Toad Fish

[simon newberry]

Hi,

I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other that
might be appropriate.

I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We bought
2 from our local aquarium place.

I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering whether
we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find what the correct
temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C water.

[Simon]

Well i thought i'd play it safe and try something that all fish seem to fall
for... earth worms.

One of the toad fish has eaten a small worm and chomped a huge one in
half... I didn't realise how big their mouths were!

The other one is in the corner by the riser tube. hopefully he'll come down
to eat too :)


"simon newberry" > wrote in message
...
> Hi,
>
> I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other
> that might be appropriate.
>
> I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We
> bought 2 from our local aquarium place.
>
> I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering
> whether we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find what
> the correct temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C water.
>

[Elaine T]

simon newberry wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other that
> might be appropriate.
>
> I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We bought
> 2 from our local aquarium place.
>
> I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering whether
> we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find what the correct
> temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C water.
>
>
They're not likely to move much. In the wild, toad fish camoflage
themselves against the bottom or in a cave and suddenly inhale any small
fish or crustacean that comes too close to their mouths. The marine
ones don't even move when I come swimming overhead scuba diving.

http://forums.fishindex.com/archive/index.php/t-1849.html
Found this page on some of the fish labeled toad fish. Looks like
you're going to have to use feeder fish or possibly glass shrimp. I
hope you don't have them in with any other small community fish.

I'd suggest going back to the LFS where you bought them and ask to watch
them feed the fish. You can learn what your fish are accustomed to
eating, and how they get it. Also, marine toad fish and stone fish can
often be trained to take food from a stick moved in front of them so
that you can use foods other than feeders. Also doublecheck that you
have a true freshwater species - some of the "toad fish" in the trade
are brackish.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Simon]

"Elaine T" > wrote in message
. ..
> simon newberry wrote:
>> Hi,
>>
>> I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other
>> that might be appropriate.
>>
>> I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We
>> bought 2 from our local aquarium place.
>>
>> I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering
>> whether we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find what
>> the correct temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C water.
> They're not likely to move much. In the wild, toad fish camoflage
> themselves against the bottom or in a cave and suddenly inhale any small
> fish or crustacean that comes too close to their mouths. The marine ones
> don't even move when I come swimming overhead scuba diving.
>
> http://forums.fishindex.com/archive/index.php/t-1849.html
> Found this page on some of the fish labeled toad fish. Looks like you're
> going to have to use feeder fish or possibly glass shrimp. I hope you
> don't have them in with any other small community fish.
>
> I'd suggest going back to the LFS where you bought them and ask to watch
> them feed the fish. You can learn what your fish are accustomed to
> eating, and how they get it. Also, marine toad fish and stone fish can
> often be trained to take food from a stick moved in front of them so that
> you can use foods other than feeders. Also doublecheck that you have a
> true freshwater species - some of the "toad fish" in the trade are
> brackish.
>
> --
> Elaine T __
> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

They aren't in with anything smaller. The smallest fish we have are loaches
with are about 5 inches long.

Truth is the place we bought them had not long had them in and did not know
a thing about them (they're a big place and normally very good with advice)
they had been trying them with a variety of foods but never seen them eat,
We took a chance as we liked the look of them so got 2. We got 2 because in
the tank of about 10 they seemed to have paired off and indeed ours are
together about 90% of the time.

I've tried them on frozen muscle but not actually seen them eat any although
it disapears fast but that could be the loaches or polypterus palmas. So the
first thing i have seen one of them eat is a worm.

How can i find out if they are a true freshwater species? They were sold as
"Toad Fish", no other name.

[Simon]

"Simon" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Elaine T" > wrote in message
> . ..
>> simon newberry wrote:
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other
>>> that might be appropriate.
>>>
>>> I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We
>>> bought 2 from our local aquarium place.
>>>
>>> I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering
>>> whether we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find what
>>> the correct temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C water.
>> They're not likely to move much. In the wild, toad fish camoflage
>> themselves against the bottom or in a cave and suddenly inhale any small
>> fish or crustacean that comes too close to their mouths. The marine ones
>> don't even move when I come swimming overhead scuba diving.
>>
>> http://forums.fishindex.com/archive/index.php/t-1849.html
>> Found this page on some of the fish labeled toad fish. Looks like you're
>> going to have to use feeder fish or possibly glass shrimp. I hope you
>> don't have them in with any other small community fish.
>>
>> I'd suggest going back to the LFS where you bought them and ask to watch
>> them feed the fish. You can learn what your fish are accustomed to
>> eating, and how they get it. Also, marine toad fish and stone fish can
>> often be trained to take food from a stick moved in front of them so that
>> you can use foods other than feeders. Also doublecheck that you have a
>> true freshwater species - some of the "toad fish" in the trade are
>> brackish.
>>
>> --
>> Elaine T __
>> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
>> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com
>
> They aren't in with anything smaller. The smallest fish we have are
> loaches with are about 5 inches long.
>
> Truth is the place we bought them had not long had them in and did not
> know a thing about them (they're a big place and normally very good with
> advice) they had been trying them with a variety of foods but never seen
> them eat, We took a chance as we liked the look of them so got 2. We got 2
> because in the tank of about 10 they seemed to have paired off and indeed
> ours are together about 90% of the time.
>
> I've tried them on frozen muscle but not actually seen them eat any
> although it disapears fast but that could be the loaches or polypterus
> palmas. So the first thing i have seen one of them eat is a worm.
>
> How can i find out if they are a true freshwater species? They were sold
> as "Toad Fish", no other name.
>

