Zachary R. - 2012-07-05 Hello, I am a big fan of Red-tailed Catfish and I have been doing tons of research on them. There is a problem though, there is very little information readily available on the diseases and health concerns for Red-tails. I need an expert to answer my question, and after reading the chats and posts on your site, I think you just might be the perfect people to contact. Red-tailed Catfish have a brilliant natural resistance to disease, but I was wondering how far this can be taken. Red-tails are one of very few fish that are extremely affectionate towards their owners and other people. They love being petted and can quickly learn to be hand fed, but the question comes up after this. Most fish and other animals can contract human diseases, that we may not even know are on us. These diseases can often be very dangerous to other animals, and this is why my question happens to be: 'how much human interaction can Red-tailed Catfish handle, before it begins to negatively impact their health (assuming other thank conditions are perfect, and the people are healthy and clean) ?' I thank whoever it is who is reading this, and am hoping to hear back from you as soon as possible. Thanks again. P.S. Just to answer any unmet questions, I do not own a Red-tailed Catfish currently, but am hoping to get one in the future (so possibly 8-10 years from now, I just want to get all my research done before entering into a challenge this great). Thanks again, and sorry for writing so much. . . .writing short is something I am not very great at.
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Jeremy Roche - 2012-07-06 To start of these fish get huge and a real financial and space requirements are needed. If you are looking for a fish that quickly interacts with it's owner, the Pacu is a great choice and is more managable. To handle any fish there is risk of cross contaminating the fish. My sure hands are always well washed all the way to the elbows! Make sure there is no left over soak, perfume or cologne residue on your skin, this can harm your fish. Good luck if you give this big fish a try!
Zachary R. - 2012-07-07 Thank you Mr. Roche, your input is helpful. Sorry to say, you may be right that a Pacu would make an easier pet to handle, but my heart is truly set on getting a Red-tailed Catfish. The main reason I asked was that large fish require large areas....these areas need to be increasingly cleaned depending on size and the type of fish they hold...this means more handling of the fish. If cleaning yourself, like you mentioned is simply the key to preventing disease spread with the Redtail, then there is no problem at all, for I would gladly wash my entire body and clothes even to ensure the health of my fish. Don't worry about the housing of the fish, I plan to have a monstrous pool specially designed to house a Red-tailed Catfish.The pool would require heating and mass filtration systems, in order to keep the water extra clean and warm (I want it clean enough to swim in in, Redtails like clean water, they deserve it). Honestly I don't know much about gallon size to foot spacing in water, but I do know for a fact that the tank I am thinking of is far larger than a 2000 gallon tank, for its closer to 2000 cubic feet! After doing a quick online search, it seems that a cubic foot of water is 7.48 gallons. So, that comes to around 16,000 gallons! Tank size can probable be reduced to a 25ft x 10ft x 5ft if need be (financial budgets maybe in future), which would come to 9,350 gallons, correct? This is going to cost a lot, but so do cats and dogs, after you take in damages to homes, carpet replacement and comforters (from urine), food, and bedding. P.S. Darn it, I wrote too much again didn't I, sorry about that. And thanks again for replying so quickly.
Almotasm Bellah - 2012-06-20 Hi I am not new to rtcs but I have a question is it possible to put it in a pond (actually I have three) with the weather of Libya and without any heating in winter pls help me cause soon they will outgrow my tank!!!!!!!!
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Heidi & Mike - 2012-06-28 Never put them in an outdoor pond. RTC are originally from the amazon and can only live in warmer temperatures. Leaving them in an outdoor pond of the winter will be certain death.
Jeremy Roche - 2012-06-29 Should actually do fine!
Rae Brundige - 2012-06-26 I have a red tail catfish that is in a 100 gallon tank=(black plastic trough) and a few weeks ago I added baking soda to correct levels and noticed that the top of his back had turned white.Now today i went and saw that it
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Jeremy Roche - 2012-06-26 Some of your question is missing.
luke taylor - 2012-05-28 My redtail has been a healthy fish for about two years in the last week or so his skin started turning reddish, he stopped eating, and now he's getting sores and looks like he is going to die does anyone know what this is and if there is a way to save him or not?
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Jeremy Roche - 2012-05-29 Check you water levels. There is usually a way to save them. Need to find the cause. Any other signs?
luke vine - 2012-05-02 I have recently been given a red tailed catfish and he has gone off his food. I have been feeding it lance fish and prawns any advice?
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Jeremy Roche - 2012-05-03 Some times adding some live fish will get them going again.
