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	Red Tail Black Shark
Donkynutz Enthusiast Posts: 225 Kudos: 225 Votes: 2 Registered: 01-May-2005	Hey i was curious, i just picked up a baby RTBS just curious on itz growth, and how quickly it grows and what they generally like to eat, and any other info on the RTBS would be greatly appreciated as well.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
fishnewbie Big Fish Posts: 349 Kudos: 619 Votes: 319 Registered: 01-Apr-2004	I believe the RTBS can grow up to 4-5 inches and it eats mostly vegetable matter (algae). I just got one a while ago and it's awesome.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
fish479 Hobbyist Posts: 62 Kudos: 48 Votes: 3 Registered: 21-Dec-2003	I've had mine for about 3 years now. He got very aggressive in my 45, killed 2 cories. I've since moved him to my 55 and he's been fine. Was about 2 inches when I got him, he's almost 5 inches now. Appears to be very happy, very dark purple black body with bright orange almost red tail. He eats the algae on the fake plants and eats tubifex worms. Doesn't seem to bother with flake food much.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
Donkynutz Enthusiast Posts: 225 Kudos: 225 Votes: 2 Registered: 01-May-2005	He kileld your cories?? thats horrible how big was he? Mine is very tiny right now i have him in a 65g with cories, gournamies, and tetras, right now he chills with the tetras, i actually think he believes hes a tetra at times
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
Donkynutz Enthusiast Posts: 225 Kudos: 225 Votes: 2 Registered: 01-May-2005	Do they like lettuce, or celery or nething of that nature?
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
Calilasseia Ultimate Fish Guru Panda Funster Posts: 5496 Kudos: 2828 Votes: 731 Registered: 10-Feb-2003	Chances are any vegetable based foods will be enjoyed by a RTBS. However, if given sufficient space, one of these can grow to 7 inches. Plus, the RTBS becomes territorial as sexual maturity approaches. This tendency then becomes more vigorous with age. The reason for the two dead Corys is, in all probability, because they innocently occupied the 'real estate' that the RTBS had decided was exclusively his. Territorial fishes tend to be resolute and decisive about dealing with perceived 'trespassers' - they are evicted. If they go quietly, so much the better, but if they don't, they are likely to be attacked. Now a RTBS is nowhere near as vicious in this regard as, say, some of the big Cichlids whose pretty fearsome reputations precede them, but a RTBS is a well-muscled, capable fish that can inflict plenty of damage when it is in a bad mood. Large ones can catch the unwary aquarist completely by surprise with their combat capabilities. Basically, the requirements for a happy RTBS are: space (lots of it), caves (as many as you can provide), and as few competitors for the caves as possible. Plus, avoid keeping the RTBS with fish species whose shape or colouration are likely to trigger a territorial response. Any other bottom feeders sharing its home should be tough customers - Doradid catfishes of similar size for example. Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
trystianity Mega Fish Posts: 1028 Kudos: 926 Votes: 49 Registered: 20-Mar-2004	There was a member on here (since banned ) that had a very large rtbs.....about 8" if I remember correctly. Don't underestimate the size of them. They grow quite quickly.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
keithgh Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 6371 Kudos: 6918 Votes: 1542 Registered: 26-Apr-2003	Donkynutz Have a look in [link=My Profile]http:// www.fishprofiles.com/interactive/forums/profile.asp?userid=6741" style="COLOR: #00FF00[/link] for my tank info I recently lost my large RTBS about 5ins no idea of its age. Have a look in My Profile to see my feeding program. He was a good eater of practically everything I placed into the tank. Keith Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do. I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT? VOTE NOW VOTE NOW
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
Donkynutz Enthusiast Posts: 225 Kudos: 225 Votes: 2 Registered: 01-May-2005	Thanks keith, i find u to be informative and witty, i wish to subscribe to your newsletter(quote from Simpsons). But really u truly are a fountain of knowledge, keep it up!
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
keithgh Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 6371 Kudos: 6918 Votes: 1542 Registered: 26-Apr-2003	Donkynutz Thank you, I think it is just age and experience and learning the old hard way just try it and see what happens. Over the years you certainly come across many problems and just as many ways to fix them. Keith Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do. I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT? VOTE NOW VOTE NOW
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59


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