View Full Version : help with fish ID
Flower1982
06-01-2008, 11:55 PM
Ok I got this fish at work tonight. He came in as an ottocinclus catfish but he's not lol. He kind of looks like an otto except that he has long whiskers. Can anyone tell me what he is? I believe he's a type of catfish I'm just not sure what kind. He's now in my 30 gallon tank. Since I put him in the tank he's been hanging out in hollow log decoration I have.
I took 2 pictures of him before I put him in the tank. In the picture he's in a small container. It was just easier to take his picture in the small container than to take his pic in the tank.
Anyway, here are 2 pictures of him. Sorry if they aren't very good.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f216/birdlover1982/catfish1.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f216/birdlover1982/catfish2.jpg
Lupin
06-02-2008, 12:03 AM
Look up Mystus, Flower. I have a feeling that is a Mystus castaneus but don't take my word for it. This is only a guess.
Flower1982
06-02-2008, 12:21 AM
Thanks Lupin. There are so many different types of Mystus catfish. I really hope he doesn't get really big. If he gets too big I can't keep him.
toddnbecka
06-02-2008, 12:36 AM
Generally speaking, long barbels indicate a predatory catfish. No indication of adult size, but it would be an active hunter rather.
BigFishKeeper
06-02-2008, 5:43 AM
Are Mystus monsters cats?
toddnbecka
06-02-2008, 12:56 PM
No, most species are under 12" max, some lesss than 3". That one will likely grow to around 6".
Flower1982
06-02-2008, 10:44 PM
So if gets about 6 inches or so....would he get too big for my 30 gallon? If so I'll either have to find him a new home once he gets too big or just get a 55 gallon later on. Would he be a threat to any of my fish when he gets bigger?
Lupin
06-03-2008, 12:38 AM
So if gets about 6 inches or so....would he get too big for my 30 gallon? If so I'll either have to find him a new home once he gets too big or just get a 55 gallon later on. Would he be a threat to any of my fish when he gets bigger?
6 inches is okay for a 30g. Most fish at that size though tend to be predatory so be very careful in selecting their tankmates. If I were you, get it a new home. In the meantime, divide the 5g for your other betta and place the others in your 30g until you get it a new home in case you have no spare tanks.
Flower1982
06-03-2008, 12:50 AM
well right now he's a little under and inch long. I was hoping to keep him for a while.... just until he got bigger. so you think I should divide the 10 gallon tank that the betta is in and keep the catfish in there? I do have an extra 10 gallon tank and a biube tank I could setup. But I don't really see the need or the space to set them up right now.
Lupin
06-03-2008, 12:51 AM
well right now he's a little under and inch long. I was hoping to keep him for a while.... just until he got bigger. so you think I should divide the 10 gallon tank that the betta is in and keep the catfish in there?
Divide the 5g for the two male bettas and then put the catfish in the 10g.:) It's temporary so no big deal there.
toddnbecka
06-03-2008, 12:55 AM
The cherry barbs and rasbora's may be on the menu at some point, depending on whether they'll fit in it's mouth.
Incidentally, what species are ruby clown cichlids?
Flower1982
06-03-2008, 12:25 PM
Lupin, I think I'd have a hard time dividing the 5 gallon tank. See it's a hexagon tank. It would probably more easier to divide the 10 gallon. Would the catfish be ok in the 30 gallon for now? He seems to be getting along with the other fish. All the other fish are either bigger than he is or about the same size as he is. How quickly will he grow?
toddnbecka, The Ruby Clown Cichlids is another name for Bolivian Rams.
BigFishKeeper
06-03-2008, 4:23 PM
No, most species are under 12" max, some lesss than 3". That one will likely grow to around 6".
Ok so there not consider monsters!
Lupin, I think I'd have a hard time dividing the 5 gallon tank. See it's a hexagon tank. It would probably more easier to divide the 10 gallon. Would the catfish be ok in the 30 gallon for now? He seems to be getting along with the other fish. All the other fish are either bigger than he is or about the same size as he is. How quickly will he grow?
It's very tricky to say how quickly it will grow considering there are plenty of factors to consider in its growth rate. Most catfishes I've raised minus the plecos though tend to grow rather quickly. Why not buy another 5g tank?
As long as that catfish is in your 30g, your other fish will be in danger. I wouldn't underestimate that fish. They tend to be smart enough to attempt eating other fish somehow.
Flower1982
06-03-2008, 10:10 PM
I do have an extra 10 gallon tank. But I may have to wait to set it up. It needs a hood, filter and heater. I don't have the money right now to buy everything I need to set it up.
Flower1982
10-10-2008, 8:49 PM
I'll be finding a home for my catfish tomorrow. He's going into work with me, where I'll put him up for adoption. (I work at a petco). I'll make sure he goes to a 30 gallon or larger. Make sure the person that takes him knows he's going to get around 6 inches long and may eat smaller fish. Would he be ok in with cichlids or should he be kept with larger community fish?