CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

Please go to my Photo Gallery and help me ID this Catfish. I call him a "Shark Catfish" but I am not sure.

He is about 10" long and growing fast.

Indy-

I too am very interested in the name of this catfish. I recently adopted an oscar, firemouth, panda cat and a catfish of unknown type (about 7-8 inches in length) and the catfish looks just like yours. If I find out I'll be sure to pass the information along.

_Patty

I kinda gotta agree with the guy who posted in your photogallery. Where did you get it? I don't have a lot of experience with catfish, but I do normally know a channel cat when I see one (I fish all the time, and they make a great meal). If it is a channel cat, you need to get it out of your tank soon, as the rest of your fish are food waiting to happen. Those things get MAMMOTH. Good luck, maybe someone else knows for sure.

Well, I looked at pictures on line of channel catfish and that sure does look like what I have. Same angled tail, two top fins and tapered face. I guess I had better investigate this a little further to see what to do with him. He chases all the other fish around- well except the Oscar. I hope the 55 gallon tank is big enough for these guys- I assume I do not need to move the Oscar- right? I can put the firemouth into my 46 gallon tank.

No, everything probably needs to move, at least sooner or later. I've seen Channel Cats eat Perch that are as big as half of their size. The things are like a freshwater lionfish. Also remember that the things get HUGE. Given all the food it needs and perfect conditions, that fish will outgrow just about any tank you can afford to put it in.

Believe it or not I got him at my LFS (they will sell anything for a profit won't they). I don't remember what they called him at the time. He is growing faster than I can keep up with, both in girth and length. Checking at other fish stores I was thinking he might be a Irridescent Shark Catfish.

I will try to get a better picture and let you know when I post it in my gallery.

If I don't get him out of the Aquarium soon I may need a hook and a line to catch him. Wonder if he would like to come to dinner some day?

No, hes definetly no irridescent shark. I'd say start up your fryer. "Tonight, we eat as kings..."lol. What size is he now? I read on one page that in properly maintained adequate aquaria, a channel cat can reach 51 inches in length... .

Nope, definetly not a trustworthy LFS. You might see if you can get a refund on that puppy. What did they try to call him? What did you pay for him?

Whats really funny is that you could probably have gone down to your local pond and caught a healthier, F0 one for free...

Good luck with this one.

The weather is starting to get warm here. In a couple of weeks it will be warm enough to take him to the local pond and set him free.

The way he is growing I could whistle "Free Willie" while I let him go!:D

Thanks for your help with the ID.

Yeah thats def a channel catfish. I have 2 an albino and one just like yours. They grow very quick so watch out. They can get like 3 feet plus.

The Channel Catfish has long since set up residency in the pond accross the street. He will be happier there.

That is def. a channel cat. Possibly could be a blue channel. I have seen them for sale at petco. I have caught plenty of channel and that is def. one of them.