Synodontis Eupterus' Behaviour

[silver$$$]

Hi there,

About 2 weeks ago I brought home a Synodontis Eupterus and put it with 8 Red Devils (my LFS said it was ok) in a 120gal tank, but then I moved it out few hours later, because I saw all the devils attacking it all the time and it tried to climb the glass like it was trying to escape.

I then put it with my 4 small Oscars (about 2-3inches), Tandanus, and 5 Clown Loaches in a 100gal tank. It is so peaceful... everyone seems to leave each other alone.

However, I hardly see the Eupterus anymore. It hides in a wrecked ship all night & day, even during feeding time when all other fish would come out. It just stays in there, only comes out for a few seconds and goes back in again. Is it normal behaviour for Eupterus? I'm a bit concerned, as I couldn't really see if it is actually alright.

If you have any experience with Eupterus, please share...

Thanks again!!!

 

[Ben]

try get more Eupterus as it might feel more comfortable with a group

HTH

DD

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

Needs a friend. They love being with their own kind, although watching them when they first meet each other can look worrying! Make sure it is the same specie tho as some synos are far more bully like than others.
I keep 4 sub adults together and the dominant is the biggest female. They had NEVER caused another an injury, although there is the odd chase. They are out day and night, quite happily. I also have 3 youngsters in another tank. Don't see them as much and they're still quite scatty. But they are getting better slowly. I blame the gouramies they live with, cos they're nutters.
Hugs,
P.

 

[Ferris]

Sorry to contradict guys, but as i undertstand it Eupterus are the exception to the "syno groups" rule. They tend to dislike their own kind and can be aggressive towards each other.

I have 2 in my Mbuna tank and they really don't like each other. Luckily the tank is big enough to cope with this as they each live at opposite ends of the tank. They do occasionally meet and all hell breaks loose briefly but the smaller of the 2 always backs down pretty quickly and the status quo is restored.

Great fish though, i can hand feed mine along with the Mbuna. Apart from my sailfin plec, i've never known catfish to do this. By the way the bigger syno and my sailfin are best mates, they are always together.

Silver$$$ - sounds like your new Eupterus has had a hectic time. Let him settle in and recover from the stress and he should be fine. They are not known to be shy normally.

 

[silver$$$]

Ferris:

Silver$$$ - sounds like your new Eupterus has had a hectic time. Let him settle in and recover from the stress and he should be fine. They are not known to be shy normally.

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yeah... I guess it would be like some post traumatic thing living with the devils.

I've noticed today, that the Eupterus seems to be friendly with the Tandanus. Tandanus goes inside the wrecked ship and keep Eupterus company from time to time. They also touch each other gently. It's a good sign, isn't it?!? I Hope it will start showing up more often soon.

Miss Dib Dabs:
How could you tell if it's male or female?

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

The difference between males and females are easiest seen if you can see their bellys. The male has a fairly prominent genital papillae. I suspect www.planetcatfish.com explains it better. Also the females tend to be slightly larger at full adult size and rounder. Another thing to look for is the males often have a longer traily bit on their top fin right at the top. Sorry, not easy to explain but hopefully to follow me. )
Ferris I find that astounding. I've had these all together for some time and they truly are interactive all the time. Like I said before, they NEVER hurt each other, often playing silly games in the tank together. All of them are more than happy too. Maybe you've just been unlucky.
Hugs,
P.

 

[silver$$$]

Thanks, Miss Dib Dabs. I will check it out when I have the chance to see its belly. So far I've hardly seen the Eupterus, leave alone its belly!

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

It does depend on it's age tbh. My older bunch are always flashing their bits. But then they love to swim upside down and right way up around the tank after lights out. Truly beautiful.
Hugs,
P.