I've had my Multi's for about 4 months now and there still as skittish as ever. Is this just inherant of the species, or is there something I can do to make them more comfy. They live in a 75g tank, with lots and lots of rockwork.
Thanks!
- PDubya
Syn. Multi's - Skittish
-
Sid Guppy
- Posts: 757
- Joined: 31 Dec 2002, 15:36
- Location 1: Brabant, the Netherlands
- Interests: Catfish, Tanganyikan fish, Rock'n'roll, Fantasy
Check a few things before adding more:
-floor on wich the tank stands. Wood? does the tank vibrate when you approach it?
-the other fish! I assume you have cichlids too; some species perhaps nip and chase the Syno's?
-waterparameters, temperature etc
S multipunctatus is a true shoaler, 4 will do, but more is much better. Tankdimensions? And maybe you have TOO MUCH rockwork. If they can get to the food without showing up, they will do so.
-floor on wich the tank stands. Wood? does the tank vibrate when you approach it?
-the other fish! I assume you have cichlids too; some species perhaps nip and chase the Syno's?
-waterparameters, temperature etc
S multipunctatus is a true shoaler, 4 will do, but more is much better. Tankdimensions? And maybe you have TOO MUCH rockwork. If they can get to the food without showing up, they will do so.
Plan B should not automatically be twice as much explosives as Plan A
is your tank crowded and busy? or rather laid back and quiet? maybe they like a crowded busy tank.
i've also noticed that Tang. synodontis are often unactive and hide at the aquarium store, even in groups, so maybe they don't like the outside (of the tank) activity.
i've noticed the multipunctatus i've had over the years always had have been very active, almost hyperactive in my Malawi cichlid tanks... even with only 1, 2, or 3 catfish in the tank. The Malawi cichlids always pretty much ignore the catfish, other than normal posturing that the catfish understand quite well. a dominant Mbuna may not like the multis in "their" cave at times, but that is the only problem. Tanganyikan Snail shell dwellers also dislike the synodontis (and also loaches) from poking around in the shells, and will bite the catfish. TThe catfish seem to be attracted to the snails (might be a meal inside!)
i've also noticed that Tang. synodontis are often unactive and hide at the aquarium store, even in groups, so maybe they don't like the outside (of the tank) activity.
i've noticed the multipunctatus i've had over the years always had have been very active, almost hyperactive in my Malawi cichlid tanks... even with only 1, 2, or 3 catfish in the tank. The Malawi cichlids always pretty much ignore the catfish, other than normal posturing that the catfish understand quite well. a dominant Mbuna may not like the multis in "their" cave at times, but that is the only problem. Tanganyikan Snail shell dwellers also dislike the synodontis (and also loaches) from poking around in the shells, and will bite the catfish. TThe catfish seem to be attracted to the snails (might be a meal inside!)