Normal behavior

Koda · Oct 15, 2004

I was starting to worry about my recently added upside down catfish.He's been hiding but I could usually just see the tip of a fin under the boat ornament.But lately I hadn't even seen that.Finally I picked up the boat,thinking he'd swim out.He didn't so I took it out and turned it over.I saw him in a crevice of it and thought at first that he had got trapped and was dead.But he flopped out and I quickly scooped him up and put him back.Is it the norm for these fish to be so reclusive?He doesn't even come out to feed unless he's maybe scavenging in the wee hours.I didn't want to stress him so i didn't get a very good look when he was out of the water

Thanks

Koda

CFC · Oct 15, 2004

Synodontis nigriventris does better when kept in groups of at least 6 and will be a bit more active when kept with others of its own kind. However nocturnal reclusive behaviour is still pretty much a characteristic of all Synodontis species so investing in a nightime "moonlight" tube for your tank may be a good idea.

lady_tanksalot · Oct 15, 2004

i have a pair of upside downs and the males quite reclusive, often laying on his side behind a big shell during the day, but the female is much worse. I haven't seen her actively out and about since i introduced them to the tank four weeks ago.
it seems she inhabits the shell he is guarding and like yours i only ever see her tail.

digital_run · Oct 15, 2004

A little off topic and a little bit of what CFC said...i bought 2 blue blubs which i use in a 10gal hood light...i use this to simulate night time and let me tell you its great...I have 5pictus cats which are also nocturnal feeders spending most of their time hiding during the day...well when "night" light goes on its just a blast to watch.