3 replies to this topic

[gzeiger]

Really just wondering if these are the best choice. I expect in the early spring to be finishing up an 800 gallon tank (http://www.monsterfi...plywood.650684/), and initially I want to just seed it with feeder populations to eventually support the growth of a couple fingerling catfish. I want something that can breed in the presence of crayfish. I'm also considering guppies and mollies, but I was thinking fatheads would be more prolific. I expect the feeder fish to become extinct as the catfish grow, of course, but initially I want them to be able to establish a substantial population that will supply live food for a few months.

 

Any other species I may have overlooked? All I have available locally is eastern mudminnows and mummichogs, neither of which sounds easy enough to breed for this project. The feeders don't need to be native necessarily, but should be available. Also ideally should be able to take crushed flake as a first food.

Edited by gzeiger, 18 January 2016 - 04:00 PM.

[gerald]

Crayfish will likely eat fathead eggs, and adult fatheads will eat free-swimming fry.   To get any significant survival I think you would need to pull out the rocks, pots, pipes or whatever you're using as minnow spawning caves and grow the fry separately from the adults for the first couple months. 

[Matt DeLaVega]

Gambusia?

[gzeiger]

There's a thought. Presumably they are in range, but I haven't found any. I'll look.