just found this:
http://filaman.uni-kiel.de/identification/specieslist.cfm?famcode=189&areacode=&spines=&fins=

I'd say ours were Potamobatrachus trispinosus
http://filaman.uni-kiel.de/summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?id=53585

So looks like they are true freshwater and temperature should be 26 - 28.

[Simon]

"Simon" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Simon" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "Elaine T" > wrote in message
>> . ..
>>> simon newberry wrote:
>>>> Hi,
>>>>
>>>> I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other
>>>> that might be appropriate.
>>>>
>>>> I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We
>>>> bought 2 from our local aquarium place.
>>>>
>>>> I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering
>>>> whether we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find what
>>>> the correct temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C water.
>>> They're not likely to move much. In the wild, toad fish camoflage
>>> themselves against the bottom or in a cave and suddenly inhale any small
>>> fish or crustacean that comes too close to their mouths. The marine
>>> ones don't even move when I come swimming overhead scuba diving.
>>>
>>> http://forums.fishindex.com/archive/index.php/t-1849.html
>>> Found this page on some of the fish labeled toad fish. Looks like
>>> you're going to have to use feeder fish or possibly glass shrimp. I
>>> hope you don't have them in with any other small community fish.
>>>
>>> I'd suggest going back to the LFS where you bought them and ask to watch
>>> them feed the fish. You can learn what your fish are accustomed to
>>> eating, and how they get it. Also, marine toad fish and stone fish can
>>> often be trained to take food from a stick moved in front of them so
>>> that you can use foods other than feeders. Also doublecheck that you
>>> have a true freshwater species - some of the "toad fish" in the trade
>>> are brackish.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Elaine T __
>>> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
>>> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com
>>
>> They aren't in with anything smaller. The smallest fish we have are
>> loaches with are about 5 inches long.
>>
>> Truth is the place we bought them had not long had them in and did not
>> know a thing about them (they're a big place and normally very good with
>> advice) they had been trying them with a variety of foods but never seen
>> them eat, We took a chance as we liked the look of them so got 2. We got
>> 2 because in the tank of about 10 they seemed to have paired off and
>> indeed ours are together about 90% of the time.
>>
>> I've tried them on frozen muscle but not actually seen them eat any
>> although it disapears fast but that could be the loaches or polypterus
>> palmas. So the first thing i have seen one of them eat is a worm.
>>
>> How can i find out if they are a true freshwater species? They were sold
>> as "Toad Fish", no other name.
>>
>
> just found this:
> http://filaman.uni-kiel.de/identification/specieslist.cfm?famcode=189&areacode=&spines=&fins=
>
> I'd say ours were Potamobatrachus trispinosus
> http://filaman.uni-kiel.de/summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?id=53585
>
> So looks like they are true freshwater and temperature should be 26 - 28.
>

One thing i am confused about is on that page is says " Max. size: 5.0 cm
SL "

The ones we have are about 4 inches long... I can't see 5 cm being right and
what does SL mean?

[Simon]

