Redtail.mov

http://www.thedeep.co.uk We received a Redtail catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) and his massive 9000 litre tank (6m L x 1.5m W x 0.95m H) from a hobbyist who donated both. If you have been to The Deep you will have seen the tank near the gift shop.

Redtails are not a species of fish that should be kept at home unless, like our benefactor, you have a very big tank. They grow to gigantic proportions (ours weighs nearly 20Kg!) and like to rearrange their environment. They dig themselves dens and holes in the wild and can bulldoze even large boulders out of their way. In our quarantine facility 'Gabriel' is given objects for him to interact with which allow him to carry out his natural behaviours, just like this treatball.

We recieve a large number of calls from the public asking us to take their fish because it is too big for their tank and they were not aware it would grow so big. Unfortunately it is very difficult in most cases for aquariums to help out. The species might not be compatible with their other animals and they need a long time in quarantine which is very expensive to make absolutely sure they pose no danger to the fish they already have.

If you are thinking about a getting a fish tank please remember the following:
1. Always do your research! Read hobbyist books and ask your retailer before buying.

2. Never buy on impulse. If you don't know how big a fish is going to get, check first.

3. Think about the fishes requirements now and as it becomes a fully grown adult.

4. Take note of the top ten 'BIG problem fish' Do you really have room for one of these?

5. Avoid ALL shark species. Even the smallest shark requires more space than the average home tank can provide.

Be a responsible aquarist and make sure you can take care of your fish for its whole life!

The Deep has produced a guide on how to avoid the BIG FISH problem please follow this link to find out more information http://www.thedeep.co.uk/campaigns.php

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• big fish
• redtail catfish
• Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
• footballing fish
• big fish campaign
• The Deep

[PecolaCatfishHunters]

mine played with rocks