Catfish Breeders in USA?

sharond444 · Post by **sharond444** » 29 Apr 2007, 18:42

Hi - I'm a new member. Seems like you have a very diverse group of members worldwide.

Have a 70 gal tank and am looking for "Megalechis thoracata". Noticed breeders in other countries, but wonder if any of you breed them in the USA. Found a place in Florida but shipping would be almost $100 - ouch!!

The tank also has 3 clown loaches and wonder what else I could put in there for middle to top range. My husband likes high-fin black skirt tetra. Anyone know if they would be compatible?

Thanks for your advice.

Sharon D.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 30 Apr 2007, 11:55

I'm pretty sure that you would be able to find M. thoracata at a good price fairly locally. However, they are probably sold under their slightly older name of Hoplosternum thoracata or some other Hoplosternum name.

M. thoracata are great community fish - only problem is that they eat ANYTHING (which isn't really a problem as such, but can be if you have other fish that are "slow feeders"), and the ones I have have grown from little 2" ones to at least 3.5" since some time before Christmas. THey are constantly active, and although they are bottom-fish, it's hardly unusual to see them around the top [not to mention swimming with part of their head OUT OF THE WATER when it's feeding time - despite me using Tetra Bits/Prima sinking granules!]. They go fine with smaller fish as long as they aren't TOO small - these fish haven't got a very large mouth, but anything that fits in the mouth WILL go in there if it's not fast!

I'm pretty sure clown loaches are fine with most varieties of Tetras too, so I think you can get your high-fin balck skirt tetra if that's what you want.

--
Mats

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 30 Apr 2007, 12:43

Sharon,
Do you belong to any local fish clubs? Sometimes folks in local fish clubs have friends of friends. Local fish clubs also have auctions. I've also gotten species I never dreamed of! If there aren't any local clubs in your area, why not start one?

Amanda

sharond444 · Post by **sharond444** » 30 Apr 2007, 16:48

A pet store in the Phoenix area (about 90 miles from my home) is looking for them for me but don't know if they will be successful. Few aquarium societies other than cichlids and pond fish. Apparently not a lot of people in USA have them. I am determined to find them!! Thanks for your responses.

Sharon D.

apistomaster · Post by **apistomaster** » 30 Apr 2007, 17:57

bronzefry wrote:Sharon,
Do you belong to any local fish clubs? Sometimes folks in local fish clubs have friends of friends. Local fish clubs also have auctions. I've also gotten species I never dreamed of! If there aren't any local clubs in your area, why not start one?
Amanda

This a common difficulty for us fish keepers out West who also live in rural areas. The distances are vast, population density so low.
Thank goodness for the www. It has helped cut things down to size somewhat but it can still be a challenge sometimes.

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 04 May 2007, 12:34

Larry,
I know I am fortunate to live in an area with the best of both worlds. A short drive to nothingness and another short drive to everything.
Amanda