"Simon" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Simon" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "Simon" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>
>>> "Elaine T" > wrote in message
>>> . ..
>>>> simon newberry wrote:
>>>>> Hi,
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other
>>>>> that might be appropriate.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We
>>>>> bought 2 from our local aquarium place.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering
>>>>> whether we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find
>>>>> what the correct temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C
>>>>> water.
>>>> They're not likely to move much. In the wild, toad fish camoflage
>>>> themselves against the bottom or in a cave and suddenly inhale any
>>>> small fish or crustacean that comes too close to their mouths. The
>>>> marine ones don't even move when I come swimming overhead scuba diving.
>>>>
>>>> http://forums.fishindex.com/archive/index.php/t-1849.html
>>>> Found this page on some of the fish labeled toad fish. Looks like
>>>> you're going to have to use feeder fish or possibly glass shrimp. I
>>>> hope you don't have them in with any other small community fish.
>>>>
>>>> I'd suggest going back to the LFS where you bought them and ask to
>>>> watch them feed the fish. You can learn what your fish are accustomed
>>>> to eating, and how they get it. Also, marine toad fish and stone fish
>>>> can often be trained to take food from a stick moved in front of them
>>>> so that you can use foods other than feeders. Also doublecheck that
>>>> you have a true freshwater species - some of the "toad fish" in the
>>>> trade are brackish.
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Elaine T __
>>>> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
>>>> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com
>>>
>>> They aren't in with anything smaller. The smallest fish we have are
>>> loaches with are about 5 inches long.
>>>
>>> Truth is the place we bought them had not long had them in and did not
>>> know a thing about them (they're a big place and normally very good with
>>> advice) they had been trying them with a variety of foods but never seen
>>> them eat, We took a chance as we liked the look of them so got 2. We got
>>> 2 because in the tank of about 10 they seemed to have paired off and
>>> indeed ours are together about 90% of the time.
>>>
>>> I've tried them on frozen muscle but not actually seen them eat any
>>> although it disapears fast but that could be the loaches or polypterus
>>> palmas. So the first thing i have seen one of them eat is a worm.
>>>
>>> How can i find out if they are a true freshwater species? They were sold
>>> as "Toad Fish", no other name.
>>>
>>
>> just found this:
>> http://filaman.uni-kiel.de/identification/specieslist.cfm?famcode=189&areacode=&spines=&fins=
>>
>> I'd say ours were Potamobatrachus trispinosus
>> http://filaman.uni-kiel.de/summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?id=53585
>>
>> So looks like they are true freshwater and temperature should be 26 - 28.
>>
>
> One thing i am confused about is on that page is says " Max. size: 5.0
> cm SL "
>
> The ones we have are about 4 inches long... I can't see 5 cm being right
> and what does SL mean?
>

I found these pictures of the mouth of a Toad Fish (Lionfish) if mine have
these chompers i don't think i'll be sticking my hand in the tank again.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/toadfishfaqs.htm

[Elaine T]

Simon wrote:
> "Simon" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>"Simon" > wrote in message
...
>>
>>>"Elaine T" > wrote in message
. ..
>>>
>>>>simon newberry wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>Hi,
>>>>>
>>>>>I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other
>>>>>that might be appropriate.
>>>>>
>>>>>I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We
>>>>>bought 2 from our local aquarium place.
>>>>>
>>>>>I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering
>>>>>whether we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find what
>>>>>the correct temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C water.
>>>>
>>>>They're not likely to move much. In the wild, toad fish camoflage
>>>>themselves against the bottom or in a cave and suddenly inhale any small
>>>>fish or crustacean that comes too close to their mouths. The marine
>>>>ones don't even move when I come swimming overhead scuba diving.
>>>>
>>>>http://forums.fishindex.com/archive/index.php/t-1849.html
>>>>Found this page on some of the fish labeled toad fish. Looks like
>>>>you're going to have to use feeder fish or possibly glass shrimp. I
>>>>hope you don't have them in with any other small community fish.
>>>>
>>>>I'd suggest going back to the LFS where you bought them and ask to watch
>>>>them feed the fish. You can learn what your fish are accustomed to
>>>>eating, and how they get it. Also, marine toad fish and stone fish can
>>>>often be trained to take food from a stick moved in front of them so
>>>>that you can use foods other than feeders. Also doublecheck that you
>>>>have a true freshwater species - some of the "toad fish" in the trade
>>>>are brackish.
>>>>
>>>>--
>>>>Elaine T __
>>>>http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
>>>>rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com
>>>
>>>They aren't in with anything smaller. The smallest fish we have are
>>>loaches with are about 5 inches long.
>>>
>>>Truth is the place we bought them had not long had them in and did not
>>>know a thing about them (they're a big place and normally very good with
>>>advice) they had been trying them with a variety of foods but never seen
>>>them eat, We took a chance as we liked the look of them so got 2. We got
>>>2 because in the tank of about 10 they seemed to have paired off and
>>>indeed ours are together about 90% of the time.
>>>
>>>I've tried them on frozen muscle but not actually seen them eat any
>>>although it disapears fast but that could be the loaches or polypterus
>>>palmas. So the first thing i have seen one of them eat is a worm.
>>>
>>>How can i find out if they are a true freshwater species? They were sold
>>>as "Toad Fish", no other name.
>>>
>>
>>just found this:
>>http://filaman.uni-kiel.de/identification/specieslist.cfm?famcode=189&areacode=&spines=&fins=
>>
>>I'd say ours were Potamobatrachus trispinosus
>>http://filaman.uni-kiel.de/summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?id=53585
>>
>>So looks like they are true freshwater and temperature should be 26 - 28.
>>
>
>
> One thing i am confused about is on that page is says " Max. size: 5.0 cm
> SL "
>
> The ones we have are about 4 inches long... I can't see 5 cm being right and
> what does SL mean?
>
>
SL stands for standard length and is the length of the fish from its
mouth to the caudal peduncle, the start of the tailfin. SL is used
because longfinned fish in the aquarium trade get confusing otherwise.
Mongan Bay lists P. trispinosus as 7 cm TL - the length from head to the
end of the tailfin. I'm not sure about that P. trispinosus ID.
Unfortunately, the species was first described in 1995 so there isn't a
whole lot of info out there on it.

