger roll, but I still don’t know, at only 14”??? Also there’s less African Cichlids in the tank and they are all bunched up and acting scared (I hate African Cichlids hehe)

The 450: Water temps 79. T gar, black aro, a few bala’s, A couple smaller pikes, AUL, a fat Niger cat, and a RTGG. Nothing would hurt the Goonch especially if introduced at night with the lights off so it could find a good hiding spot.

So what do you guys think? Move the Goonch or wait? I can keep it in the 125 grow out another year maybe until it’s 18” or so, but I spend more time in front of the 450 (different room). It’s also closer to the beer. Maybe I just put a fridge in the fish room????

Thanks for any info………
 
Hey Egon.

14" Goonch, nice one :headbang2

Personally I wouldn't move the Goonch until it was 18" as suggested in your mail. Better to be safe than sorry.

I'd also be concerned about the higher Temp in the 450G @ 79 degrees.
As Im sure you know Goonch prefer cooler waters around the 68-72 mark and there is evidence to suggest that keeping them @ higher Temps for long periods can shorthen their life span.
Mine are kept at 71 & 76 (which i think is too high but it's only temporary)

Got any pictures of the beast?
 
redtailrob;4654819; said:
Hey Egon.

14" Goonch, nice one :headbang2

Personally I wouldn't move the Goonch until it was 18" as suggested in your mail. Better to be safe than sorry.

I'd also be concerned about the higher Temp in the 450G @ 79 degrees.
As Im sure you know Goonch prefer cooler waters around the 68-72 mark and there is evidence to suggest that keeping them @ higher Temps for long periods can shorthen their life span.
Mine are kept at 71 & 76 (which i think is too high but it's only temporary)

Got any pictures of the beast?
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I thought a lot of people were keeping Goonches in warmer water when they get bigger? Good tip, maybe I wait and revisit in a year.
Pics: I'm away on a long business trip, I'll post some pics when I get home. Thanks for the info!
 
Tom Pecanic;4656155; said:
We want pics!! We want pics!! Lol... Goonches are saaaaaaweeet!! Glad to hear one is in Az....
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I'm just south of you in Tempe Warner/McClintock. PM me, you can come down and see it in person. Same for anyone else in AZ.
 
Hey John, just wanted two throw my two cents in on this one. I would not move him over yet man, let him get a good attitude about being the "first" in line when it is feeding time so he does not get bullied out of the way. We both know who the piggies in your tanks are lol. I would let the Goonch get some size and aggression on him before having to compete for food as opposed to just having it there at his leisure.
 
i would worry more about the other fish if you move it. they are known to rip chunks out of bigger fish. and when it is a monster your fish are dinner
 
What happens AFTER the 450 ? They grow to over 6' ....

These are a species only tank type fish and should be kept alone and it massive current.
 
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