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I picked up a melanistic RTC not too long ago. Looks like a regular RTC except that this fellow has a lot more black, even the 'whiskers' are black.

Was wondering if there are others here who might have kept a similar melanistic RTC. Does the black remain as the fish gets bigger.

This fellow is about 6" at the moment.

hey NickTC
No experience of the melanistic form of RTC Im afraid but I would assume that although there may be some colour change the majority will stay.
Have got to say WOW what a stunning fish

Melanism is similar to albinism, so one would expect that it will stay that way (some colour change may happen, but it will remain much darker than a "normal" coloured fish - there are plenty of other species of fish that have a "black form", and they remain black throughout their life).

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Mats

Must echo RedTailRob. Never ever seen one yet, which makes me wonder how unique this fish is... and also how expensive. As you may well know, amelanistic/leucistic RTCs go for thousands of $$$. Called platinum RTC. Yours is a beautiful fish, but then I am a sucker for anything unusual. Please take best care of the lil' guy and keep posting pics as he grows! That'd be the most valuable and interesting info.

Thank you for the input.

Here's a picture taken last night, 02 Oct 2011.

I'm fighting so strong against this RTC dream for my 10'000 liters ! and here someone comes again with a wonderful fish in picture...


No, I won't buy a RTC (even if it would be melanistic )

not responsible for my other fishes in this tank...

but how hard it is to stay realistic these days

ElTofi, I think, whilst your pond is very nice size, it's a bit small for a fully grown RTC.

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Mats

totally agreed I know it from (almost) the start... and it's available for Pseudoplatystoma too... Even if I know a few people with RTC in smaller tanks... But I don't want to do that ...

But still... I have to repeat to myself (several times a week) the totally good arguments : too big, too voracious, too unreasonable