I don't know much about toad fish in the aquarium trade - what I posted
was all from Google. I see them when I dive, so I mostly know the local
species.

I'm wondering if you have the top species on this page if they're too
large for P. trispinosus?
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/batrachoididae.htm

And just saw your post on the teeth. Yikes! I'd be even more cautious
of the dorsal spines and the mild bee-sting like toxin, though. Cool fish!

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Simon]

"Elaine T" > wrote in message
om...
> Simon wrote:
>> "Simon" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>
>>>"Simon" > wrote in message
...
>>>
>>>>"Elaine T" > wrote in message
. ..
>>>>
>>>>>simon newberry wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>>Hi,
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other
>>>>>>that might be appropriate.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We
>>>>>>bought 2 from our local aquarium place.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering
>>>>>>whether we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find
>>>>>>what the correct temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C
>>>>>>water.
>>>>>
>>>>>They're not likely to move much. In the wild, toad fish camoflage
>>>>>themselves against the bottom or in a cave and suddenly inhale any
>>>>>small fish or crustacean that comes too close to their mouths. The
>>>>>marine ones don't even move when I come swimming overhead scuba diving.
>>>>>
>>>>>http://forums.fishindex.com/archive/index.php/t-1849.html
>>>>>Found this page on some of the fish labeled toad fish. Looks like
>>>>>you're going to have to use feeder fish or possibly glass shrimp. I
>>>>>hope you don't have them in with any other small community fish.
>>>>>
>>>>>I'd suggest going back to the LFS where you bought them and ask to
>>>>>watch them feed the fish. You can learn what your fish are accustomed
>>>>>to eating, and how they get it. Also, marine toad fish and stone fish
>>>>>can often be trained to take food from a stick moved in front of them
>>>>>so that you can use foods other than feeders. Also doublecheck that
>>>>>you have a true freshwater species - some of the "toad fish" in the
>>>>>trade are brackish.
>>>>>
>>>>>--
>>>>>Elaine T __
>>>>>http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
>>>>>rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com
>>>>
>>>>They aren't in with anything smaller. The smallest fish we have are
>>>>loaches with are about 5 inches long.
>>>>
>>>>Truth is the place we bought them had not long had them in and did not
>>>>know a thing about them (they're a big place and normally very good with
>>>>advice) they had been trying them with a variety of foods but never seen
>>>>them eat, We took a chance as we liked the look of them so got 2. We got
>>>>2 because in the tank of about 10 they seemed to have paired off and
>>>>indeed ours are together about 90% of the time.
>>>>
>>>>I've tried them on frozen muscle but not actually seen them eat any
>>>>although it disapears fast but that could be the loaches or polypterus
>>>>palmas. So the first thing i have seen one of them eat is a worm.
>>>>
>>>>How can i find out if they are a true freshwater species? They were sold
>>>>as "Toad Fish", no other name.
>>>>
>>>
>>>just found this:
>>>http://filaman.uni-kiel.de/identification/specieslist.cfm?famcode=189&areacode=&spines=&fins=
>>>
>>>I'd say ours were Potamobatrachus trispinosus
>>>http://filaman.uni-kiel.de/summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?id=53585
>>>
>>>So looks like they are true freshwater and temperature should be 26 - 28.
>>>
>>
>>
>> One thing i am confused about is on that page is says " Max. size: 5.0
>> cm SL "
>>
>> The ones we have are about 4 inches long... I can't see 5 cm being right
>> and what does SL mean?
> SL stands for standard length and is the length of the fish from its mouth
> to the caudal peduncle, the start of the tailfin. SL is used because
> longfinned fish in the aquarium trade get confusing otherwise. Mongan Bay
> lists P. trispinosus as 7 cm TL - the length from head to the end of the
> tailfin. I'm not sure about that P. trispinosus ID. Unfortunately, the
> species was first described in 1995 so there isn't a whole lot of info out
> there on it.
>
> I don't know much about toad fish in the aquarium trade - what I posted
> was all from Google. I see them when I dive, so I mostly know the local
> species.
>
> I'm wondering if you have the top species on this page if they're too
> large for P. trispinosus?
> http://www.wetwebmedia.com/batrachoididae.htm
>
> And just saw your post on the teeth. Yikes! I'd be even more cautious of
> the dorsal spines and the mild bee-sting like toxin, though. Cool fish!
>
> --
> Elaine T __
> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

The colouring on those top ones is nothing like the ones we have. They look
identical to the Potamobatrachus trispinosus. I'll have another go at
measuring, if that size not including fins then maybe it's right.

