Banjo catfish

[Morainy]

I have adopted a gorgeous banjo catfish, perhaps 4 inches long, and I don't know anything about how to look after him. Currently, he is serenely hanging out in my 36 gallon bowfront, imitating a piece of driftwood. I've got other bottom-dwellers in there, so there's no shortage of sinking pellets, etc. But I would like to know how to make sure this very interesting fellow is truly happy.

[2wheelsx2]

If you want it to be truly happy, ideally, you'd have a sandy bottom and leaf litter on the substrate to hide, and subdued lighting. Charles/Pat may have more input as Pat brought some in a few months ago. When I had a bunch a number of years ago, I had a gravel bottom and never fed during the dark so I think I starved the poor guys to death.

[Morainy]

Oh, that is very good to know but a bit worrying. This tank has a river gravel bottom. I do have a tank with sand and leaf litter, but it's only 2.5 gallons! (Shrimp plaza)

I will see what I can do to improve conditions for this handsome fellow.

If you want it to be truly happy, ideally, you'd have a sandy bottom and leaf litter on the substrate to hide, and subdued lighting. Charles/Pat may have more input as Pat brought some in a few months ago. When I had a bunch a number of years ago, I had a gravel bottom and never fed during the dark so I think I starved the poor guys to death.

[2wheelsx2]

Maybe you can create a sandy corner? They do like to bury themselves.

[budahrox]

I've got 3
Definitely love sandy bottoms, don't see them much though as a result but they're happy.
Come out to feed once in a while when I toss in the goodies for everyone & every once in a while out cruising checkin' stuff out.
Hope you enjoy them as much as I do. They're cool lookin' cats!!!!
Cheers!!!

[Morainy]

Yes, I definitely can create a sandy corner, budahrox and 2wheels. That's a great idea! I will look for some good sand right away.

I have a pair of Bolivian rams in this tank. I was going to rehome them to a BCA member but they spawned and now have a cloud of babies. I'm assuming from the cloud of babies that they're not feeling too threatened by the addition of clown loaches and banjo catfish. In any case, I don't want to move them while they're looking after their young ones.

Suddenly, this quiet understocked tank is a happening place, thanks to Aquaman!

[budahrox]

Suddenly, this quiet understocked tank is a happening place, thanks to Aquaman!

Yep, the Ole' Fart's a gem ain't he
Cheers!!