Name this fish please

[Matt Nace]

I came across some very neat catfish at a wal-mart..where unfortantly, is my best place to get fish right now. My other LFS are very high in price, and the fish dont look good.

So anyway, I found a wal-mart where the fish are actually very nice. The prices cant be beat as well.

I found these catfish(I got 6) and have no clue what they are..which is not a way I usually go into buying fish.

So if they are going to get huge..I am sure the other stores will take them.What is this catfish?

black with all white specks, and very spiked tail.

 

[ashleigh]

Those are spotted raphaels- they can get to be about ten inches.

 

[Cichlid-Man]

I agree, you might enjoy growing them out but go ahead and start looking for a new home for them now. Cool looking fish though.

 

[catfishmike]

i've never seen one over 6",but i have seen some 8-10" striped raphaels though.spotted raphs are nice hardy fish,don't come out to often,so if ya don't see em' for a while don't worry they're in there somewheremine seem to love flakes,but don't care much for pellets and wafers

 

[Matt Nace]

Thanks you.

I have a 125g tank(6 feet long).

Next question..will they become a problem with my plants if I provide caves?

Thanks a bunch.

 

[catfishmike]

become a problem?the only problem i have ever had with mine is wondering if they are alive or not.my tank is 6 feet long and planted and i have never even seen them near the plants.pretty much invisible fish.once they settle in you shouldn't even know they are in your tank.of course you could get lucky and they decide to be social and that would be even better.

 

[Fishwatcher]

lol *laughingc thats funny catfishmike I always think my striped raphael is dead too.

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Oh 125gal? Oh you have no problem

I've always wanted to get some/a Striped Raphael, they look so cool. I've only seen them at the zoo though

 

[ashleigh]

I have a striped Raph. I wouldn't say he is a huge problem with the plants per se- but you might have to do some occasional replanting. Hugo has two caves but sometimes prefers to rearrange the plants to make his own shady spots. The nice thing about them is that they are slow growers in my experience- mine has grown about an inch per year- is yours about the same fishwatcher? by the way how is that rented mustang working out for you?

 

[Fishwatcher]

I've only had mine for about 6 months its about 3.5 maybe 4 inches so I cant say much about its growth per year, but I can tell it is a slow growing fish. Matt mine never bothers my plants he likes to hide in a shell I have. Its one of my favorite fish becasue its such a rare treat to see him out and about.

 

[ashleigh]

I agree, it's always a fun surprise when they pop out.