Bullhead roll and stir the gravel all the time! It is part of their feeding behavior in nature to stir the substrate with their bodies to stir up foods.
when fishing for them, remember they are bottom feeders, so like all bottom feeders the hook can end up anywhere!
I'm frankly suprised yours are fighting. Bullhead more than most catfish are gregarious and not too prone to such attacks. In fact, I have to watch that the pumpkinseed in with mine, though now smaller, doesn't beat them up! You have 4 in a 40gal. I have 7 in a 55gal. Mine don't show aggression except a little shoving play at feeding time. I'd examine your tank set-up for problems. It could be anything from too much light to an uncomfortable substrate to not enough suitable resting places.
As for filtering, worry more about being able to handle the waste load than about too much water movement. If a large filter output seems to stir the surface too much, you can extend the output to below the water surface. Remember even sluggish water in nature has a conciderable current below the surface.
One idea to keep yours calmer and happier is to make sure you include some sinking food in their diet that they can hunt and search for through the day. This simulates and stimulates their natural behavior.
BullHead Catfish
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Fishlover14
- Posts: 23
- Joined: 03 Mar 2006, 21:07
- Location 1: Alabama
- Interests: BullHead Catfish & North American Native Fish
Okay as for tank exact specs:
40gallon Long Tank Dimensions 48long/13wide/16tall.
Dual Emporer 400 Filters
I Have No Heater as they are technically a coldwater fish right?
The substrate is Black Aqaruim Gravel and I have 30lbs Of it. I never opt for a thick substarate one just deep enough to cover the bottom of the tank fully. Is that a Problem. How many hiding places do you need per Catfish. I have one very large fake log with fake plants attached to it they used to get in the top and sit on it under the plants and get in the actual cave. Then I have 2 smaller fake caves that allow one fish per cave very snug little caves and then 1 Meduim one with fake plants on it. I alos had one complete cave with 2 holes in it. And then there was some fake plants that they hid in and around. Is this enough? I always liked to keep a good bit of the tank open for swimming. Is that bad? Got any Photos of your tank? Maybe I could try a tank designed like yours? I ran the light a good bit is that a problem they didnt seem to be uncomfortable under it and acted the same etheir way. Sinking food may have been a problem I never fed them sinking stuff only stuff at the top due to the fact I was worried about them picking up gravel and not being able to digest it and dieing? Is that a stupid idea? Would feeder minnows be good to have in the tank to give them something to pursue each night? Thanks so much!
Dan
40gallon Long Tank Dimensions 48long/13wide/16tall.
Dual Emporer 400 Filters
I Have No Heater as they are technically a coldwater fish right?
The substrate is Black Aqaruim Gravel and I have 30lbs Of it. I never opt for a thick substarate one just deep enough to cover the bottom of the tank fully. Is that a Problem. How many hiding places do you need per Catfish. I have one very large fake log with fake plants attached to it they used to get in the top and sit on it under the plants and get in the actual cave. Then I have 2 smaller fake caves that allow one fish per cave very snug little caves and then 1 Meduim one with fake plants on it. I alos had one complete cave with 2 holes in it. And then there was some fake plants that they hid in and around. Is this enough? I always liked to keep a good bit of the tank open for swimming. Is that bad? Got any Photos of your tank? Maybe I could try a tank designed like yours? I ran the light a good bit is that a problem they didnt seem to be uncomfortable under it and acted the same etheir way. Sinking food may have been a problem I never fed them sinking stuff only stuff at the top due to the fact I was worried about them picking up gravel and not being able to digest it and dieing? Is that a stupid idea? Would feeder minnows be good to have in the tank to give them something to pursue each night? Thanks so much!
Dan