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From time to time certain North American
catfish get offered to pondkeepers, most commonly channel catfish
(Ictalurus spp.) and bullheads (Ameiurus spp.) from the
family Ictaluridae. While they are hardy and adaptable, these catfish
tend to grow very big, very quickly. Their predatory instincts make
them poor companions for all but the largest fish. Many species are
equipped with venomous spines--take care when handling
them! Pond size and
filtration Some of these catfish can get very large, so
these fish are suited to ponds measured in the thousands of gallons
rather than the hundreds. Wild fish inhabit a variety of waters
including ponds and canals but they do show a preference for moderate
to fast-flowing streams and rivers, and coupled with their size and
diet, they should not be kept in ponds without robust filtration
systems and high turnover rates. Water chemistry and
temperature Water chemistry isn't critical provided
extremes are avoided; aim for around 10-20Ë°dH, pH 6.5-7.5.
North American catfish do not do well in ponds that freeze over, and
the optimal temperature range for channel catfish and black bullheads
is about 50-68Ë°F (10-20Ë°C), though slightly cooler
conditions in winter are fine. Conversely, hot summers cause them no
harm, and in fact the author has kept channel catfish in Central
American cichlid communities maintained at 77Ë°F
(25Ë°C) without problems. Diet These fish are out-and-out carnivores that
will consume anything they can fit into their extremely large mouths.
Catfish and trout pellets, strips of fish fillet, and all sorts of
seafood work well as staples. Species The Spotted Channel Catfish (Ictalurus
punctatus) is a sleek, silvery species with a few black spots on
its flanks. It gets to at least 24 inches (60 cm) long in captivity but
specimens more than 50 inches (130 cm) have been reported. Although
this species is peaceful, it is highly predatory. An albino variety is
sometimes offered for sale. The Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas) has a stockier build and darker colouration. It gets to at least 12 inches (30 cm) long but exceptional specimens are twice that big. Compared to the Channel Catfish this species is less active and more territorial.
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