Eclipse catfish "problem?"

[TJG74]

I just bought an Eclipse catfish from petsmart two days ago( well replaced that and my pleco that somehow died) and I have noticed that he tends to lay on the bottom of the tank sort of on his side and just sit there. I was wondering if this was normal behavoir for them? I will have some pictures soon if need be.

[Birger]

Do you have some sort of cover for the fish...caves, wood or plants?

Birger

[TJG74]

There are a couple of spots for him to hide, we also are going to get more plants soon. So are you just saying that it's a defensive mechinism?

[Dave Rinaldo]

I recall my

Horabagrus brachysoma

, most of the time, cruised mid-water.

[Birger]

My thinking was temporarily or when it feels in danger the fish may need someplace to dash to...but I thought as Dave mentioned that these were more of a mid water swimmer, I would think it also is used to being in a group as opposed to being alone.

Birger

[TJG74]

Well, I asked the employee at petsmart if it would be ok to have one alone, and she said yes. I am planning on getting 2-3 more though.

[Shovelnose]

Mine used to swim around the middle part like Dave says but he also liked his own lair. Any sign of movement outside the tank and he would make a dash for it.

I dont think they need to be in a group to feel secure.

[Richard B]

What size is the tank? These need quite a big tank for when they mature.

Young specimens do seem to congregate together without problem as long as there is space - safety in numbers so to speak.

Adults seem to be less bothered about having to have others of the same species.