Leiarius question.

[sequoiacat]

Which would do better with 3 spotted rapheals and 3 giant rapheals, 2 koi, 1 black ghost knife, and 2 6-9 inch goldfish. in 300 gallon stock tank.

From the two leiarius species below.


Leiarius marmoratus

and /or

Leiarius pictus

or

None

[racoll]

Sadly both get massive, and neither are suitable for a 300g tank, I'm afraid.

These are active predators that need truly huge accommodation.

Most just end dying of stress and poor water quality in tanks too small.

[sequoiacat]

ok, if 300 gallon, that is 63" x 69" x 25", isn't large enough I won't get either then, didn't relize they were that active. They sound like a true predator.

[sequoiacat]

Out of Curiosity what is/are appropate size aquarium(s) for Leiarius species?

[racoll]

ok, if 300 gallon, that is 63" x 69" x 25"

Oh, I get you. Its one of these, right?



A lot better than a regular rectangular glass tank for sure, but one double that size would be better.

[MatsP]

The usual calculation for the size of the tank is 4L x 2L x 2L where L is the size of the fish. The Leiarius grow to 2-3 feet, so you will (ultimately) need a tank that is 8-12 x 4-6 x 4-6 ft. This formula is based on "average active fish" - since the Leiarius is quite active when it's hunting (which it wouldn't do all the time, these fish, when mature will hunt/eat perhaps once or twice a week - similar to large predatory mammals, e.g. lions). So, since it's a bit more active, it would probably need a bit more space than the formula says

Obviously, if you buy a tiny fish (3-5" as they are for sale in shops) it will take some time before it reaches a foot or more and the 300g tub is no longer suitable. But eventually you will need a very large tank for the fish - and suitable heating to keep it warm!

--
Mats

[Richard B]

one other thing to consider with Leiarius is that when in a tank, they often will not settle & be skittish throughout their life if their barbels are in contact with tank sides all the time - this can sort of freak them out, & you definately dont want a large 30" catfish going into a panic

[sequoiacat]

Thanks everyone, I wont get a leiarius then unil I have the proper tank size. would a stock tank with dimensions of 12 ft x 12ft x 2ft tall, be too short in height ? yes heating will be third onlist after tank size and filtration size followed by food aquistion for such a predatory cat.

[MatsP]

You certainly want the depth to be larger than the fish by some noticeable amount - and these fish reach more than 2ft in length.

Stock tanks are not really meant for holding large fish, but rather designed for holding a number of medium/small fish [if they are designed for keeping fish at all - some are meant for water for cattle and such - in which case they are obviously not really dimensioned for holding large fish - cattle farmers don't need water deep enough to drown the cattle in!].

--
Mats

[sequoiacat]

Thanks Mats