Oldest ever raphael (Stiped Dora) catfish ? 47 years old

[2 sheds]

Some may know about my Stripped Dora catfish, which I purhased in 1974.
Sadly passed away 3 days ago , at 47 + years old
I don't think they were imported before mid 70s so unlikely to be any older ones, also not many nutters that keep fish so long , he moved house quite a few times, had a good life and appropriate burial.
Updated to show of image of Raph from some years ago Tim

 

[WhistlingBadger]

Wow, that's amazing. Sorry for your loss, but it sounds like he had an amazing run. How big was he, and what finally did him in?

Also, I see you've been a member since 2012, and only seven posts. I admire your restraint.

 

[2 sheds]

Wow, that's amazing. Sorry for your loss, but it sounds like he had an amazing run. How big was he, and what finally did him in?

Also, I see you've been a member since 2012, and only seven posts. I admire your restraint.

Haha . he was about 8inches long, I think or assume old age got him, tank was healthy, he looked quite worn out for last 20 years

 

[WhistlingBadger]

Do they dig a lot? I have a planted South America tank that would be a great home for a couple of these. But I hate it when fish burrow.

 

[FishHobby99]

Some may know about my Stripped Dora catfish, which I purhased in 1974.
Sadly passed away 3 days ago , at 47 + years old
I don't think they were imported before mid 70s so unlikely to be any older ones, also not many nutters that keep fish so long , he moved house quite a few times, had a good life and appropriate burial.
A bit odd posting a picture of a dead fish, but he deserves recognition Tim
View attachment 150450

utterly disgusting & depressing . surely you could have found a earlier photo.

 

[2 sheds]

Do they dig a lot? I have a planted South America tank that would be a great home for a couple of these. But I hate it when fish burrow.

Not as such, they will clear a space under bog wood etc,

utterly disgusting & depressing . surely you could have found a earlier photo.

Apologies for upsetting you, if others feel the same I will delete image with respect

 

[FishHobby99]

Do you have a nice live pic of your fish? I can tell it was beautiful once upon a time

 

[2 sheds]

I'm trying to find one, sadly i didn't have a habit of taking many pics.

 

[JuiceBox52]

Oh no! 47 years is impressive though!

 

[kribensis12]

Some may know about my Stripped Dora catfish, which I purhased in 1974.
Sadly passed away 3 days ago , at 47 + years old
I don't think they were imported before mid 70s so unlikely to be any older ones, also not many nutters that keep fish so long , he moved house quite a few times, had a good life and appropriate burial.
A bit odd posting a picture of a dead fish, but he deserves recognition Tim
View attachment 150450

Not as such, they will clear a space under bog wood etc,

Apologies for upsetting you, if others feel the same I will delete image with respect

Wow!!!!! That is extremely impressive as after googling it appears they normally online live 10-15 years. Whatever you were doing, you were doing it right!

I don't think that you should have to remove the photo. This forum is littered with photos of dead fish - though typically with the intention of helping identify what killed it. It's obvious to me that this fish was important to you and if you have a better picture to show him in his prime, you would have used it. My advice to those that don't like it - don't follow this thread any more.

 

[Colin_T]

There is nothing wrong with the picture.

Most people are happy if their fish live 6 months, and if they get 12 months out of a fish they are stoked. Kudos to you for keeping it alive that long. You are obviously doing something right.

 

[PlasticGalaxy]

Absolutely wonderful, to have a fish that could outlive several generations of cats or dogs or even a person is truly a fantastic feat. Beautiful looking fish too, dead or alive. Doubt there are many fish owned by forum members who reach that age, regardless of the species!

 

[GaryE]

To have a fish live and thrive that long is amazing. Good work - and the photo isn't disgusting - just unfortunate for him or her. The fish looks better there than some of the ones I see in local pet stores.

It's hard to keep a fish that long. People often want turnover, and novelties, and that keeps them from learning about the fish they have. I've never kept a raphael, but if I ever decide to, I think I just found someone online who is going to know a thing or two about how it's done well.

 

[Rocky998]

Wow! Congrats for carimg for him as best as you could! I'm sorry for your loss as he has been with you for a looong time. Rest in peace Raphael.

 

[Fishmanic]

I'm sure you feel really bad about losing your catfish that you've had for 47 years. The photo is fine....no need to remove it. Sorry for your loss.