PlanetCatfish.com

I just bought the first fish I've had in a long time- an asian upside down cat. I think its a her (its not as slender as one of its tank compatriots at the store). In any case I'd like to know a few things if you have the time

1. The temperature in my room is approx 70 degrees. (I'm in a dorm and stress the importance of keeping it high). I know this is a little lower than recommended, will it hurt my cat?

2. I don't have a pipe (or any other hiding spot) for my fish yet, will that unduly stress it?

3. Is this a salt or fresh water cat?

I probably should have asked about these beforehand but all I could think of was temperature concerns. I love the cat though, she's so cute and an absolutely fiery little one (I've read they're supposed to be fairly non-moving but she seems to have an endless battery)

Thank you!
-Kate

Yes, the mystus leucophasis. I wonder what that translates as?

I wonder what that translates as?

leucophasis, from the Greek leukos (=white) and phasis (=appearance). If you look at the fish when the lights are out, you can see that is is rather white.

Is there any ph levels I should worry about? I'm using tap as my only water source right now and its fairly soft but I'm not sure if I should give additional treatment.

And, while adding on a filter to the tank I put her in a small tank with good temperature water but she freaked out and looked like she was dying (she held still at the top of the water). Is there a serious problem?

What would be a good companion for her? The tank isn't huge but I'm sure its boring lonely. I only know what NOT to get right now.

They can be quite cantankerous and territorial.

Whatever you do, don't put another one in the same tank. I started with 4 in a 55, ended up with 1, that had killed the others. They are quite aggressive for a catfish, particularly among their own kind. Oh, they were young ones, around 2"+/-. They do grow a good bit larger, and fairly quickly.