Striped Raphael Catfish

[HelpOscar]

Ok, im thinking of getting a new fish because I like their company and how some of them know who their owner is and who isnt. And how some fish react when they see their owner. And Ive been looking for a fish that has a long life span and would actually fit my ten gallon. So I found a fish called a Striped Raphael Catfish that grows up to 9 inches (Wikipedia told me) and I have a 10 gallon tank... And I was wondering if I buy one, would it would be cramped? (1 gallon per inch of fish?) and if I should get a bigger tank and maybe have enough room for a Striped Raphael Catfish and maybe a Senegal (or Gray) Bichir, And if those 2 are able to be in the same tank... Please leave info on what you know and the main reason im doing this is to teach my girl friend what the basics are for having a fish as a pet! She wont like it though, because to her it might take too much work, and she doesnt have time, but she is determined . Anyways, thank you for leaving a reply if you do! Peace.

 

[The-Wolf]

your 10G is way too small for any of the fish you mention, it is even too small for small active fish like danios, rasboras etc.

WCMMs would be ok as would a few guppies, however I notice you have a beta as an avatar so that would be great for one male.

 

[andywg]

10 gallon is not large enough for a striped raphael (Platydoras costatus). The inch per gallon guide works for slim bodied fish under 3", not for putting one 10" fish in a 10 gallon. However, these fish are amazingly slow growing, so a small specimin may be able to live in a 10 gallon for some time.

A larger tank could definitely hold a striped raphael and a senegal bichir, though it is worth pointing out that the raphael is not a very personable fish. Many people don't know for sure if their raphael is still alive as they are seen so infrequently (being extremely nocturnal).

 

[HelpOscar]

your 10G is way too small for any of the fish you mention, it is even too small for small active fish like danios, rasboras etc.

WCMMs would be ok as would a few guppies, however I notice you have a beta as an avatar so that would be great for one male.

Ya, my avatar is a look-alike of that betta that died last night (No hard feelings, I can see how my avatar could confuse people )
And If I can mooch my sister a little I might be able to get a 20 gallon.


"10 gallon is not large enough for a striped raphael (Platydoras costatus). The inch per gallon guide works for slim bodied fish under 3", not for putting one 10" fish in a 10 gallon. However, these fish are amazingly slow growing, so a small specimin may be able to live in a 10 gallon for some time.

A larger tank could definitely hold a striped raphael and a senegal bichir, though it is worth pointing out that the raphael is not a very personable fish. Many people don't know for sure if their raphael is still alive as they are seen so infrequently (being extremely nocturnal)." -andywg

Yea Ive noticed threads on that, how they sleep on their side or something? dunno But likr I said, Im looking for long life spans so, thats why raphael popped in my head.

for the replys and I might get a 20 gallon, still unsure but I might.

 

[cheesy feet]

My two raphaels are great.I just draw them out with catfish pellets and agae wafers when i want to see them .The biggest is around 9' and 5 years old.Imo they need atleast a 40 gal us tank.

 

[Iiriva]

I have one in 158 gallons and it (can't tell if he or she) is sure enjoying it's space. It is very old though, I bought it from a woman who gave up her aquarium hobby, so Örkki (orc in finnish! ) is at least 10 years old, could be 15, too, and could go until 20 or even older. It's one of my very favourites, he or she is so nice to other fishes, and I like the way it looks. It only comes out of it's cave during night time, so the picture isn't too good...

That's Örkki and few of our clown loaches.

 

[daveeyj]

i have a striped raphael and a senegal and they get along fine, often feeding together on bloodworm and daphinia etc