PlanetCatfish.com

Hi all,

New to the group here. Just purchased 3 of these cat fish called Sun Cats. Got them home and they are really great. Lots of fun and personality. I just found out, after the fact of course, that these may get to be as big as 18 inches. I also learned that they may eat other fish. I found this out when one of my guppies turned up missing. Can someone please dispell any rumors on these and maybe give me some tips on them. I have a 30 gallon tank with two other cats, not sure what kind they are but they are small with a kind of trunk instead of a nose. I also have two large Angels, some Mollies and guppies. Thanks to all who can help!!

JD

They are fairly easy catfish to keep. Not too fussy eaters, and good neighbors with most mid- to large-sized fish. However, they WILL eat small fishes, so the mollies and guppies have to go.
Almost all of the info pertaining to H. nigricollaris also applies to this species.

Though 18" may be unusual in an aquarium, they can quickly reach a foot or so. And if they're hungry enough, they may make snacks of their tank mates. Not to mention that even one will outgrow your 30 gal within a year, let alone three. If taking it back to the LFS is an option, it may be something worth considering.

Dinyar

Thanks for the replies. Great info. On the subject of snacking on smaller fish, is it ok to give them these fish as a treat? I don't want to sound barbaric, but would it be ok to put say a few neon tetras in there for them to snack on? Wouls I run the risk of them only wanting to feed on live food then? Just a question as I am fascinated with these fish and have many questions.

Thanks,

Jay

would it be ok to put say a few neon tetras in there for them to snack on?

Sure it would, but neon tetras are an expensive snack, don't you think?

Would I run the risk of them only wanting to feed on live food then?

No. But they don't really require live fishes as food and can get by without then.

6 for$5 is not too bad.. Thanks for the insight!!

J

jduva2000 wrote:maybe give me some tips on them

As they grow they may not tolerate each other well. If they fight constantly you might have to re-house some.