Goonch catfish!!!!

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lix.ma14

Hydrolycus Armatus
MFK Member
Jan 7, 2011
7,182
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Ontario, Canada
What is growth rate of these goonches??? i know the yarrelli grow huge but how long does it take to grow 2 feet?? i currently have a 75 gallon tank with 5 inch bichirs. How long can I house one in?? what is the ideal temp to keep both species together?? will they cohab?? i read from a goonch thread that the goonch dies easily. what do i need to do to raise them healthy?? I hear that strong current and cool water is ideal. is that true?? Are they aggresive because I want tankmates with it. Where can i get a Bagarius Bagarius or a yarrelli??

i heard that if you keep one in cold water and feed them less they won't grow as fast. Is that true??

got any pics of your goonch??
 
yeah, def a lot of questions ... firstly they like live in water about 70-75 degrees, however i've had success housing them in a tropical set-up at about 80 degrees, and others have had success as well ... lots of current is a must, especially if housing these fish in a tropical setup since i believe a strong current helps keep them cool. I have had success keeping them, but i've heard they can be difficult, and they are quite expensive ... I'd say a 75 is a good tank size for a goonch less than 15 inches. They grow fast, like most catfish, i got my first one at 7 inches, and now 3 months later is 12-13 inches. i do feed way too much cause i cant help myself, so maybe this growth rate is on the high side. Either way 1 year is probably all your gonna get as far as keeping a small goonch in a 75 before he outgrows it. He has a huge mouth, and is def a predator so i wouldnt keep anything that can fit in his mouth, although mine have never attacked another fish yet, but then again, none of my fish are small enough to fit in his mouth. Ultimately an awesome fish, but if you dont plan on getting a very large tank in a year, i would suggest not buying a yarelli. Dont have much knowledge of other species of bagarius and no practical experience. Mine are in a 220, and hopefully within the next year my true monster tank will be built to house all my boys for life. Hope this helps ...

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thanks guys. Hey djaalix, where did you get itand how much for it if i mind asking.
 
jeff rapps, 250 for a 6-7 inch goonch .... the baby one i got for 85 at 4 inches, very small

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I would also be interested in getting B. Bagarius as well. Asked jeff about both recently and never got a response. Cool water, clean water, and high flow recommended. Young ones are hardier and I think more temperature tolerant I feel

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firstly they live in water about 70-75 degrees, however i've had success housing them in a tropical set-up at about 80 degrees, and others have had success as well ... lots of current is a must, especially if housing these fish in a tropical setup since i believe a strong current helps keep them cool. I have had success keeping them, but i've heard they can be difficult, and they are quite expensive ... I'd say a 75 is a good tank size for a goonch less than 15 inches. They grow fast, like most catfish, i got my first one at 7 inches, and now 3 months later is 12-13 inches. i do feed way too much cause i cant help myself, so maybe this growth rate is on the high side. Either way 1 year is probably all your gonna get as far as keeping a small goonch in a 75 before he outgrows it. He has a huge mouth, and is def a predator so i wouldnt keep anything that can fit in his mouth, although mine have never attacked another fish yet, but then again, none of my fish are small enough to fit in his mouth. Ultimately an awesome fish, but if you dont plan on getting a very large tank in a year, i would suggest not buying a yarelli. Dont have much knowledge of other species of bagarius and no practical experience. Mine are in a 220, and hopefully within the next year my true monster tank will be built to house all my boys for life. Hope this helps ...

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I have a Goonch too. Mine is in a 210 and I use bubblers (no current). This is a temporary set up but it's been in there for one year now and has grown from 4" to 24" in the three years I've had it. I use to keep it in a 125 with two powerful canister filters moving water from the left to the right, stream like. The Goonch always stayed in the current in that set up.
I don't heat the water and keep the top open to keep the temps as cool as possible. Temperatures get to 65 in the winter and up to 80 in the summer.
 
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