striped rapheal cat?

**genocidex** · 06-24-2011, 12:51 AM

looking at a selecting at petsmart and they look in excellent condition.

i was just thinking of adding one to my 29g tank. it seems small for a fish that can get to 8" but that seems to be the min for them. anyways i was looking into adding it to my tank with 13 tiger barbs (well 10 and 3 brb)
i wanted an armored cat cause they seem to not like sleeping fish like my plecos (RIP)
any input?
the only other fish in the tank is an opaline gourami.

i was hoping now they are busy with themselves and the cat being armored they would leave it be.

any input?

**Dave66** · 06-24-2011, 12:58 AM

Raphael cats are quite nocturnal, so it's unlikely you'd see it during the day, unless it gets habituated to daytime feedings.

And you're right, the Raphael cats are highly armored, and very little bothers them.

By the way it's the females that reach eight inches. The males top out at 6.5.

Dave

**genocidex** · 06-24-2011, 01:09 AM

oh thanks a ton looks like im researching on how to sex them :)

btw i also read i need to take care netting them any advice on that? lol

**Dave66** · 06-24-2011, 04:46 AM

Get the finest mesh net you can find. A brine shrimp net is about the mesh you'd need to keep the Raphael from sticking in it when caught. If they are caught though, they can usually disengage themselves on their own. If not, you may have to very, very carefully cut the net to release them.

By the way, when mature, females are broader than males when viewed from above, and when adult, she's visibly bulkier than he.

Dave

**toddnbecka** · 06-24-2011, 05:45 AM

They like cover, given a suitable "cave" that it won't outgrow too quickly you'll never see it out during the daytime. You;d want to feed it a little after the lights are turned off, not likely to find many leftovers at night after a tankful of barbs have been eating all day...

**genocidex** · 06-24-2011, 05:59 AM

ive never been too worried about left overs my little piggies er i mean fishies im keeping make sure of it.
thanks for the input

**smaug** · 06-24-2011, 09:50 AM

A 29gal isn't sufficient for them. Though very shy during the day,at night time they are quite active if they have the room. My raph is about 6yrs old and about 7 inches. I had a spotted in the past,he was about 8 and as fat as a hog.

**Rue** · 06-24-2011, 04:44 PM

I had one for years...I think they're beautiful.

But I think I only ever saw it once, after I put it in the tank...

**smaug** · 06-24-2011, 10:35 PM

The secret to a fulfilling raphael ownership is moonlights and insomnia.If I had a hundred plus gallon tank,it would have about a half dozen of them. The great thing about them is there ease of keeping,they are tough,easy to feed,very resisiliant to most disease. You simply have to be a night owl to appreciate them.

**genocidex** · 06-24-2011, 11:04 PM

as i said i do have a 55g im thinking of tossing it in when its up and going. ive heard the size can differ depending on sex.
not too worried about it out growing the tank. i am gona hook up some moon lighting and i am a night owl :P.
also ive heard of people getting them out during the day but im guessing thats hit or miss kinda deal i dont want to stress it lol