[Simon]

"Simon" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Elaine T" > wrote in message
> om...
>> Simon wrote:
>>> "Simon" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>
>>>>"Simon" > wrote in message
...
>>>>
>>>>>"Elaine T" > wrote in message
. ..
>>>>>
>>>>>>simon newberry wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Hi,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any
>>>>>>>other that might be appropriate.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We
>>>>>>>bought 2 from our local aquarium place.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering
>>>>>>>whether we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find
>>>>>>>what the correct temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C
>>>>>>>water.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>They're not likely to move much. In the wild, toad fish camoflage
>>>>>>themselves against the bottom or in a cave and suddenly inhale any
>>>>>>small fish or crustacean that comes too close to their mouths. The
>>>>>>marine ones don't even move when I come swimming overhead scuba
>>>>>>diving.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>http://forums.fishindex.com/archive/index.php/t-1849.html
>>>>>>Found this page on some of the fish labeled toad fish. Looks like
>>>>>>you're going to have to use feeder fish or possibly glass shrimp. I
>>>>>>hope you don't have them in with any other small community fish.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I'd suggest going back to the LFS where you bought them and ask to
>>>>>>watch them feed the fish. You can learn what your fish are accustomed
>>>>>>to eating, and how they get it. Also, marine toad fish and stone fish
>>>>>>can often be trained to take food from a stick moved in front of them
>>>>>>so that you can use foods other than feeders. Also doublecheck that
>>>>>>you have a true freshwater species - some of the "toad fish" in the
>>>>>>trade are brackish.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>--
>>>>>>Elaine T __
>>>>>>http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
>>>>>>rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com
>>>>>
>>>>>They aren't in with anything smaller. The smallest fish we have are
>>>>>loaches with are about 5 inches long.
>>>>>
>>>>>Truth is the place we bought them had not long had them in and did not
>>>>>know a thing about them (they're a big place and normally very good
>>>>>with advice) they had been trying them with a variety of foods but
>>>>>never seen them eat, We took a chance as we liked the look of them so
>>>>>got 2. We got 2 because in the tank of about 10 they seemed to have
>>>>>paired off and indeed ours are together about 90% of the time.
>>>>>
>>>>>I've tried them on frozen muscle but not actually seen them eat any
>>>>>although it disapears fast but that could be the loaches or polypterus
>>>>>palmas. So the first thing i have seen one of them eat is a worm.
>>>>>
>>>>>How can i find out if they are a true freshwater species? They were
>>>>>sold as "Toad Fish", no other name.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>just found this:
>>>>http://filaman.uni-kiel.de/identification/specieslist.cfm?famcode=189&areacode=&spines=&fins=
>>>>
>>>>I'd say ours were Potamobatrachus trispinosus
>>>>http://filaman.uni-kiel.de/summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?id=53585
>>>>
>>>>So looks like they are true freshwater and temperature should be 26 -
>>>>28.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> One thing i am confused about is on that page is says " Max. size: 5.0
>>> cm SL "
>>>
>>> The ones we have are about 4 inches long... I can't see 5 cm being right
>>> and what does SL mean?
>> SL stands for standard length and is the length of the fish from its
>> mouth to the caudal peduncle, the start of the tailfin. SL is used
>> because longfinned fish in the aquarium trade get confusing otherwise.
>> Mongan Bay lists P. trispinosus as 7 cm TL - the length from head to the
>> end of the tailfin. I'm not sure about that P. trispinosus ID.
>> Unfortunately, the species was first described in 1995 so there isn't a
>> whole lot of info out there on it.
>>
>> I don't know much about toad fish in the aquarium trade - what I posted
>> was all from Google. I see them when I dive, so I mostly know the local
>> species.
>>
>> I'm wondering if you have the top species on this page if they're too
>> large for P. trispinosus?
>> http://www.wetwebmedia.com/batrachoididae.htm
>>
>> And just saw your post on the teeth. Yikes! I'd be even more cautious of
>> the dorsal spines and the mild bee-sting like toxin, though. Cool fish!
>>
>> --
>> Elaine T __
>> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
>> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com
>
> The colouring on those top ones is nothing like the ones we have. They
> look identical to the Potamobatrachus trispinosus. I'll have another go at
> measuring, if that size not including fins then maybe it's right.
>
>

Looks like worms are the answer to getting the fish to stop skulking up the
corner. Put some more in today and both toad fish were active and eating :)

[Elaine T]

Simon wrote:

> Looks like worms are the answer to getting the fish to stop skulking up the
> corner. Put some more in today and both toad fish were active and eating :)
>
>
That's great news! It's always such a relief when finicky fish eat
something.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Scott]

"simon newberry" > wrote in message
...
> Hi,
>
> I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other
> that might be appropriate.
>
> I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We
> bought 2 from our local aquarium place.
>
> I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering
> whether we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find what
> the correct temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C water.
>

Why would you buy fish that you had no idea how to keep? Jeez, sorry to
sound like a jerk, but I used to run into this all the time in the reptile
groups that I belonged to years ago. "I bought this reptile, but I am not
sure what it is or how to keep it and it looks like it is dying!! Please
help!!" Don't go and buy "pets" if you don't know how to keep them is the
simple answer. The internet is a wonderful tool for information, and so are
books at your local library or book store.

