9 replies to this topic

[Betta132]

I don't have an open tank, this is research for a future plan. 

What's the smallest native predatory fish that actually looks like a predator? As in, any random person can look at it and say "Oh, that looks like a hunter." I'm looking for something maybe along the lines of a pickerel, and I'd prefer if it was something native to Texas or a nearby state. I'm really just looking for something that doesn't need a very large tank, preferably something I can train onto frozen foods. 

[Matt DeLaVega]

Mudminnow.

[smbass]

or a sculpin but mudminnow is a great suggestion. Sculpin warm temps become a concern.

[UncleWillie]

I would agree that mudminnow is a great suggestion (particularly when you consider its closeness to pickerel).  I would hate myself if I didn't at least bring up pirate perch.  They certainly have that predator look - big mouth, small body.  Although some may consider them to be a bore in a tank, I had a blast keeping them.  They were trained on soft pellets, but they certainly got a weekly helping of Gambusia or field crickets.  Watching a pirate perch emerge from vegetation to stalk a Gambusia is very cool.  http://www.nanfa.org...rateperch.shtml

[Michael Wolfe]

Mud minnows are the best choice. But since you said pickerel, I will say that I had a Redfin do quite well alone in a 25 gallon bow front for several years. But they are mostly like owning a statue, except for when you add food. Very still.

[butch]

Pike livebearers and some large killifish species are few of smaller predatory fishes.

[Betta132]

Pike livebearers look awesome! Plus, they're smallish, so they'd be suitable for a community of larger oddball fishes. 

[Sean Phillips]

Pike livebearers look awesome! Plus, they're smallish, so they'd be suitable for a community of larger oddball fishes.

Not native, though. I'd have to go with mudminnows as well for most predatory for its size.

[Evan P]

What is really great about Mudminnows is that they are predatory but also suitable for a community tank. They are a really interesting specues to have in an aquarium.

[trygon]

Belonesox is a North American native, they occur well north of the Yucatan Peninsula.  There is an invasive population in south Florida that has there since the late '50s or early '60s.