New Predatory tank.

[Galasca]

I currently have a 50 gallon tank that is currently empty in the closest. I want to get a predatory fish, but not something to large like a gar. I want something that will eat it's prey in a cloud of gore. I'm also on a budget of about 40-50 dollars for the fish alone. I'll most likely purchase it as a juvenile. What fish do you guys suggest? Where should I buy it from? Please help!

 

[ImACoolguy]

A 50g is pretty small for most predators.

What about an African Leaf Fish? It stalks its prey at night.


Caleb

 

[Galasca]

Well I was planning on upgrading to a 150 as soon as it gets bigger. The only reason I don't have the 150 now is that we don't have the space right now while we are renovating our future 'tank room'.

I was thinking of maybe a oscar or other cichlid

 

[ImACoolguy]

Take a look at red tail barracudas then. (I believe they like schools) and are very aggressive. You could enjoy watching them chase *healthy* feeder fish.


Caleb

 

[Galasca]

Hmm it seems a little pricey on Tropical Fish for Freshwater Aquariums: Red Tail Barracuda


and I have a 10g guppy feeder tank currently from my Oscar that just passed away.

 

[Galasca]

What site would I use to check them out? My local pet store shut down.
And how easily would you say they are to maintain healthy?

 

[PassengerTN]

Take a look at red tail barracudas then. (I believe they like schools) and are very aggressive. You could enjoy watching them chase *healthy* feeder fish.


Caleb

Too big. They grow 10"+.

You'll be hard pressed to find something that leaves its "prey in a cloud of gore" as you describe, let alone that fits in a 50. You could do Exodon paradoxus, they're a notorious lepidophage meaning they pick and pluck the scales of fish. About as close you'll get IMO

Jesse

 

[ImACoolguy]

Too big. They grow 10"+.

You'll be hard pressed to find something that leaves its "prey in a cloud of gore" as you describe, let alone that fits in a 50. You could do Exodon paradoxus, they're a notorious lepidophage meaning they pick and pluck the scales of fish. About as close you'll get IMO

Jesse

I meant for the 150 mentioned in the second comment bro.


Caleb

 

[Galasca]

I'll be getting the 150 maybe a month after owning the fish.

 

[Galasca]

They seem to be schooling fish and I'm worried I can't fit more than 2 in my 50 gallon.

 

[ImACoolguy]

They seem to be schooling fish and I'm worried I can't fit more than 2 in my 50 gallon.

You could just wait on the 150g and stock it then. No need for a rush and like Jesse pointed out there isn't much for a gore fish in a 50g.

Plus life can happen and plans change.


Caleb

 

[PassengerTN]

Do a gulper cat. Won't be gory but you'll notice things disappear quickly. Other fish, air stones, decor, etc lol


Jesse

 

[Galasca]

Sounds more like a goat then a fish. xD

How many could I fit in the 50g out of curiosity?

Couldn't find anything online about how much space they need.
They also seem like super kick butt fish.

 

[PassengerTN]

People do groups of 3-4 in 75s I believe.


Jesse

 

[PassengerTN]

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...-to-know-about-keeping-gulper-catfish.149591/


Jesse

 

[Galasca]

Ohh I meant how many Bucktooth Tetra(s) could fit in the 50g