do glass cats sleep?

[plah831]

I've had a school of 5 Kryptopterus minor for several months now and just adore them. That's the largest shoal I can accomodate at the moment (29 gal), but would love to get more as soon as I can afford a larger tank. Anyway, they're thriving, eat well, and seem very healthy.

However, when I was looking at their profile, it said they "stalk" in light current. What does that mean?

I was also concerned because I know they're supposed to be diurnal, but mine come out and explore at night. I do have plenty of plants and woodwork for them to hide under, which they do during the day to escape the light.

Am I doing something wrong? Are they supposed to rest at night? What does a resting glass cat look like?

I have a HOB filter, and keep water level an inch or so below it for surface agitation/oxygenation, but can definitely raise it to make them happier since I have a huge air wand as well.

Thanks so much,
Paula

[Marc van Arc]

Hi Paula & welcome to PC.

However, when I was looking at their profile, it said they "stalk" in light current. What does that mean?

If I'm correct it means they hang in the current and move/swim just enough to stay in place.

I was also concerned because I know they're supposed to be diurnal, but mine come out and explore at night. I do have plenty of plants and woodwork for them to hide under, which they do during the day to escape the light.

As you've given them enough hiding places they'll take advantage of that. So it may be that they are rather active, but unseen by you. Try feeding them during the day for they can't resist the smell of food. Or perhaps your tank is too brightly lit? Don't forget this is a rather shy species, especially in the beginning.
Glass cats may be seen resting on the sand, even on one side. So, if that's the case, don't worry. And of course they rest with eyes open

[plah831]

Thanks for the reply, Marc, and the welcome

Yes, my guys dash about frantically during feeding, so eating during the day is no problem. I do have quite low lighting, about 1 watt per gallon.

Your description is exactly what I thought "stalking" referred to. It seems, then, that mine are stalking all day and roaming about the tank at night. I have never seen them stay still or rest on the bottom. Does this mean that they never get a chance to rest and recuperate?

That's what I was concerned about: that I was doing something to force them to be constantly active. I know how exhausting that can be, as I suffer from occasional insomnia myself.

Is stalking a tiring physical activity? Did I somehow shorten their lifespan by exhausting them for the past few months? Should I turn down my filtration then? My filter is adjustable, but I would prefer the benefit of higher filtration.

Thanks again from a worried glass cat mom

[Marc van Arc]

Is stalking a tiring physical activity? Did I somehow shorten their lifespan by exhausting them for the past few months? Should I turn down my filtration then? My filter is adjustable, but I would prefer the benefit of higher filtration.

I couldn't possibly tell you; I'm not a stalker (too few celebs around here I'm afraid ).
Seriously, I take it they have possibilities to get out of the current if they would want to. If not, they apparently like it. I'd rather think you'd shorten their lifespan by keeping them single (which you don't) or by turning down the filter.
In short: don't change things. From what I've read they're doing fine and they'll certainly take their rest, otherwise they won't be doing so well.

[plah831]

From what I've read they're doing fine and they'll certainly take their rest, otherwise they won't be doing so well.

Thanks for the reassurance, Marc. You're right, that keeping them alone or in poor water quality would definitely make their quality of life worse, so I'm not doing too bad!

I think what I'll try is rearranging the tank so that their favorite shady spot is on the opposite side of the tank, away from the filter outflow. I'll see if that changes anything.

If not, you're right that their health seems fine otherwise. They haven't gotten sick or acted like anything is amiss, other than the constant stalking.

Do you think I should start a new thread asking specifically about the physical cost of stalking?

Thanks again. By the way, your English is great! I'm assuming you're a native Dutch speaker?

[Marc van Arc]

Do you think I should start a new thread asking specifically about the physical cost of stalking?

That might be best. Hopefully Silurus will respond to that question for I think he can provide you with a plausible answer.

Thanks again. By the way, your English is great! I'm assuming you're a native Dutch speaker?

Yes, I'm Dutch. Thanks for the compliment. However, I'm an English (and Dutch, German & French) teacher by profession. That helps a little