RGR - 2008-07-20 I am new with the RedTail Catfish, but I did find they grow very fast. I'm wondering if a RTC live in colder water than 68 degrees. I am considering putting it in my pond, that is well maintaned and all tests of the water are great. But it's the winter I'm worried about, any thoughts on that...
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bill - 2011-11-18 No they don't live in cold water and winter in a pond would deffinatly kill it unless you got a good heating system for the pond.
Kate - 2011-07-28 Hi I ended up with a red tailed catfish (because someone thought it would be great for my pond). This fish is beautiful, but far too large for my pond and will surely eat my koi (who are much smaller than him). I have no idea what to do with it. He's a beautiful fish and I'd like to find it the habitat it deserves, but it isn't here. I live in South Louisiana, if you know someone who would be able to properly house him, please contact me (babiescantalk@gmail.com). Thank you so much for taking the time to read this! d
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Charlie Roche - 2011-07-29 WOW any fish store around you. Craigs list? Separate it out into another tank untill you can sell it? Give it back to the someone?
Huff - 2012-01-02 What are the dimensions of a 1,500 gallon aquarium?
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Charlie Roche - 2012-01-03 A 1500 gallon tank is usally made 8 feet long by 6 feet deep and 4 feet wide. However, there are no SPECIFIC dimensions as you could have one made that is perfectly square or very deep. Regardless, make sure if you purchase something this size, that it is extremely well made or professionally made. Some have broken with pressure of water when not done correctly.
Mari - 2009-01-18 we recently purchase a red-tail cat fish. He seemed fine at first, eating a lot, but lately he won't eat. Can anyone tells us why that would be? we have been feeding him what the petstore told us to feed him. It's been a few days, but now he does not seem to be interested. Please help!!!!
mari.
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Stewart - 2010-12-13 he may have been over fed or may not be feeling so good, try some veal beef heart fresh at the supermarket cut small, if he does not eat that then get back to us on treatment of RTC
Cyrus - 2011-06-01 I have two redtails "Ace" which is about 9 inches long and "Big Red" who is over a foot long. I feed them shrimp,talapia, worms, and very far and between I might give them a feeder. I find that they eat better being fed every couple days instead of twice a day or everyday. I also do a 50% water change every two weeks and a 75% change once a month. They are in a in door pond/ huge aquarium but clean water is key to keeping them healthy and happy. good luck
amanda - 2011-11-12 I have an etc too. When he's being a fussy eater I throw in a few feeder goldfish. They love to chase their prey and even if they don't have an appetite they'll eat the fish because of the thrill of the hunt.
Andi Harris - 2011-07-20 I have not long purchased my juvie red tailed catfish. He feeding on market prawns and catfish pellets I have all ways wanted a rtc since I was young.I will post pics soon
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Charlie Roche - 2011-07-23 Yes please post pictures.
Big and beautiful, the Red-tailed Catfish is an enormous attraction!
Hello, I am a big fan of Red-tailed Catfish and I have been doing tons of research on them. There is a problem though, there is very little information readily available on the diseases and health concerns for Red-tails. I need an expert to answer my question, and after reading the chats and posts on your site, I think you just might be the perfect people to contact. Red-tailed Catfish have a brilliant natural resistance to disease, but I was wondering how far this can be taken. Red-tails are one of very few fish that are extremely affectionate towards their owners and other people. They love being petted and can quickly learn to be hand fed, but the question comes up after this. Most fish and other animals can contract human diseases, that we may not even know are on us. These diseases can often be very dangerous to other animals, and this is why my question happens to be: 'how much human interaction can Red-tailed Catfish handle, before it begins to negatively impact their health (assuming other thank conditions are perfect, and the people are healthy and clean) ?' I thank whoever it is who is reading this, and am hoping to hear back from you as soon as possible. Thanks again. P.S. Just to answer any unmet questions, I do not own a Red-tailed Catfish currently, but am hoping to get one in the future (so possibly 8-10 years from now, I just want to get all my research done before entering into a challenge this great). Thanks again, and sorry for writing so much. . . .writing short is something I am not very great at.
To start of these fish get huge and a real financial and space requirements are needed. If you are looking for a fish that quickly interacts with it's owner, the Pacu is a great choice and is more managable. To handle any fish there is risk of cross contaminating the fish. My sure hands are always well washed all the way to the elbows! Make sure there is no left over soak, perfume or cologne residue on your skin, this can harm your fish. Good luck if you give this big fish a try!
