He has cleared up that the he was looking up the shovelnoses because he was getting mixed research on them, and was therefore curious as to the truth. Apparently he's found everything from statements of them topping out at 10'' to reaching lengths of 60''.
But now I'm curious. lol.
Amanda, 1) what do you consider "too large for aquariums" and 2) what max size did you find for them?
Yep they stay smaller in home tanks around 3', while they get larger in the wild.
Heres a couple pics found with a quick google search.
The max I've found for a Lima Shovelnose is 18'', which isn't a huge deal considering he's willing to save up to build or buy a custom tank. We're aware that the shovelnoses are generally some of the biggest aquarium cats. If someone can find me something stating otherwise, I'll gladly pass it on to him.
Featherfin catfish are awsome and get between 8 to 10 inches
Thanks. He's got them on a maybe list.
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What's the bioload on some of these cats we've been discussing, anyways? No good for him to buy everything then wind up with a tankful of scum and algae, afterall.
The raphael is really clean. He is one of the cleanest cats after they cory...
show him this vid, this is their full size and can show how active they are:
Thanks so much for the help and opinions everyone!
He's got it down to two candidates. It's a race between the Lima (not tiger!) Shovelnose and some really ugly looking cat I didn't catch the name of. lol. But seriously, the latter is UGLY, there's no other word for it.
However he's very intrigued by the Raphael's that Tony suggested, and has officially fallen for them. He still wants his monster catfish for a tank by itself, but has become quite interested in setting up a tank of Raphael's with perhaps one or two other species of fish in there once he's set up the Lima or UGLY's tank. (I swear the fish was the worst looking aquarium catfish I've ever seen. lol!)
So, onto Raphael's, he's got a few questions he'll be researching later tonight, but suggested I put to you anyways.
1. What are the differences between a striped and spotted?
2. What tankmates do you think would look good/be compatible with Raphael's?
3. Do Raphael's mind having other Raphael's in their tank?
4. Are stripeds compatible with spotteds?
Thanks so much. You've all been a big help and saved us a lot of time. =D
I consider anything over 2" really not suitable for a normal aquarium.
If you have 200+ gal. the fish would survive. But to truly thrive, I think fish that size need 300+ gal. and most people are not willing to spend the money for a tank that size. A fish that is considered a "tank buster" should not be kept in a home tank. This is just my opinion of course.
Spotted's are the same fish only with different coloration.
Raphaels are really peaceful, but if you are gonna get other fish to keep him with, i would suggest something that's big enough to not fit into it's mouth.
Raphael's come out more if there is more than 1 raphael in the tnak. They sometimes spend time together.
stripes and spotted can be kept together
oooh! one last thing, make sure your friend's careful when handling them. They have serrated fins that are really painful!
also, dont use a net to catch him, use a bowl...
the fins get caught on the net and its really stressful to them
I consider anything over 2" really not suitable for a normal aquarium.
If you have 200+ gal. the fish would survive. But to truly thrive, I think fish that size need 300+ gal. and most people are not willing to spend the money for a tank that size. A fish that is considered a "tank buster" should not be kept in a home tank. This is just my opinion of course.
I did say that he was looking for a monster, and was willing to do pretty much anything as long as it didn't need a 1000+. I said that quite honestly. His heart has been set on having a large catfish since he was young. He's very willing to do this set-up as slowly as it takes for him to get enough money, cycle, etc. His tentative plan for the Lima or Ugly's tank is L: 8' W: 3' H: 2', and he's already considering expanding that plan so that the tank is almost wall-to-wall. Don't worry, it's not like he's going to put it in a 55 gal in his living room. With all that space to itself it will probably have a better life than most of the same species in the aquarium trade.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony G.
Spotted's are the same fish only with different coloration.
Raphaels are really peaceful, but if you are gonna get other fish to keep him with, i would suggest something that's big enough to not fit into it's mouth.
Raphael's come out more if there is more than 1 raphael in the tnak. They sometimes spend time together.
stripes and spotted can be kept together
oooh! one last thing, make sure your friend's careful when handling them. They have serrated fins that are really painful!
also, dont use a net to catch him, use a bowl...
the fins get caught on the net and its really stressful to them
Do you know the pain from experience? lol
Thanks for the help, Tony.
Sorubim Lima (Shovelose)
L: 108''
H: 24''
W: 36'' About 400 gallons.
Sand substrate. Grasslike in appearace plants on both ends. Rock or wood formations in the center with some clear swimming space. Floating plants over 1/3 of the tank.
Due to mixed reviews on the matter from research he will be attempting to house two in the tank, but will line up possible homes just in case they do beat on each other severely.
Striped Raphael
About 100 gallons. One of the petstores near him always keeps at least 1 big tank (75 or more) in stock, so whatever they have once he starts on the Raphael tank.
Again, sandy. A few leafy plants but mainly driftwood decoration.
Two Raphaels, a 6 fish school of 3''+ cories and more if no problems arise.
Anyone see any major flaws in his plans?
Will take him a bit longer to raise up all the money he wants for the custom tank, and then longer after that for the Raphael tank, but he's very happy with his plans, set on it, and determined. Not to mention thankful for everyone's help, especially Tony's, as we didn't hear of the Raphael's before.
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