Ropefish Hanging On Heater At The Top

[seacreature]

Could anyone tell me why my rope fish hangs across the top of the heater. he's not gasping for air he's just laying there. there is plenty of air flow in the tank. water levels are fine according to the useless test strips. all i can get til payday. I am still treating ich(i see no spots on any fish) with salt higher temp and WC. my temp is 80° now

 

[Chad]

It's very possible he's just found a place he likes. Chances are it's actually a tad cooler up there up toward the surface.

 

[seacreature]

Ok great. i was thinking that too. But i thought they like warmer water. Ill drop it to 76-78 see what happens. Also I was thinking he was trying to get away from my crawfish. I don't think it can hurt him tho. your thoughts?

 

[Chad]

They can certainly tolerate warmer temps but I've always found they like to hang out near cooler areas. Perhaps there was some other reason they were there and I'm only assuming.
 
Crayfish can certainly chase them away so that is also a suspect.