Lince catfish

[mcaquatic]

What size tank do these guys need? I am toying with the idea of getting one. I have a 300g with a 6 ft by 3 ft floor print. Thanks

[catfishchaos]

I think that would be sufficient provided it was the solitary inhabitant and decor was sparse ( still adequate hiding places) to allow space for it to swim freely. I would personally go the extra 9 yards and paint the sides and back black to help reduce stress. I feel adding this CLOG tag will help others give you advice,

Platynematichthys notatus

although it does show up when you type in the common name provided binomial names are king

I do not keep such large fish so take my advice sparingly.

[Viktor Jarikov]

IMHO a bare minimum should be 6Lx3L where L is fish's TL. Are you thinking of getting the 20"-er from Primo Aquatics?

[mcaquatic]

Haven't started a search yet for one. If I decide to go for it they really don't seem that hard to come by anymore

[Viktor Jarikov]

You must know "places and people" ;) I've been on a lookout for a while. They seem very seasonal and even in season are hard to find from my humble perspective. The only two in the last ~1/2 year I came by were the one I mentioned from Primo (too expensive for me at 20" and ~$1000) and someone on MFK Marketplace is currently offering their 19"-er for $400 (but I'd had to drive to Iowa http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forum ... ng.659528/ ).

They are one of those ~nonstop swimmers, similar to an iridescent shark, that need and love space (but you know this better than me), hence, my opinion on the minimum enclosure size.

[mcaquatic]

I definitely agree with you my tank is too small. What are your thoughts on the hammerhead catfish, Ageneiosus marmoratus? They seem they could be active. Do they do better in a group of 4 or as individuals? thanks

[Viktor Jarikov]

I have some thoughts from reading around as my personal experience is tiny with this fish. I am waiting for people with better knowledge to chime in in your a. marmoratus thread: http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/view ... 68#p293976 (Common guys, help a brother out!) If no action in a few days, I'll say something and bump it up

So I take it you're not inclined to disclose or hint at your lince-sourcing strategy...

[mcaquatic]

No huge strategy really. Just contact Wes, raymond, rappss, Oliver Lucas etc. I am sure between them I could find one. I think Raymond might have had one recently. I feel that I see them pop up several times a year. I am in no rush.

Lets see if anyone posts in my other thread

[Viktor Jarikov]

Raymond Chan of Amazing Fish? He has not had any since I started dealing with him ~1/2 year ago.

[mcaquatic]

someone did not too long ago. wasn't paying too much attention at that point

[mcaquatic]

December 23rd Raymond posted about one. I assumed it was his to sell but maybe not.

[Viktor Jarikov]

Perhaps you are right. Anyhow, I'd like to get a small group of 3-5 specimen. My impression is that the usually available 1'-ers run about $400-$500. Is that your expectation too?

[mcaquatic]

Unfortunately I don't think small specimens are ever an option. your price range seems right but I think the real kicker can be shipping on these guys. It was my impression due to their oxygen sensitivity a lot of people ship them in much larger containers which isn't cheap but obviously worth it.

[mcaquatic]

So Viktor what are your thoughts…

[Viktor Jarikov]

Right. That's why ideally, it'd be sensible to get them shipped directly from overseas to an importer that's close by, to avoid the second shipment which may up the cost by 25%-50%. I am good friends with Snookn21 (John Kreatsoulas) in Ft. Myers and maybe he could help me out. It's just that even on the first leg of the journey when the lince come from SA, there appears to be a high DOA rate or so I've read. I don't know if John would be willing to take such risks or whether I could ask this of him in good conscience.

[mcaquatic]

Where are you located? Do you have someone that could bring it in and then you could pick it up?

Also what are your thoughts on the hammer head cat. No one else is going to reply to my thread.

[Viktor Jarikov]

Naples, FL 34114. 1 hour south of Ft. Myers on the Gulf of Mexico. That's why I mentioned Snookn because he is an importer and an online vendor, well known on MFK and elsewhere. I know the guys from Primo Aquatics a bit, they are in Orlando, ~3.5-4 h away.

[mcaquatic]

what about Mark from Discus Origin. He is a great guy to work with. I have no clue where in Florida he is though
Also maybe imperial tropicals. they are a farm but they import. They are probably the biggest importer of hypostomus luteus

[Viktor Jarikov]

Mark I spoke with but never bought. You are a second person in 2 days to compliment him to me Yea, there is a plethora of importers in the Tampa area. Mark is from Ocala, I am told. I am just not ready to drop ~$2500 on 5 lince. $$$ has been pretty tight and will be in any observable future because our DIY Public Aquarium and Rescue is so close to opening to public at large.