These fish should (IMO) simply not be sold. They can be kept properly in rare exceptions (monster tanks or sometimes ponds), but are generally marketed to the masses and nearly always result in a dilemma for the fishkeeper. Even if you raise them only to a certain size and then find someone else to take them, the dilemma will eventually happen if the fish lives long enough and isn’t severely stunted which will result in a shorter life span.
“Common” (Black Adonis, Gibbiceps, etc.) Plecostomus: They simply get too large. They’ve become an invasive species in Florida because of frustrated fishkeepers trying to “do the right thing” and are now fairly common in the swamps and canals. Those released in less hospitable climates are simply sentenced to a slow death.
Pacu: Again, they simply get too large for the vast majority of home aquaria and have become invasive because of their release into local waters.
Picture from http://www.siamfishingtours.com.
Red Tailed Catfish: Up to 4 feet long!
Picture from http://www.arowana.asia.
Iridescent Sharks: Up to 3 feet long, and a very active schooler with poor eyesight!
Picture from http://www.thewatersnake.com.
Arowana: A great fish for monster tanks, but sold way too often to people with 3 & 4 foot tanks.
Picture from http://www.greentracks.com.
Clown Knife: They get nearly 2 feet long!
Picture from http://fishingjones.files.wordpress.com.
Clown loaches: These are great fish and grow slowly, but prefer to be in groups and reach a more than a foot long. I’ll stop short of saying that they shouldn’t be sold at all, but there is definitely a problem with the lack of disclaimer about them at most places.
Oscars: Again, very cool fish with a place in the hobby. The fact that they are sold so small and can get down right mean as they grow is usually glossed over.
Bala Sharks: Get over a foot long and are extremely active and schooling fish.
Basically, do the research about the fish first and then buy the appropriate tank for them for life. The continued demand for these fish is what drives supply. Let’s all do our part for the hobby and NOT purchase them. Also, loud “whispers” about how big they get when in a chain store can’t hurt.
I’m sure I missed plenty so feel free to speak up and keep this thread bumped!
“Common” (Black Adonis, Gibbiceps, etc.) Plecostomus: They simply get too large. They’ve become an invasive species in Florida because of frustrated fishkeepers trying to “do the right thing” and are now fairly common in the swamps and canals. Those released in less hospitable climates are simply sentenced to a slow death.
Pacu: Again, they simply get too large for the vast majority of home aquaria and have become invasive because of their release into local waters.
Picture from http://www.siamfishingtours.com.
Red Tailed Catfish: Up to 4 feet long!
Picture from http://www.arowana.asia.
Iridescent Sharks: Up to 3 feet long, and a very active schooler with poor eyesight!
Picture from http://www.thewatersnake.com.
Arowana: A great fish for monster tanks, but sold way too often to people with 3 & 4 foot tanks.
Picture from http://www.greentracks.com.
Clown Knife: They get nearly 2 feet long!
Picture from http://fishingjones.files.wordpress.com.
Clown loaches: These are great fish and grow slowly, but prefer to be in groups and reach a more than a foot long. I’ll stop short of saying that they shouldn’t be sold at all, but there is definitely a problem with the lack of disclaimer about them at most places.
Oscars: Again, very cool fish with a place in the hobby. The fact that they are sold so small and can get down right mean as they grow is usually glossed over.
Bala Sharks: Get over a foot long and are extremely active and schooling fish.
Basically, do the research about the fish first and then buy the appropriate tank for them for life. The continued demand for these fish is what drives supply. Let’s all do our part for the hobby and NOT purchase them. Also, loud “whispers” about how big they get when in a chain store can’t hurt.
I’m sure I missed plenty so feel free to speak up and keep this thread bumped!
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