Feeding up new milky way cats - tatia galaxias

[ali12345]

Hi,
just bought 2 of these from the lfs and they are underweight as they were unable to feed properly because of competition. My midnight/zamora cats seem to thrive on nothing much except a few catfish pellets but I want to make sure the new ones get some much needed food.
Any ideas?
Alison

[Marc van Arc]

Hi Alison,
As they will mainly get their food from the surface, bloodworms and flakes will get them on weight again pretty quickly. Feed when dark to avoid extra competition.
Btw: are they a pair?

[ali12345]

Hi,
I have no idea if they are a pair. I am tempted to go back and get the other one/ ones in the shop too. I was put off by the £10 price tag but in the end he reduced the price so I would have taken more. They will have to compete with 5 hoplo cats and 15 rasboras. Maybe I'll try various foods tonight. I already have one intermedia and I didn't see him for so long I only realised he wasn't a zamora cat a few months ago when he started coming out at night. The zamoras come out as soon as night falls.
Alison

[Marc van Arc]

Like all Auchenipterids, male T. galaxias develop a modified anal fin, which is used for internal fertilization.
About food competition: the Rasboras will hardly eat in the dark, so only the Hoplos are in competition. That should be no problem, as long as you feed sufficiently.

[ali12345]

Hi Marc,
thanks, when I see the again I will try and have a closer look. They are only 3" at the moment = are they sexable then?
Alison

[Marc van Arc]

With an SL (standard length) of 3.5" I would say yes. They may just grow another inch or so to reach their TL (total length, which includes the tail, as opposed to SL).
See

Tatia galaxias

.

[ali12345]

I'm pleased to say that they are feeding well and beginning to fill out a little.
Alison

[Marc van Arc]

That's good to hear. They're pretty hardy, but still...
Would you like to reply in the Which Auchenipterids thread?
Thanks.