i have recently purchased a red tail catfish can i put him in my pond this spring i live in south-east Ohio.?

Answer 1

It might do well in the summer when the water is warm, but I think it may parish in the winter when the water temp dips down. The are native to Brazil where the temperature stays pretty constant all year long, in-turn keeping the water temps pretty much the same all year. Red tail catfish are able to live in temperatures from 69 - 79 degrees, and may be able to go a little above and below that, but to keep the fish healthy it should mainly stay with in that range. You may be able to keep it in there for summer, but the question is what will you do in the winter when the water gets too cold for the fish. These fish when adults will need a minimum of 8' X 3' X 3' (around 550 gallons) and that is a minimum. So to have a tank to move the fish into for the winter might be difficult. I hope this helps, I know it's not what you wanted to hear, but good luck.

Answer 2

You are to be commended,very few aquarists are willing to make the investment that it takes to keep one of these catfish. Beside the large tank required, the cost of food will be substantial. Good luck.
The pond will only work for 2 or 3 months each year,then the temps will be too cold. Remember to use the temperatures at the bottom of the pond,not surface temps.

Answer 3

no. it gets WAY WAY WAY too cold.
Just to be sure you know rtc's get 5ft right?