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Asterophysus batrachus Gulper cat set up

Posted: 02 Dec 2009, 21:20
by MarkN
I am in the process of getting a couple of these and looking for ideas on a set up for them? Biotope specifics? I have tried a couple searches but all I seem to find is bare bottom tanks with nothing in them.

Thanks Mark

Re: Asterophysus batrachus Gulper cat set up

Posted: 03 Dec 2009, 13:25
by Richard B
Indeed this species is often seen in photos in bare tanks, (mostly photos in retailers[?])

You could try searching for photos of negro & orinoco habitats to give you clues on what they encounter in the wild.

Re: Asterophysus batrachus Gulper cat set up

Posted: 03 Dec 2009, 15:24
by sidguppy
I think a tank with a thin layer of riversand (about 0.5") with some MTS to clean up debris for substrate.
you can't add fish to do this, as they would probably get eaten and a Gulper Cat chocking to death on a fully grown Hoplosternum is a sad thing for both catfishes.

backpanels!
I know it's all the rage looking thru tanks and watching the wallpaper and bungling electrickery cords and loops of hoses and all; but do your fish a favour: use backpanels or at least paint the backside of the tank black or dark.

furniture: some large pieces of bogwood or mopani wood standing on the sand to create tunnels or at least shady areas for the fish to rest during the day

use one of those cagey things to put the heater in to avoid burned fish! with all the nice woodcaves in there, you still can assume that at least 1 woodcat will cram itself between tankwall and heater and stay there, regardless if it's on or no. they are like that. to avoid little drama's: use a heat protecting device.

similar for filter inlets: make sure these aren't easily blocked by a fat belly resting against it.
else one of em might rest against it, the filters get blocked, the oxygenlevels go heading for the cellar and the next thing you see is a tank full of dead fish.

simple subdued lighting on the tank. no plants, not too much wood or you won't see your fish.
giving Auchenipterids a tank full of wood might be very friendly for the fish, but be prepared to see ......
nothing
just wood. period. and only at night with a tiny penlight you can see your fish.
very few fishkeepers have that kind of patience (I know at least 1 :mrgreen: :beardy: ), but I know I don't have!

so in short; some sand, larger woodpieces, backpanels, subdued light, proper devices for heater and filtration
that would do ;)