Pictus Catfish Seeming to Sulk

[Rtyrpics]

Hiya All,
My first post here, Anyway I have 2 Pictus catfish however they seem to be sulking to me.

I test my water every other day and have tested it tonight it seems good quality. The temperature is about 26° centigrade which is 79° Fahrenheit.

My Pictus just sit under the filter all day and don't really seem to do a great deal. They don't even come out to feed as such these days.

There must be something I’m doing wrong or that isn't right for these fish.

Any suggestions at what we can be done to make them apparently happier would be appreciated.

Many Thanks
Ryan

[MatsP]

Without seeing the entire tank, I'm not sure. But it sounds like a fairly normal Pictus cat to me. They are just manic when they are in a big group, like when there is a dozen or more in a shop.

I had 6 in my Rio400 some time back, and they were active when food was made available. Otherwise they were generally hiding.

Give more hiding places, and they will probably come out a little bit more often - yes it seems a bit counterintuitive, but if you think of it as a "agarophobic" (fear of open spaces) - if you give the agarophibic a lot of familiar things to feel more comfortable, it will ease the fear. Also if you just bought them, they will be a bit stressed...

--
Mats

[Rtyrpics]

Thanks for your very quick response.

I have attached a photo of my tank below, its not high quality because I only used my Blackberry.

The filter and heater is on the righthand side at the back, the airstone same position but on the left hand side.



Thanks
Ryan

[Viktor Jarikov]

Not at all undermining Mats' experience, I'd agree with you, Ryan, based on my experience. My pictuses, which I had up to 6 at some point, are always very active and inquisitive. That's the way I've usually seen them at LFSs, where tanks lack any hiding spots. They could hide too, no doubt, and I don't have enough experience to tell you why some hide and others swim around like on a sugar-rush.

Especially if their behavior changed. Something must have changed. Only you can know:
- temp (could stick a second thermometer there to make sure the crude one you have works right still), water parmeters (test kits go bad, BTW), water source (e.g., public water); new dechlorinator (these have shelf life too, BTW)
- new decor, substrate
- new fish
- new bacterial culture or parasite possibility (with new tank mates or feeders if you use them or real plants can introduce that)
- small impurities, like machine oil or lubricants, tiny bit of soap/detergent/antifreeze, etc. could have been introduced by sticking unclean hands in the water (or kids, cleaning maids could be the source)
- uneaten food stuck somewhere rotting polluting water
- sump needs cleaning, produces too much CO2
- air/water circulation affected O2 distribution; less O2 in the water
- lighting change
- new diet

I don't know, you know? Just offering to think what changed (that is IF they behavior changed)??

[Rtyrpics]

Hiya Matt + VIctor,

It would seem my Ruby Shark has been bullying them. I removed her last night and this morning they haven't stopped moving.

So it would seem Pictus and Ruby Sharks don't go together.

Thanks Again.
Ryan

[MatsP]

Well, that is of course a factor that has to be taken into account - other tank-mates. And Ruby shark is one of those fish I see far too often at this sort of scenario - they are well known to bully... Unfortunately, their temperament is as firey as the redness of the tail - and shops often don't tell you how beligerent they can be...

--
Mats

[Viktor Jarikov]

So it would seem Pictus and Ruby Sharks don't go together.

I believe you and Mats 100%. Still, IME, I've learned and am still learning every day the great danger of generalizations. In my 55 gal, I've had 7 ruby sharks, better known around here as rainbow sharks, 2 red tail sharks and 2-5 pictuses for ~1/2 year. Never a problem. I have a lot of plastic plants and rocks in there and a bunch of other small fish. The sharks would chase sometimes each other but pictuses are left to their adorable antiques...

[Rtyrpics]

Well, that is of course a factor that has to be taken into account - other tank-mates. And Ruby shark is one of those fish I see far too often at this sort of scenario - they are well known to bully... Unfortunately, their temperament is as firey as the redness of the tail - and shops often don't tell you how beligerent they can be...

--
Mats

Hiya, When I brought this Shark the guy told me they would be find in a community tank a little bit keen but not a complete savage, it turned out to be evil . I've since returned her and got another Pictus in exchange, can't grumble at that.
Thanks RYan

[Viktor Jarikov]

Nice move! With pictuses, truly, the more the merrier.