So you want to keep a RTC (Red Tailed Catfish)?

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sorry , I'm not one of those people who put animals or fish over humans.. As i stated in my comment I don't have a problem with these fish being collected and sold since it provides a means of living for many people.. have you ever been to a fish market in south america? you will see plenty of RTC's for sale..
Yes, the problem i have is people who try to pawn them off on others when they get too big! rescues are easy way outs for people who buy them(i'm guilty too cause i've adopted 3 RTC's). make a person have to kill the fish themselves or eat it! guarantee they wouldn't buy another one then.
 
True they do get big but not as exagerrated as posted. Mines 18" and a year and half in a 135g. Quite happy, true it will outgrow me but so what... its a fun to feed fish, active and aggressive and if fed can cohabitate with o ther smaller fish. I feed mine smelt and anchovies that cost 3.00 a 2lb bag that lasts a couple of weeks at least and is worth the intertainment. Never seen a five footer as some would lie about to deter people. The world record is 5 foot. In a large tank or pond maybe 3 foot but not for at least 2 years unless you power fed it and I'm sure sex would have a factor as well.They get big quick then slow down like many other fish.. So if you want a cool fish that grows fast and gets big then go get one. Just know that the fish will be happier in a larger aquarium. After all these ones we get are breed and not wild so they do not know the diffrence, if they get fed they will be happy and its your choice to do as you will.
 
mfkRuss said:
True they do get big but not as exagerrated as posted. Mines 18" and a year and half in a 135g. Quite happy, true it will outgrow me but so what...
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It's already outgrown your tank.
mfkRuss said:
its a fun to feed fish, active and aggressive and if fed can cohabitate with o ther smaller fish.
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With varying results. Not every fish will get eaten but it's not at all uncommon.
mfkRuss said:
I feed mine smelt and anchovies that cost 3.00 a 2lb bag that lasts a couple of weeks at least and is worth the intertainment.
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Depending on the species, smelt are likely an unhealthy staple and anchovies most certainly are.
mfkRuss said:
Never seen a five footer as some would lie about to deter people. The world record is 5 foot.
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It's the potential size, certainly unlikely in a tank or pond but 4' is likely if properly cared for.
mfkRuss said:
In a large tank or pond maybe 3 foot but not for at least 2 years unless you power fed it and I'm sure sex would have a factor as well.
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Since one can't tell males from females, sex being a factor really doesn't matter. One should be prepared for the potential size.
mfkRuss said:
They get big quick then slow down like many other fish..
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They slow down in lengthwise growth at around 24" and start getting bulkier. When the fish reaches 24" it will be approximately 2.5x the mass of your fish at 18" and will be approximately 11x its current mass if it ever reaches 36"
mfkRuss said:
So if you want a cool fish that grows fast and gets big then go get one. Just know that the fish will be happier in a larger aquarium. After all these ones we get are breed and not wild so they do not know the diffrence, if they get fed they will be happy and its your choice to do as you will.
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Being captive bred or wild caught makes no difference in the fish's "happiness" in a small tank Big fish need big footprint tanks or ponds. True, It's your choice to care for your fish poorly if you like but recommending it to others is irresponsible.
 
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Guys, in a 165 gallon... how long can I keep a RTC from juvie size,2-3 inches before I need to move him to an indoor pond or something?
 
Aw3s0m3 is right on the money, plus it'll start eating anything that will remotely fit in it's mouth. Mine would eat it's tankmates and then throw them back up. They were another redtail, 2 iridescent sharks (they would play possum when scared), a jd, a green sunfish and almost a snakehead.
 
Yes I still want one but wont buy one as I can never house one. I also couldn't afford to feed it.
 
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