First catfish...Hara jerdoni

[waldo5310, posts: 6]

Bob's tropical plants has the Hara jerdoni for $3 a piece. I have a 15 gallon so I need something small. I have other 3/4 to 1.5 inch non aggressive fish plus cherry shrimp. Would this make a good first catfish? If so how many should I get? I was thinking 3. I have 12 other fish...average 1 inch a piece at adult size. Tanks is heavily planted. Thanks

[racoll, posts: 4473]

Would this make a good first catfish?

I keep these fish, but I would say no, not ideal as a first catfish. The problem is that they are tricky to feed. They won't eat flake or dried foods, and really require live foods, or at least a wide selection of frozen. I'm not sure just frozen bloodworms is enough. Corydoras would certainly be easier in this respect.

If so how many should I get?

I don't think it matters. They don't seem to require each other's company, but obviously breeding them would be easier with more. Half a dozen would be a good number.

Tanks is heavily planted.

They appreciate cover, and will be happy among the plants. A sand substrate is important, as is coolish water (21-25C).

P.S. might be worth moving the post to the correct section (Asian Catfishes).

[waldo5310, posts: 6]

racoll - Thanks for all the information...

I already do feed a wide variety of frozen food (blood worms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, cyclops, etc)...will that be enough...or do I need live food?

I don't have sand today but could add it...would the entire bottom need to be sand or just part of it?

Thanks!!

[racoll, posts: 4473]

I already do feed a wide variety of frozen food (blood worms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, cyclops, etc)...will that be enough...or do I need live food?

Live is obviously better, but that should be okay. Bear in mind they have very small mouths.

I don't have sand today but could add it...would the entire bottom need to be sand or just part of it?

Sand and leaf litter substrate is best for this fish, and I wouldn't keep them on gravel, but I'm sure others have.

[The.Dark.One, posts: 1438]

I agree with racoll. They can be tricky to keep long term because of their small mouths/need of small 'live' food and they can also be tricky if the water gets too warm.

I wouldnt choose them as your first catfish.

[waldo5310, posts: 6]

Thanks for all your help. Going to pass on them and get some kinf of dwarf Cory instead. Now I just need to find them. Any ideas? My LFS can't get them.