What should I do with my catfish.

[stuffperson]

I have a channel catfish that is about 14-16" long. he is about 1/4 the length of the aquarium. I need to get rid of him, because 1) he's huge, and 2) he eats all the food for other fish.

I have yet to find a fish store that will take it. I'm pretty sure it could live in a lake around here but its damn cold right now the change over in temp might kill it or something. What the hell do you do with a fish this big? I assume this is a common problem with you all.

 

[Deus Ex Machina]

1. sell it
2. give it to a resturaunt that has a larger fish tank
3. put it in a bunch of carbonated water -- instant death
4. eat it



don't let it go in local waters unless channel cats live there too... otherwise you might introduce some weird virus or bacterial infection to the local fish population.

 

[BileStew]

Stuff it and make it into one of those singing fish wall plaques.

 

[PHATchik]

Well, here in the South, he would have already been fried and served.

 

[stuffperson]

Phatchik - I am in the south. Just a family policy not to eat the pets. I feel in no way guilty though eating fried catfish in the same house, covered with ketchup.

 

[HumorMe]

Stuff it and make it into one of those singing fish wall plaques.

 

[PHATchik]

LOL! That's a good family policy to have. But then again, I never would have thought a catfish could be a pet though. Maybe there's a first for everything.

I honestly don't have any advice for you. Have you considered perhaps a second tank?

 

[BileStew]

Phatchik - I am in the south. Just a family policy not to eat the pets. I feel in no way guilty though eating fried catfish in the same house, covered with ketchup.

Why do I get this image of you walking your catfish with a leash down the road?

 

[Deus Ex Machina]

Why do I get this image of you walking your catfish with a leash down the road?

you're closer than you think

http://www.nrm.se/ve/pisces/clarias.shtml.en

 

[BileStew]

you're closer than you think

http://www.nrm.se/ve/pisces/clarias.shtml.en

I don't know what's worse...

That the catfish can actually walk on land, or that you had a link to that?

 

[stuffperson]

I would not dare touch the creature, similar to when i catch them while fishing, that thing is only being held if i have on gloves. I've never found out if the whisker-stinger stuff is bullshit, nor do I care to find out.
A second tank would not be economical, as I currently have too many housing setups to care for 2 geckos, 2 newts, 8 fish, 1 prairie dog, and keeping up with my dog.
Care for a free catfish Phatchik?

 

[theoak01]

just eat it dude,fish arent pets they are a hobby,protein YUMMM

 

[HumorMe]

I I've never found out if the whisker-stinger stuff is bullshit, nor do I care to find out.

It's definitely not bullshit.

 

[stuffperson]

like the very bottom right pic on this page...
http://home.earthlink.net/~catfish_billy/id4.html
is what i'm talking about. nearly that long. definately that nasty looking.

 

[sh4dowf4lcon]

"put me in the river
take me to the water
I want to go
somebody help me

 

[stuffperson]

That my friend is some inspirational shit.

I may have a new plan.

 

[slickdadd]

Replace it's gills with cybernetic lungs, and it's rear fin with a cyborg set of spider legs, and teach it to walk around upright in the house. That'll rule. You're welcome man!

 

[westsnoop]

Put him in the lake in the same manner you would add a fish to your tank. Bag him with aquarium water, let the bag sit on the surface of the lake for awhile, then release him.

 

[stuffperson]

Snoop, that is the best suggestion yet, and most likely what i was going to do, I just didn't want to wait cause he is a big mutha right now as it it. You want him?

 

[sh4dowf4lcon]

Replace it's gills with cybernetic lungs, and it's rear fin with a cyborg set of spider legs, and teach it to walk around upright in the house. That'll rule. You're welcome man!

you silly bastig

 

[Y_lifter]

Release him as it is a native species and will be fine as long as you acclimate him to the cold water slowly..

What do you think the wild cats are doing out in the lakes now, cranking up their space heaters ?

Get a large bucket and put some Aquarium water in it. (good luck catching the bastard)

Slowly add in a gallon or so of colder water at a time and let him sit in that for an hour or so.
Add more cold water and after a could hours he should be acclimated to the cold water..

Best would be to find the lake/river where you are gonna release it, take him in the bucket to the lake and do the slow acclimation using the natural water..

As long as you go slow he will be good.. Same thing I have to do to new Marine fish in my tank.

 

[stuffperson]

Notes taken. As I mentioned previously I really wanted to pawn him off on someone else. This is the only fish I have ever seen that had traps. He is f'in ripped, a spectacle for sure, but just outgrowing a 55.

ANyone know if catfish have predators, or are they at the top of their dung-eating foodchain?

 

[slickdadd]

Notes taken. As I mentioned previously I really wanted to pawn him off on someone else. This is the only fish I have ever seen that had traps. He is f'in ripped, a spectacle for sure, but just outgrowing a 55.

ANyone know if catfish have predators, or are they at the top of their dung-eating foodchain?

Yeah. Sometimes he'll ask me to spot him on Deads, and threaten to take my lunch money if I don't. I think I saw him on the cover of musclemag in a Met-Rx muscleshirt with some really ripped freaky chick sitting on his lap while they both give a Hulkamaniac pose.

 

[PHATchik]

Care for a free catfish Phatchik?

Actually, I fix a pretty yummy catfish.

 

[Sub-Zero]

if you dont cook it and eat it, your a pussy.

 

[stuffperson]

PETA would assfuck you for saying that sublime.

I just found him a home in a private pond that is about an acre in size, I think he'll be able to kick it like a bza in there and as well I can fish for him in the future.

I appreciate all heartfelt suggestions.