--- sorry for the flamish post, but that stuff just p*sses me off....

---scott

[Uncle Davey]

U¿ytkownik "Scott" <smaxell1{at}hotmail.com> napisa³ w wiadomo¶ci
...
>
> "simon newberry" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Hi,
> >
> > I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other
> > that might be appropriate.
> >
> > I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We
> > bought 2 from our local aquarium place.
> >
> > I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering
> > whether we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find what
> > the correct temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C water.
> >
>
> Why would you buy fish that you had no idea how to keep? Jeez, sorry to
> sound like a jerk, but I used to run into this all the time in the reptile
> groups that I belonged to years ago. "I bought this reptile, but I am not
> sure what it is or how to keep it and it looks like it is dying!! Please
> help!!" Don't go and buy "pets" if you don't know how to keep them is the
> simple answer. The internet is a wonderful tool for information, and so
are
> books at your local library or book store.
>
> --- sorry for the flamish post, but that stuff just p*sses me off....
>
> ---scott
>

This is totally out of order.

Every species - and remember this has only been in the hobby since 1995, is
kept at first by people who don't know how to keep it, and then they share
their experiences by coming on places like this and help other people to
find out - unless they get intimidated by the likes of you, that is.

In the main, a home aquarist will be giving them better care than they would
have in the shop anyway. If the shop didn't advise them about the fishes the
chances are they didn't know either, so what have the fish lost?

And unlike in the herpetology hobby, we fishkeepers have no reports of our
hobby causing varieties to die out in the wild, in fact the contrary is
true - see Xenophorus captivus for one of a number of examples - so kindly
keep you herpy guilt complexes to yourself.

Uncle Davey

[Simon]

"Scott" <smaxell1{at}hotmail.com> wrote in message
...
>
> "simon newberry" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Hi,
>>
>> I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other
>> that might be appropriate.
>>
>> I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We
>> bought 2 from our local aquarium place.
>>
>> I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering
>> whether we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find what
>> the correct temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C water.
>>
>
> Why would you buy fish that you had no idea how to keep? Jeez, sorry to
> sound like a jerk, but I used to run into this all the time in the reptile
> groups that I belonged to years ago. "I bought this reptile, but I am not
> sure what it is or how to keep it and it looks like it is dying!! Please
> help!!" Don't go and buy "pets" if you don't know how to keep them is the
> simple answer. The internet is a wonderful tool for information, and so
> are books at your local library or book store.
>
> --- sorry for the flamish post, but that stuff just p*sses me off....
>
> ---scott
>

Fair point but when you see something special that a place never had in
before, you know they will be snapped up and you have to make a descion.
Either go away and find out about then and risk them not being there when
you get back or buy them, then find out about them.

[Simon]

Unfortunately we lost a toad fish last night, came down this morning to find
him dead.

The other toad fish seems in perfect health as do all the other fish. I
don't want to get a replacement yet in case the fish isn't suited to the
tank, if the remaining toad fish continues to be ok I will look for another
although i expect finding another will be very difficult.

We've had them both a few weeks now so they had settled in.

[Elaine T]

Uncle Davey wrote:
> U¿ytkownik "Scott" <smaxell1{at}hotmail.com> napisa³ w wiadomo¶ci
> ...
>
>>"simon newberry" > wrote in message
...
>>
>>>Hi,
>>>
>>>I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other
>>>that might be appropriate.
>>>
>>>I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We
>>>bought 2 from our local aquarium place.
>>>
>>>I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering
>>>whether we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find what
>>>the correct temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C water.
>>>
>>
>>Why would you buy fish that you had no idea how to keep? Jeez, sorry to
>>sound like a jerk, but I used to run into this all the time in the reptile
>>groups that I belonged to years ago. "I bought this reptile, but I am not
>>sure what it is or how to keep it and it looks like it is dying!! Please
>>help!!" Don't go and buy "pets" if you don't know how to keep them is the
>>simple answer. The internet is a wonderful tool for information, and so
>
> are
>
>>books at your local library or book store.
>>
>>--- sorry for the flamish post, but that stuff just p*sses me off....
>>
>>---scott
>>
>
>
> This is totally out of order.
>
> Every species - and remember this has only been in the hobby since 1995, is
> kept at first by people who don't know how to keep it, and then they share
> their experiences by coming on places like this and help other people to
> find out - unless they get intimidated by the likes of you, that is.
>
> In the main, a home aquarist will be giving them better care than they would
> have in the shop anyway. If the shop didn't advise them about the fishes the
> chances are they didn't know either, so what have the fish lost?
>
> And unlike in the herpetology hobby, we fishkeepers have no reports of our
> hobby causing varieties to die out in the wild, in fact the contrary is
> true - see Xenophorus captivus for one of a number of examples - so kindly
> keep you herpy guilt complexes to yourself.
>
> Uncle Davey
>
Um...not quite true. No extinctions yet, but Asian Arowanas are CITES
endangered and Bala Sharks are IUCN Red Listed from overcollection for
the tropical fish trade. Reef fish and corals are also overcollected
for sal****er aquarists who more often than not promptly kill them and
reefs are suffering badly. Most seahorse species are now both CITES
endangered and on the IUCN Red List because they're so easy to collect
that wild populations are falling rapidly.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Uncle Davey]

