mah new snail

[smh2001]

i just got a snail for my catfish! it is a baby yellow bullhead about 2 inches long and the snail is about the same size. i got some aquion shripm pellets for the catfish and it likes them. the snail does too, but i was wondering, do any of you experienced catfish keepers know if i should feed them more?

[nvcichlids]

your bullhead will eat the snail.

[smh2001]

the snail is bigger than the fish. and its a baby bullhead, too.

[nvcichlids]

That doesn't matter, the bullhead will eat the snail. you could have a 10" snail and the bullhead will find a way to eat it.

[smh2001]

yellow bullheads are not aggressive. he hides most of the day! and how would a baby fish kill a snail that has a big shell?
mabe you are thinking of a different cat?

[KungFish]

I agree with nvcichlids. Snails are a part of the yellow bullhead's natural diet, so the fish will probably attempt to eat it.

[nvcichlids]

I am not. I currently keep tadpole madtoms and found a total of 4 fry from my pair. The tadpole madtom is a smaller relative of the yellow bullhead. Once the snails flesh is exposed, the catfish could easily start picking on it to the point of it dying.

Just as a point against the size reference. Humans can die from viruses/bacteria, and think of the size difference there.

BTW, from personal experience, I have had bullheads destroy tanks of pond snails. I have also had tiny cichlids (under 1") pick on snails mantella (I think that is the term for hte fleshy foot) to the point where the snail died, then they finished it off.

Just trying to give the warning.

[smh2001]

ok. i'll keep that in mind. thanks

[Atmichaels]

But back to the op's original question on feeding- I would check out the species page here

Ameiurus natalis

which has some good info on what they eat in the wild.