Those blue dyed catfishes

robotron · Post by **robotron** » 13 May 2003, 02:36

Okay,what are those catfish that are available now that are dyed blue?They look like pelagic Asian cats(Ompok,Kryptopterus).How large do they grow?Does the dye eventually fade out?I don't like to encourage the practice of dying fish,but if these fish might otherwise work out....

Post by **Silurus** » 13 May 2003, 02:38

Are you referring to K. cryptopterus? These are naturally a bluish color, not dyed (check the pic in the Cat-eLog). The strange thing is that people have been dying them orange.

Post by **Dinyar** » 13 May 2003, 12:55

In NYC I often see them dyed baby blue and pink.

Dinyar

robotron · Post by **robotron** » 13 May 2003, 19:19

That''s it.K.Cryptopterus.I have a 55 with 5 spanner barbs,1 Crossocheilus Siamensis,1 Mystus Leucophasus,and a Botia Helodes loach.I wonder if this tank could house a group of the Cryptopterus also.They body looks alot like the Ompok I used to have.

Post by **Silurus** » 13 May 2003, 19:28

The leucophasis might beat up the other fishes. A 55-gallon could house a group, but only just. They grow larger than the average glass cats, though and therefore need much more swimming room.

robotron · Post by **robotron** » 13 May 2003, 23:51

I went and looked at them again today.They were being sold as "Blue Ompok",but they're definitely the K.Cryptopterus. The Mystus does not appear to be growing anymore.It's now at about 7" TL and it doesn't harm any of the other fish.The barbs are pretty chunky,the Siamensis is okay somehow.The loach seems to wanna instigate trouble with the Mystus.Yesterday it was making forays into the Mystus' hole!The loach is only half it's size.I do worry about the K.Cryptopterus with the Mystus though.Wouldn't the Cryptopterus pelagic nature protect them?Thanks again.The proprieter said he'd give me a deal if I bought the whole group of six.

Post by **Silurus** » 14 May 2003, 00:38

The Kryptopterus may be pelagic, but they favor hovering nearer the substrate (amidst vegetation) during the day. That's when the Mystus can get at them. I've also found Asian upside downs to be somewhat unpredictable. Mine has gotten used to the present tankmates and gets along reasonably well (minor altercations aside). However, it is downright nasty to newcomers.
You will also have to bear in mind that these Kryptopterus will reach about 8" or so in length fully grown.