Channel Catfish living

[ReaRea]

My dad went fishing yesterday and caught some catfish. He gave me the smallest one he had (12 inches) and now it's in my 30gal tank. He swims around a lot at night.
Q1) Is there any way I can tell if it's male or female?
Q2) How long before he's too bing and I have to take him down to the creek and let him go?

 

[Dangerdoll]

Not sure what the differences are between male and female but I do know that 12" is already a bit big for a 30 gallon. Beware that if there are any fish buddies in the tank with him, they will soon be history as channel cats will eat anything that can fit into their mouths.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Let him go now..he's way too big for a 30g tank. I wouldn't even keep a channel cat in anything less than 100g.

 

[Mantis_22]

Slappy is right on that, i have kept native fish in my tanks before and they just either outgrow or get too agressive knowing their natural instincts... Just go to the pet store and get some channel cats or pictus. lol

 

[Zack]

Deffinately dont let him go, never let a fish that has been kept in captivity go no matter how long theyve been in your tank. If you tank has had tropical fish or any other none native fish they bring none native deseases and parasites and you channle will get these on/in him and when you let him go he will spread them to other fish, either get a bigger tank or kindly kill him. By the way they get over four feet long so nothing under three hundred gallons ill do for a full grown specimen, they do however grow slow and a 100 gallon would last him up to three years. Good luck.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

If it were me, I'd skin him and throw him in a frying pan.

 

[Mantis_22]

good eatin