giraffe catfish breeding

asianeric · Post by **asianeric** » 12 Dec 2003, 19:52

i have two adult giraffe catfish i keep in a failry large outdoor pond. how can tell their sexes and are there any sites about to breed this species. thanks

coelacanth · Post by **coelacanth** » 12 Dec 2003, 19:55

There is a research paper somewhere that describes aspects of their reproductive ecology in nature, but I can't recall what the title is (or to be more honest I'm getting ready to go out and haven't got time to search).
Pete

Katman · Post by **Katman** » 12 Dec 2003, 21:22

From what i have experienced occidentalis are pit spawners , digging nest some 3 ft.
in diameter, and 1 ft deep. When they spawn you will know it ,they distroy a pond.
as far as sexing goes I have found the males are smaller than the females. I have found mature males at 16 in. ,females at 20 in.. They can be sexed by looking at the vent
area ( it is not easy) and should be done by comparison.