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How Fast Will It Grow (Shovelnose Cat, Lima)

Posted: 29 Sep 2004, 19:51
by HiJinx
Just curious. I can't seem to find any info on their growth rate anywhere.
So, how fast do they grow?
My 5" is eating one fish or one cocktail shrimp per day average right now. What should I expect?

Posted: 29 Sep 2004, 23:10
by medaka
hi hiJinx

growth is dependent on a lot of factors. such as feed ,
water conditions,water temperature, filtration and how often and to what quantity in your water change regime, basically the more food your fish eats the larger he grows,
however he also produces more waste products, and therefore the water quality must be maintained accordingly,
so probably to answer your question growth is dependant on the above mentioned factors.and varies accordingly

maybe :idea:
you could log what you feed, how often, water quality,
water temp, how much water you change and how often etc.
and compile a log file on growth and post it here.

Posted: 29 Sep 2004, 23:40
by HiJinx
Hey, that's a great idea. I'll try and do that as I've only had him a couple weeks. (maybe 1.5 weeks now)
Should be rather interesting. thanks.

Posted: 30 Sep 2004, 03:25
by sharmon1
Hello guy`s I`v had shavelnose catfishs for about two(2) years and they are about 12in and 8in but after the first year their growth rate slows down some,I feed mine two times a day before work and after i get home in the afternoon.HTH

Posted: 03 Oct 2004, 07:10
by mokmu
I suggest, apart from the feedings, is to have more frequent water changes. You can do about 30%-50% water change every week. In their natural habitat, fresh water is replaced rather rapidly. Having fresh changes ensures that they have an environment that is conducive to proper growth and health.

In the wild these fish do not eat everyday. Maybe as soon as it reaches about six inches you can feed the fish every four days instead. Have a big tank as well because those fish grow from 12-18 inches in captivity.

Regards,
Mike D.

Posted: 05 Oct 2004, 20:23
by HiJinx
He's eating every other day. 120 gallon tank. 40 gallon change every week.
Running two Emperor 400s with a 350gph canister going in next week as well, plus a powerhead for some more current.
It should be a very nice environment. Live plants, driftwood, cavey rocks.

Posted: 05 Oct 2004, 20:26
by HiJinx
is 'cavey' even a word?