lima/elongatus in 125?

[Iamfish]

So I have recently got a 125 ( standard 72 18 21 inches) since it is the largest tank possible to get since I needed it on the second floor of my house. The Lima/Elongatus has always been one of my dream fish and was wondering since it seems like everyone agrees that the ones sold in the US on get the be 11-12 inches that I could keep one for life in a 125. Thanks in advance

[Viktor Jarikov]

Ever since I noted that a good portion of our 20 LSN has exceeded the 12" by far, I am not so sure of that supposition that almost all we get are elongatus and not lima.

I think 125 gal could be adequate for at least a couple of years but I'd advise to be by then in a position to upgrade or find a new home if the fish starts to outgrow the tank.

[Iamfish]

How fast do they grow, I don't want to keep a fish in a tank that is to small so I will probably not get one now but if they it takes like 2-3 years for them to get over 12 inches I can't imagine myself not getting multiple bigger tanks by then, so maybe in that case I will consider it.

[Bas Pels]

Many people have made the mistake of buying fish which will outgrow their current tanks, caiming to get a bigger one.

And mostly this is a genuine intention. Sometimes the money is already on the bank. But then the TV gets stolen, or the car crashed - long story short, the money is redirected to something more urgent, and the fish will have to stay in a tank too small for it.

I would say - don't buy fishes for future tanks, unless the tanks have already been ordered. During this period, of a few weeks, the arrival of the tanks is a certainty.

[Viktor Jarikov]

I think they are both sound approaches. It's a grey area IMHO and everyone's personal call. We learn best, or even I'd say go as far as to say mostly, only from personal experience.

[Iamfish]

I was thinking about maybe an ornate pim instead, anyone have experience with keeping just one?

[Viktor Jarikov]

I read of accounts of others who kept a single specimen and in their opinion the fish did ok.

I have never kept just one, so can't say. I can say that they always stick together.

[Bas Pels]

It must be some 15 years ago, that I found a mixed group of 2 Pimelodus species in a petshop. There must have been over 30 of them, and I did like them. Think the were maculatus and one from the cochui complex

Not knowing anything about them apart being American, and seeing they were around 15 cm (6 inches) I thought they did keep each others company.

I took 3 home to a 4 meters long tank (in such a tank you can afford not to know how long fish will grow) and the first they did was go to 3 different hiding places. I never saw them together again.

It seams to me like these pimelodus are solitary, unless with a lot, and perhaps the small tank in the shop also helped keeping them together.

Generally speaking, if fish stick together, they prefer to have company. Like the limia Victor wrote about.

[Iamfish]

Thanks for the help guys I acutally decided to go with one of these https://www.aqua-imports.com/shop/produ ... olyroides/
They seem like mini peaceful wyckii catfish which is awesome. Hopefully it arrives soon so I can get pics for you guys.

[Viktor Jarikov]

That'd be a first for me to see this fish. I didn't expect that. Borneo Dragon (or Rooster) Catfish (Hemibagrus olyroides).

[Iamfish]

you should get a group of them Viktor.

[Viktor Jarikov]

No, thanks! First, it's a cool fish but too small for my focus. Second, I don't think you can keep them as a group past several inches or so. Third, my tanks are maxed out as is. If you do a good job documenting your ownership, I think I will be content learning from you.

[Iamfish]

I will be sure to keep you updated Idk when the order will come, since the forecast for south east pa is still low 20s for foreseeable future