<< From my personal observations, the species is extremely aggressive and
predatory. I collected about eight juveniles last year in the 2 to 3 inch
range. After a short time in one tank, they had systematically attacked
and chewed the tails off the weaker individuals of their own species. This
eventually lead to the death of all but one fish. This one is now housed
alone and is about 4 inches long. Don't think it will make a good take
mate for anything. They will feed at night and likely attack anything they
can get a hold of. >>
Wow, I had no idea that they were that aggressive. I was planning on getting
some a while back but discarded the notion once I considered how big they can
get: five feet according to some accounts.Not to mention the fact that I want
to start trying to breed more Michigan fishes; flatheads aren't exactly
breeding material. I can't imagine any online articles about that anymore
than I can visualize an article entitled, "Breeding the Bull Shark,
Carcharhinus leucas". I think that I'll stick with madtoms. This isn't an
attack on people who responsibly keep flathead catfishes; if you've got the
space and resources and want to do it, more power to you! I'm just saying
I'll stay within what I know are my limits.
Btw, I was told that there have been outsized flathead catfish that have
swallowed humans by an employee of a LFS. I didn't believe him; maybe a baby
if it was dropped in the water, but what are the chances of that? Anyway,
does anyone know of any unusual stories about flathead catfish (not
necessarily just about alleged human consumption,; could be about something
as simple as its size)? I imagine that ther's a lot pof tall tales that get
floated around, but I would like to hear about any (serious) valid stories.
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