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Originally ran in: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/WWMDigitalMagV1Ish2.htm

 

Related FAQs: Ictalurid Cats

 

Related Articles: Ictalurid (Ameiurid) Catfishes (Channel, Bullhead...) by Bob Fenner,

 

Coldwater Catfishes, Pondfish Profile 

 

 

By Neale Monks Spotted Channel Cat. NealeM photo
Aquatic Gardens

Ponds, Streams, Waterfalls & Fountains:
Volume 1. Design & Construction
Volume 2. Maintenance, Stocking, Examples

V. 1 Print and eBook on Amazon
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by Robert (Bob) Fenner

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.

Aquatic Gardens

Ponds, Streams, Waterfalls & Fountains:
Volume 1. Design & Construction
Volume 2. Maintenance, Stocking, Examples

V. 1 Print and eBook on Amazon
V. 2 Print and eBook on Amazon

 
by Robert (Bob) Fenner
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