Lesson learned, the hard way

[abominus]

I added this 10 inch walking catfish to my predator pond since it was bothering my aro a lot. The catfish was fine for two days until this happened. My snakehead did this . Now I know they really are ravenous killing machines.
Disclaimer: this image may contain graphic content
RIP pinky!

 

[Milingu]

New fish in a snake head's established territory is already a big problem and in combination with the same body shape it was a sure death sentence.

 

[abominus]

New fish in a snake head's established territory is already a big problem and in combination with the same body shape it was a sure death sentence.

yeah i should have known better. It has also attacked a florida gar in the past as well. Strang thing is, it has never attacked my much smaller Midevil, which is 6 inches. Maybe it only shows aggression to similar shaped fish like you mentioned?

Anyways, i am considering giving it away, since it may attack my other fish in the future, once it gets bigger.

 

[Milingu]

Maybe it only shows aggression to similar shaped fish like you mentioned?

I would cut the "only" from that. They are also known to show aggression to most silver fishes like big barbs etc. The only chance to keep it with other fish is to let it grow up with them and don't add anything. But this is just a chance not a guarantee.

 

[duanes]

Agree with Milingu
Once established, adding any new fish to a pond or tank with any territorial species is a risky proposition.
Many fish establish a hierarchy from the get go with each other, and will live in detente within its perceived, and often imaginary boundary for years, even though you might perceive them as potential adversaries.
But
Adding a new face, and all hell can break lose even in a well established system

 

[Midwater]

I love communities. But it is a difficult balance. I think we have all made mistakes.

 

[abominus]

Agree with Milingu
Once established, adding any new fish to a pond or tank with any territorial species is a risky proposition.
Many fish establish a hierarchy from the get go with each other, and will live in detente within its perceived, and often imaginary boundary for years, even though you might perceive them as potential adversaries.
But
Adding a new face, and all hell can break lose even in a well established system

Judging by the info you mentioned, maybe that's the reason why the snakehead didn't bother the new midevil, because there was already a Midevil which grew up with it. So the snakehead must be considering them the same fish.

I love communities. But it is a difficult balance. I think we have all made mistakes.

I agree, my mix was always considered strange. I am still surprised its been more than 4 months that my community has been running.
However i am considering giving away the Channa due to its unpredictable nature

Any suggestions?

 

[tlindsey]

I love communities. But it is a difficult balance. I think we have all made mistakes.

Yes I've made several nobody is perfect.

 

[tlindsey]

I

I would cut the "only" from that. They are also known to show aggression to most silver fishes like big barbs etc. The only chance to keep it with other fish is to let it grow up with them and don't add anything. But this is just a chance not a guarantee.

Sorry for your loss.
I'm not surprised at all.

 

[abominus]

I
Sorry for your loss.
I'm not surprised at all.

Thanks tlindsey
I have made up my mind. Its going back to the LFS tomorrow, I don't wanna have it killing any other fish.
You and jjohnwm were right about them. They are killing machines