Synodontis resting on filter intake

[Corvis]

Hey everyone,

I've noticed that my Synodontis like to rest on the filter intake sometimes. I'm wondering if I should let them? or look into preventing this. I'm not so much worried about my Featherfin since she's a fair size now. It's the little Nigriventris I just bought that has me worried.

I have a 46 gallon and it's a Fluval 306 canister filter. Also, the little guy seemed full of spunk, and he's been eating so I'm pretty sure he's healthy. At least I hope he is!

Should I look into preventing? or let them do it.

[Viktor Jarikov]

What is/are the hazards?

[Corvis]

I guess I'm worried it might be bad for his fins or skin if he just lets the filter intake suck him against it for hours at a time.

[Viktor Jarikov]

So it is not so much "ON" the intake but is stuck on it and held in place by the intake's sucking action?

A pic could be helpful.

[Corvis]

So it is not so much "ON" the intake but is stuck on it and held in place by the intake's sucking action?

A pic could be helpful.

Yes, that's right. He just let's the intake suck him against the intake "cage" or head so to speak. He's not stuck though.

[Viktor Jarikov]

He is stuck at least enough to compensate the gravity. If no damage is done, I'd guess let it be. Although, I think this is the first time I hear of this. So unusual to me but perhaps not to the community?

If the suction is hard, it will leave bloody spots, ~ like bruises, IME. But that happened to my sickly fishes not being able to free themselves from the suction.

[Corvis]

I'll take some pictures when I get home.

[kvnbyl]

I've noticed that s. eupterus in particular seem to like strange resting places, I have one who also sits "on" the filter intake. hasn't done him any damage. I am assuming this is an adult fish? if so unless the filter has a really powerful suction he is more than strong enough to free himself.
I have another who hangs upside down in midwater against the side of the tank. I think this is just his "place". they don't seem to be especially fond of pvc pipes or rock caves. as long as he is healthy I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[Corvis]

Ya the eupterus does this sometimes. It was the little nigriventris that I was worried about. I had just bought him. I came home today though and he's dead...

I got him on Sunday and the lady at the fish store got him caught in the net and was basically banging the net hard to try and get him out. He eventually freed himself and I brought him home. He seemed in good spirits despite the abuse. He was swimming and eating from the surface. The last few days though he just seemed to want to rest and no swim.

Should I create a new thread to discuss possible cause of death? Or is it pretty evident that it was stress?

I'm having no luck with nigriventris. I lost my 1.5 year old about a month ago

[Viktor Jarikov]

Maybe. If you do, you could consider following this list so your questions stand a better chance of getting helpful feedback: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forum ... -posting-)

[naturalart]

My suggestion: if you decide to get more S. nigriventris is, buy a trio of these fish. They are very social fish although I have seen single fish survive also. And always, always, always quarantine your new fish for about 1 month before introducing them into your general population tank(s). You never know the complete history of a fish and what they have been exposed to before they get to you!
Your fish may have been carrying a 'bug' or it may have been killed by the eupterus? Maybe you want to decide to keep just one species of syno until you are more familiar with both species? A 46g tank is not very big for a eupterus once they reach 4-5" inches. And generally, males can be bullies depending on who they are interacting with. As you know nigiriventris stay small and are easily pushed around by eupterus. You really have to set the tank up right, where all they fish have enough hidey holes.

But it can be done. I've kept my nigriventris with a number of different species of syno for years. I don't know if you can or plan on upgrading to a larger tank but I would suggest it if you are determined to keep these two species together. And a quarantine tank is a absolute must for any fish keeper.

[Corvis]

Hey Naturalart,

Thanks for the reply. I've definitely learned my lesson about quarantining. My Eupterus got Ich very shortly after the nigriventris's death; I was able to treat successfully with API Super Ick treatment. Then my Bristlenose Pleco developed a pinkish red sore on his head. I think maybe from the Ich treatment? I hear the stuff is pretty tough on scaleless fish. I treated with Melafix since I read that sores like that are often caused by bacteria. So far so good, no more dead fish, just a lot more care and attention.

The LFS put me on the list for another nigriventris, but I've decided I'm not going to get one at this point. I have been wanting a group of three, but the store only seems to get one in at a time, and you're right I don't think I'm setup to successfully keep them healthy happy.

Thanks again.