Thank you Mr. Roche, your input is helpful. Sorry to say, you may be right that a Pacu would make an easier pet to handle, but my heart is truly set on getting a Red-tailed Catfish. The main reason I asked was that large fish require large areas....these areas need to be increasingly cleaned depending on size and the type of fish they hold...this means more handling of the fish. If cleaning yourself, like you mentioned is simply the key to preventing disease spread with the Redtail, then there is no problem at all, for I would gladly wash my entire body and clothes even to ensure the health of my fish. Don't worry about the housing of the fish, I plan to have a monstrous pool specially designed to house a Red-tailed Catfish.The pool would require heating and mass filtration systems, in order to keep the water extra clean and warm (I want it clean enough to swim in in, Redtails like clean water, they deserve it). Honestly I don't know much about gallon size to foot spacing in water, but I do know for a fact that the tank I am thinking of is far larger than a 2000 gallon tank, for its closer to 2000 cubic feet! After doing a quick online search, it seems that a cubic foot of water is 7.48 gallons. So, that comes to around 16,000 gallons! Tank size can probable be reduced to a 25ft x 10ft x 5ft if need be (financial budgets maybe in future), which would come to 9,350 gallons, correct? This is going to cost a lot, but so do cats and dogs, after you take in damages to homes, carpet replacement and comforters (from urine), food, and bedding. P.S. Darn it, I wrote too much again didn't I, sorry about that. And thanks again for replying so quickly.
Hi I am not new to rtcs but I have a question is it possible to put it in a pond (actually I have three) with the weather of Libya and without any heating in winter pls help me cause soon they will outgrow my tank!!!!!!!!
Never put them in an outdoor pond. RTC are originally from the amazon and can only live in warmer temperatures. Leaving them in an outdoor pond of the winter will be certain death.
Should actually do fine!
I have a red tail catfish that is in a 100 gallon tank=(black plastic trough) and a few weeks ago I added baking soda to correct levels and noticed that the top of his back had turned white.Now today i went and saw that it
Some of your question is missing.
My redtail has been a healthy fish for about two years in the last week or so his skin started turning reddish, he stopped eating, and now he's getting sores and looks like he is going to die does anyone know what this is and if there is a way to save him or not?
Check you water levels. There is usually a way to save them. Need to find the cause. Any other signs?
I have recently been given a red tailed catfish and he has gone off his food. I have been feeding it lance fish and prawns any advice?
Some times adding some live fish will get them going again.
I am new with the RedTail Catfish, but I did find they grow very fast.
I'm wondering if a RTC live in colder water than 68 degrees. I am considering putting it in my pond, that is well maintaned and all tests of the water are great. But it's the winter I'm worried about, any thoughts on that...
No they don't live in cold water and winter in a pond would deffinatly kill it unless you got a good heating system for the pond.
Hi I ended up with a red tailed catfish (because someone thought it would be great for my pond). This fish is beautiful, but far too large for my pond and will surely eat my koi (who are much smaller than him). I have no idea what to do with it. He's a beautiful fish and I'd like to find it the habitat it deserves, but it isn't here. I live in South Louisiana, if you know someone who would be able to properly house him, please contact me (babiescantalk@gmail.com). Thank you so much for taking the time to read this! d
WOW any fish store around you. Craigs list? Separate it out into another tank untill you can sell it? Give it back to the someone?
What are the dimensions of a 1,500 gallon aquarium?
A 1500 gallon tank is usally made 8 feet long by 6 feet deep and 4 feet wide. However, there are no SPECIFIC dimensions as you could have one made that is perfectly square or very deep. Regardless, make sure if you purchase something this size, that it is extremely well made or professionally made. Some have broken with pressure of water when not done correctly.
we recently purchase a red-tail cat fish. He seemed fine at first, eating a lot, but lately he won't eat. Can anyone tells us why that would be? we have been feeding him what the petstore told us to feed him. It's been a few days, but now he does not seem to be interested. Please help!!!!
mari.
he may have been over fed or may not be feeling so good, try some veal beef heart fresh at the supermarket cut small, if he does not eat that then get back to us on treatment of RTC
I have two redtails "Ace" which is about 9 inches long and "Big Red" who is over a foot long. I feed them shrimp,talapia, worms, and very far and between I might give them a feeder. I find that they eat better being fed every couple days instead of twice a day or everyday. I also do a 50% water change every two weeks and a 75% change once a month. They are in a in door pond/ huge aquarium but clean water is key to keeping them healthy and happy. good luck
I have an etc too. When he's being a fussy eater I throw in a few feeder goldfish. They love to chase their prey and even if they don't have an appetite they'll eat the fish because of the thrill of the hunt.
I have not long purchased my juvie red tailed catfish. He feeding on market prawns and catfish pellets I have all ways wanted a rtc since I was young.I will post pics soon
Yes please post pictures.