Uzytkownik "Elaine T" > napisal w wiadomosci
m...
> Uncle Davey wrote:
> > U¿ytkownik "Scott" <smaxell1{at}hotmail.com> napisa³ w wiadomo¶ci
> > ...
> >
> >>"simon newberry" > wrote in message
> ...
> >>
> >>>Hi,
> >>>
> >>>I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other
> >>>that might be appropriate.
> >>>
> >>>I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We
> >>>bought 2 from our local aquarium place.
> >>>
> >>>I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering
> >>>whether we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find what
> >>>the correct temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C water.
> >>>
> >>
> >>Why would you buy fish that you had no idea how to keep? Jeez, sorry to
> >>sound like a jerk, but I used to run into this all the time in the
reptile
> >>groups that I belonged to years ago. "I bought this reptile, but I am
not
> >>sure what it is or how to keep it and it looks like it is dying!! Please
> >>help!!" Don't go and buy "pets" if you don't know how to keep them is
the
> >>simple answer. The internet is a wonderful tool for information, and so
> >
> > are
> >
> >>books at your local library or book store.
> >>
> >>--- sorry for the flamish post, but that stuff just p*sses me off....
> >>
> >>---scott
> >>
> >
> >
> > This is totally out of order.
> >
> > Every species - and remember this has only been in the hobby since 1995,
is
> > kept at first by people who don't know how to keep it, and then they
share
> > their experiences by coming on places like this and help other people to
> > find out - unless they get intimidated by the likes of you, that is.
> >
> > In the main, a home aquarist will be giving them better care than they
would
> > have in the shop anyway. If the shop didn't advise them about the fishes
the
> > chances are they didn't know either, so what have the fish lost?
> >
> > And unlike in the herpetology hobby, we fishkeepers have no reports of
our
> > hobby causing varieties to die out in the wild, in fact the contrary is
> > true - see Xenophorus captivus for one of a number of examples - so
kindly
> > keep you herpy guilt complexes to yourself.
> >
> > Uncle Davey
> >
> Um...not quite true. No extinctions yet, but Asian Arowanas are CITES
> endangered and Bala Sharks are IUCN Red Listed from overcollection for
> the tropical fish trade. Reef fish and corals are also overcollected
> for sal****er aquarists who more often than not promptly kill them and
> reefs are suffering badly. Most seahorse species are now both CITES
> endangered and on the IUCN Red List because they're so easy to collect
> that wild populations are falling rapidly.
>
> --
> Elaine T __
> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

Because of the high fecundity of most fish genera in comparison with
herptiles, if only the environment is right, the population is able to stay
ahead of the collection, especially as the collection is being done often by
people who would like to make a long term living from it. Pollution and
other habitat destruction is usually the root cause, and then collection on
top of that can exacerbate matters.

For example, take the cherry barb (Barbus/Puntius titteya, if I'm not
overtaken by taxonomic novelties) - this was threatened by the Sri Lankan
wars in its wild range, and there was a risk that the fish would only
survive in the captive population as so many other species already do - some
of them of course because they are hybrids that likely as not never had a
wild range in that form in the first place.

Of course with the livebearers, such as the poecilidae and the goodeidae,
the replacement rate is a lot slower, and also the Mexican hunger for rapid
economic expansion at the expense of habitat has already caused numerous
extinctions, and we have the hobby and also certain zoos and public aquaria
to thank that certain of these can still be seen at all. Xenophorus is a
prime case study for that.

I cannot speak to marines, as I have only ever kept or seriously looked at
freshwater, but the context was a freshwater species, and this is called a
freshwater group, although I haven't read the FAQ yet, I must admit.

