RTC - melanistic form

nicktc · Post by **nicktc** » 28 Sep 2011, 02:45

I picked up a melanistic RTC not too long ago. Looks like a regular RTC except that this fellow has a lot more black, even the 'whiskers' are black.

Was wondering if there are others here who might have kept a similar melanistic RTC. Does the black remain as the fish gets bigger.

This fellow is about 6" at the moment.

Redtailrob · Post by **Redtailrob** » 28 Sep 2011, 11:37

hey NickTC
No experience of the melanistic form of RTC Im afraid but I would assume that although there may be some colour change the majority will stay.
Have got to say WOW what a stunning fish

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 28 Sep 2011, 11:56

Melanism is similar to albinism, so one would expect that it will stay that way (some colour change may happen, but it will remain much darker than a "normal" coloured fish - there are plenty of other species of fish that have a "black form", and they remain black throughout their life).

--
Mats

Viktor Jarikov · Post by **Viktor Jarikov** » 30 Sep 2011, 13:16

Must echo RedTailRob. Never ever seen one yet, which makes me wonder how unique this fish is... and also how expensive. As you may well know, amelanistic/leucistic RTCs go for thousands of $$$. Called platinum RTC. Yours is a beautiful fish, but then I am a sucker for anything unusual. Please take best care of the lil' guy and keep posting pics as he grows! That'd be the most valuable and interesting info.

nicktc · Post by **nicktc** » 03 Oct 2011, 01:35

Thank you for the input.

Here's a picture taken last night, 02 Oct 2011.

ElTofi · Post by **ElTofi** » 03 Oct 2011, 14:23

I'm fighting so strong against this RTC dream for my 10'000 liters ! and here someone comes again with a wonderful fish in picture...

No,

I won't buy a RTC (even if it would be melanistic

)

not responsible for my other fishes in this tank...

but how hard it is to stay realistic these days

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 03 Oct 2011, 14:53

ElTofi, I think, whilst your pond is very nice size, it's a bit small for a fully grown RTC.

--
Mats

ElTofi · Post by **ElTofi** » 03 Oct 2011, 15:11

totally agreed

I know it from (almost) the start... and it's available for Pseudoplatystoma too... Even if I know a few people with RTC in smaller tanks... But I don't want to do that

...

But still... I have to repeat to myself (several times a week) the totally good arguments : too big, too voracious, too unreasonable

RTC - melanistic form

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