Minimum tank size for Electric Catfish

BruceW · Post by **BruceW** » 27 Jan 2004, 20:40

I am purchasing a 2" electric catfish. I currently have a suitable, 29 gallon aquarium, set up. Can I please get advice on a future, comfortable tank size? The fish will be housed by itself.
Thank-you,

Post by **Silurus** » 27 Jan 2004, 20:49

It really depends on the species you get (max sizes differ considerably). To be on the safe side, I would say at least 100 gallons (that's for the biggest species).

BruceW · Post by **BruceW** » 27 Jan 2004, 20:58

Thanks,
It's difficult to get anymore descriptors from my LFS. His Florida supplier sends him a weekly price list which he showed to me. On it was 'electric catfish' for his cost of $18.00 (Canadian) so I grabbed it at that price. Normally he increases the price by 3X, which is probably common, across the board for LFS's. Once settled, I'll post a digtital image, for identification.
Chris

Post by **Silurus** » 27 Jan 2004, 21:06

They're actually fairly difficult to identify accurately from a picture. I haven't seen any larger than 24", even in public aquaria (but then, I haven't been to many public aquaria).

Post by **Dinyar** » 27 Jan 2004, 22:12

My impression (based on limited experience) is that most of the e-cats in the hobby belong to the larger species, but few live out their full lives in an aquarium. In a year or so, your fish will probably outgrow your 29 gallon. Silurus' estimate of a 100 gal to maintain an adult e-cat makes sense to me. These ARE extremely interesting fish, but you may want to think carefully before making a commitment to a fish that gets big, needs to be kept alone and will live for at least 20 years. You won't find a lot of public aquaria wiling to take it off your hands.

Dinyar