Vulture “Motta” Catfish- tiny- any info?

[LimaShovelnoseSaltwater92]

saw this at my LFS (yes, another). Wondering if anyone has any info on it. It is only about 1” and is called a vulture Motta. Here are some pictures. Size- care- aggression- anything appreciated . Thank you
thebiggerthebetter Renegade Aquatics

 

[Glenn238]

they are native too South America they top out at 17 inches I believe and will eat anything and everything they grow into a really nice looks fish

***Looking

 

[Renegade Aquatics]

I'm pretty sure its a really small Calophysus macropterus (vulture catfish)
I'm sure TBTB will be able to tell you more as he keeps them as far as I know

 

[J. H.]

J jaws7777 has one. It is somewhat aggressive and very predatory. It is active, playful and pretty, though.

 

[kno4te]

Can get 18in-19in. Opportunistic scavengers but not predatory. Will eat most foods offered. Not aggressive but no tankmates that are easily bullied and too small to become a meal. Active during the day usually. Need a tank Atleast 6x2x2 minimum. Wait for the other to give some input.

 

[moe214]

Agree with others. Only thing I’ll add, while rare, they do grow over 20”. Search vulture catfish on here and you’ll find some. Think the largest was 22-23”

 

[kno4te]

Agree with others. Only thing I’ll add, while rare, they do grow over 20”. Search vulture catfish on here and you’ll find some. Think the largest was 22-23”

Probably. I believe wes posted on his sale list it’ll hit 24in. Unless I’m thinking of another catfish.

 

[moe214]

Probably. I believe wes posted on his sale list it’ll hit 24in. Unless I’m thinking of another catfish.

Yea, just takes awhile is all but they’ll get there. Because of this I’d suggest more width than 2’ inevitably. I’m more conservative than tbtb though lol. 30” if you ask me may suffice without much decor. He may suggest 3-4’, maybe rightfully so with their activity.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

We all draw on our experience. Having kept fish in larger tanks versus smaller gives a different perspective. Bigger is better

Never seen them this tiny yet! Thank you for these photos very much. IIRC Motta is just a vernacular name for this catfish.

I'd not call them predatory, agreeing with Ron. Yet they have their quirks. I describe what I have seen in mine in their thread: https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/...0-2-year-old-in-4500-gal.680573/#post-7654294

 

[J. H.]

J jaws7777 's vulture thread:
https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/vulture-catfish.697185/