Growth Rates for Red Tail Catfish?

Question

Hi,
Does anyone know the growth rate of a red tail catfish? My Husband is keen to keep them but is cautious about the size they ultimately become. We have the opportunity to have a 6cm fry now & we have an empty 4ft tank but were wondering how long before we would need to upgrade. Does anyone know how long it takes to grow. A local fish shop has had theirs for three years, he is about a foot long in a 10ft tank and he seems to have grown little in that time. Also any general hints would be great.
Thanks

Answer 1

MM is right. That RTC at the local fish shop is surely stunted. You can expect 1 inch per month at least until he reaches 14-15 inches. Then it will slow a little, but they will continue to grow in girth and bulk very quickly. A 4 ft tank would suffice for a year Max. Like already stated, it is best to return the fish, or rehome it. Most keepers of RTC's have ponds not tanks for their fish. These ponds are often homes to the RTC only because of their potential size and eating habits. RTC's are know for eating fish that by our eye seems too large to fit in its mouth, but the next morning, sure enough the RTC has that fish in its mouth or stomach. A great fun loving fish that is NOT meant for the home aquarium.

Answer 2

Excellent link and suggestion from Jon V on this. The one in the shop is severly stunted and at 3 years old should be well over a foot long, maybe approaching 2 feet. As Jon said, please return the fish unless you have the time, money and space for a monster in a few years.

MM

Answer 3

A catfish can grow very large. You will need at least a 200 gallon tank. The catfish grows very quickly
Tina

Answer 4

Try this link, I found this to have the best information available, accurate as well. I'd return him now unless you plan in a MASSIVE tank to be fair to this fish.

http://www.worldcichlids.com/fishprofiles/redtailcatfish.html