Best,

Uncle Davey

[Scott]

"Uncle Davey" > wrote in message
...
>
> U¿ytkownik "Scott" <smaxell1{at}hotmail.com> napisa³ w wiadomo¶ci
> ...
>>
>> "simon newberry" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > Hi,
>> >
>> > I'm hoping this is the right group to ask in, I couldn't see any other
>> > that might be appropriate.
>> >
>> > I'm wodnering whether anyone can give me any insight in Toad Fish. We
>> > bought 2 from our local aquarium place.
>> >
>> > I have yet to see them eat and they move very little. I'm wondering
>> > whether we have the temperature set wrong for them but cannot find what
>> > the correct temperature should be. Currently they are in 26C water.
>> >
>>
>> Why would you buy fish that you had no idea how to keep? Jeez, sorry to
>> sound like a jerk, but I used to run into this all the time in the
>> reptile
>> groups that I belonged to years ago. "I bought this reptile, but I am not
>> sure what it is or how to keep it and it looks like it is dying!! Please
>> help!!" Don't go and buy "pets" if you don't know how to keep them is the
>> simple answer. The internet is a wonderful tool for information, and so
> are
>> books at your local library or book store.
>>
>> --- sorry for the flamish post, but that stuff just p*sses me off....
>>
>> ---scott
>>
>
> This is totally out of order.
>
> Every species - and remember this has only been in the hobby since 1995,
> is
> kept at first by people who don't know how to keep it, and then they share
> their experiences by coming on places like this and help other people to
> find out - unless they get intimidated by the likes of you, that is.
>
> In the main, a home aquarist will be giving them better care than they
> would
> have in the shop anyway. If the shop didn't advise them about the fishes
> the
> chances are they didn't know either, so what have the fish lost?
>
> And unlike in the herpetology hobby, we fishkeepers have no reports of our
> hobby causing varieties to die out in the wild, in fact the contrary is
> true - see Xenophorus captivus for one of a number of examples - so kindly
> keep you herpy guilt complexes to yourself.
>
> Uncle Davey
>
>

A totally specious argument... whether it relates to herpetology, fish, or
ferrets. I have no "guilt complex" about keeping reptiles. I did my due
diligance -- finding out HOW to keep them before I bought them. I didn't buy
an Iguana and try to keep it in a fishbowl, for example. If you are going to
buy an animal, find out how you need to keep it. If the species has been
around for almost 10 YEARS in captivity, then there is plenty of data out
there about keeping it. And who said anything about causing species to die
out in the wild? Really kind of irrelevant don't you think? The whole point
was finding out how to keep it before you buy it.

I am not saying that I am a fish expert, but I at least take the care to
make sure that a "pet" that I am going to buy is not going to totally go
wild on the other fish in my tank and eat all of them, then come complaining
to someone that my oscar ate all of my neons. Go figure.

Like I noted, maybe my post was a little "flamish", this post will stand on
its own however you wish to take it - but not directed at the original
poster... it really is a simple matter.

---scott

[Scott]

hmmm

sorry .... but my point to Uncle Davey is borne out... go figure...

---scott


"Simon" > wrote in message
...
> Unfortunately we lost a toad fish last night, came down this morning to
> find him dead.
>
> The other toad fish seems in perfect health as do all the other fish. I
> don't want to get a replacement yet in case the fish isn't suited to the
> tank, if the remaining toad fish continues to be ok I will look for
> another although i expect finding another will be very difficult.
>
> We've had them both a few weeks now so they had settled in.
>

[Uncle Davey]

U¿ytkownik "Scott" <smaxell1{at}hotmail.com> napisa³ w wiadomo¶ci
...
> hmmm
>
> sorry .... but my point to Uncle Davey is borne out... go figure...
>
> ---scott
>

No it isn't. If it were Simon's fault then his other one wouldn't be in
perfect health.

People feel bad enough when they lose fish without you giving them
complexes, thank you very much.

And what's with the top-posting? If you're so hot on finding out about
things before you do them, how come you didn't apply that to this hobby?

Uncle Davey

>
> "Simon" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Unfortunately we lost a toad fish last night, came down this morning to
> > find him dead.
> >
> > The other toad fish seems in perfect health as do all the other fish. I
> > don't want to get a replacement yet in case the fish isn't suited to the
> > tank, if the remaining toad fish continues to be ok I will look for
> > another although i expect finding another will be very difficult.
> >
> > We've had them both a few weeks now so they had settled in.
> >
>
>

[Scott]

"Uncle Davey" > wrote in message
...
>
> U¿ytkownik "Scott" <smaxell1{at}hotmail.com> napisa³ w wiadomo¶ci
> ...
>> hmmm
>>
>> sorry .... but my point to Uncle Davey is borne out... go figure...
>>
>> ---scott
>>
>
> No it isn't. If it were Simon's fault then his other one wouldn't be in
> perfect health.
>
> People feel bad enough when they lose fish without you giving them
> complexes, thank you very much.
>
> And what's with the top-posting? If you're so hot on finding out about
> things before you do them, how come you didn't apply that to this hobby?
>
> Uncle Davey


Jesus, I have been posting to newsgroups for 16 years, and top post one
message and you are there to point it out. Thanks for bringing my attention
to the error of my ways... pffft...

Someone has a little too much time on their hands. I am not going to get
into a flame war, thanks... I made my point. Stop beating a dead horse... or
fish, as the case may be.

---scott