Liver Catfish Help

[twodoctors]

Hi,

I bought my liver catfish (~6") from Wharf Aquatic about 3 weeks ago now. For the first few days my Sajica (3") scaring it away and has eventually found a corner in the tank to settle (which actually happens to be just behind the Sajica's corner. It has remained there ever since. It doesn't come out during daytime at all. I think it is eating because it's not dead yet! I do put some sinking food down almost every night so I think it is eating.

Are they supposed to be paired up? I really am not keen on getting another one for my fully stocked tank (at their current size). I guess maybe I should move it on but would prefer to have another solution. Thanks.

I would be looking to get another tank in Sept (my b'day) provided the missus says ok... otherwise will have to part with some of my fishes!

Adrian

 

[Delta62 Thorn]

I would suspect they will find a mutually beneficial existence at some point in the near future, though I cannot say for certain.

For current behavior think of it this way: your Sajica sees the tank as its territory and you've just dumped in a new fish into its territory, an outsider. Odds are your Sajica doesn't know what to do with your new fishy friend and is just acting instinctively trying to protect its territory. As soon as it realizes your new liver catfish isn't a threat they should get along just swimmingly (pun so very intended ). For example whenever I add a new fish to my fish tank my yellow-belly cat feels the need to taste the newcomer.


∆

 

[twodoctors]

I would suspect they will find a mutually beneficial existence at some point in the near future, though I cannot say for certain.

For current behavior think of it this way: your Sajica sees the tank as its territory and you've just dumped in a new fish into its territory, an outsider. Odds are your Sajica doesn't know what to do with your new fishy friend and is just acting instinctively trying to protect its territory. As soon as it realizes your new liver catfish isn't a threat they should get along just swimmingly (pun so very intended ). For example whenever I add a new fish to my fish tank my yellow-belly cat feels the need to taste the newcomer.


∆

Thanks.

The sajica isn't too bothered by the liver cat anymore. It still chase away fishes that stray into its territory but certainly no biting. The liver cat however is still rather afraid of the sajica and literally swims away when it sees the sajica. It's 3 weeks already. Hopefully it'll be less scared in another 3 weeks...

Adrian