Zebra shovelnose or Tigrinus catfish

[Tyty13]

I'm am looking for multiple things regarding this species. Has anybody on here successfully kept on of these beauties? And where in the world do I find one for sale? A guy at a neighboring state said he could get me one march 2014 but I'll be ready within the week to setup the new tank. And I'd wanna get one by Christmas at the latest.

[jimoo]

No idea where you could get one, but can you really get a large tank set up and cycled that fast? (And no, I really don't know the answer to that question, I'm curious... it seems fast).

[Tyty13]

I have a 250 gallon with my filters and powerheads heaters and everything to get water in and get it going today. It's just sitting in my room waiting to be assembled. I already have several tanks ready to go that I believe could house a tigrinus until my new one has time to cycle. But then again I want an insiders opinion on the care of these fish before I get one. If somebody who has had success with this fish would share there setup with me it would help tremendously. First I want to understand it more then I will focus on where to obtain.

[Viktor Jarikov]

T: I'm am looking for multiple things regarding this species. Has anybody on here successfully kept on of these beauties?
V: Yes, many did and do and so have I. Check MFK for lots of info too.

T: And where in the world do I find one for sale? A guy at a neighboring state said he could get me one march 2014 but I'll be ready within the week to setup the new tank. And I'd wanna get one by Christmas at the latest.
V: They are seasonal, mostly. I saw them recently on eBay. Reasonably priced. I bought fish from eBay before. If the seller has a good rep, it works quite well. 3"-4" usually go for $200-$300. 7"-9" can be ~$750.

T: ...But then again I want an insiders opinion on the care of these fish before I get one. If somebody who has had success with this fish would share there setup with me it would help tremendously.
V: It is rather senseless to recite what the many care/data sheets on the i-net say about this fish or type up a lecture most of which has been covered and available. Moreover, there are great many threads on this fish, especially on MFK. Anyway, I'd try to ask you to pose concrete questions. Meanwhile:

http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/spe ... ies_id=354

http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/br ... -tigrinum/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachyplatystoma

http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Brachyp ... rinum.html

http://diszhal.info/english/catfishes/e ... grinum.php

http://www.scotcat.com/factsheets/brach ... grinum.htm

juruense but close enough in care http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fish/ba ... elnose.php
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod ... catid=3017


Here is an example of a 3' TL captive grown Brachyplatystoma tigrinum, reportedly confirmed! http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forum ... on-Aquabid!

[Tyty13]

Thank you very much for all the info, looks like its time to start some homework.

[Tyty13]

3-4 inch specimen appears to be 270 after shipping..... I have to see if I'm prepared to live with myself if it dies a few days after paying that for a fish.

[Tyty13]

If anybody has any info on where to buy one of these guys other than eBay (There are 2 currently listed). Almost ready for one. eBay will be a last resort.

[Viktor Jarikov]

In season (the spring or so) you may get a 4"-6" for ~$200. Mine came from River Wonders (California) 4 years ago at 7" and $220.

Just to add to my previous statement on eBay - I have just joined and tested it. It's a good spot if dealing with sellers who established a good reputation, except that buying on-line does not support your LFSs, which are crucial to our hobby.

[Tyty13]

First off I totally agree with your statement about LFS. They make owning such exotic fish possible. You got a very nice price for that size!