stripped raphael cat

[rokz]

my lfs has some stripped raphael cats. I am looking at putting one in my 30g community tank but I wanted to do some research first. Can anyone give me any input on these cats? Thanks.

 

[Fishboy-from-NY]

Those sucker grow really big, to big for a 30G tank, I suggest if you get them, anticipate in purchasing a bigger tank in at least a yr or so.

 

[xander]

heres a helpfull link
http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Platydoras&speciesname=costatus

 

[madasafish]

Yeah, if my memory serves me right, they get to about 8 inches.

Oh right. Fishbase says the 24 cm. Pretty much the same Too large for a 30G IMO. Think about getting dwarf plecs instead. Clown plecos, Queen Arabesques, King Tigers all look similar, but grow to a max of 4-5 inches. They're a little pricier, though.

 

[jratuszn]

If you get one, don't plan on seeing it. I put one in my tank a month ago and haven't seen it more than twice.

-J

 

[Dino]

They are very shy and nocturnal.
They are however a neat fish.
If you use a strong smelling sinking food, you will see them more often.

Best,
dino

 

[Bearfan]

I had two for 8 years in a 45 gal aquarium and they hid in the rocks 99% of the time. They grew to about 7" or so. About as interesting as the rocks they hid in.

 

[madasafish]

*chuckles*

 

[jaowl]

what if you don't have hiding places for them?

 

[Bearfan]

They would become ultra stressed and probably die. They need cover, not providing it would be somewhat cruel.