Feather Fin catfish

[Fishpony]

Hello,
I recently bought a featherfin catfish (Synodontis eupterus) to help with the leftover food in my arowana tank. I went to check on him and his eyes are somewhat cloudy. Hew swims around at night and is really skittish, which is weird since he was at the store for 2 years (nobody wanted him because he was too big) and there was a tiny one (1/8) his size. He is around 5 inches and hides behind my aquarium decor bubbler and rarely my sponge filter. How long until he starts to be more active? My aros don't even care about his presence.

 

[convict360]

He should become more confident as long as he isn't being attacked at night by the aro's, have you watched it at night?

cloudy eyes are usually down to poor water conditions, perhaps from the pet store water; should clear up if you have good readings i'd say

 

[fishnatics]

Once it settles in it'll become more bold. My 7" one is always cruising the tank.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

I'd not expect aros to hunt/ attack at night because they are vision-based fish, like bass and pike, totally opposite of cafish.

Hiding is normal. Some hide, some don't, some hide for some time and then embolden, while others do not. Tank size, tank mates, décor, lighting, etc. matter.

Cloudiness of the eyes may be sinister or benign. I'd watch him very closely, esp. his appetite, once he gets accustomed to the new tank, tank mates, etc.

 

[Fishpony]

His eyes have gotten clearer, there is only a spot on both eyes. He is coming out more often

 

[fishnatics]

That's a good sign. Once it settles in, we want a pic of it.

 

[Fishpony]

That's a good sign. Once it settles in, we want a pic of it.

I will try to if I can get my phone to upload pics. I was viewing my fish while the moonlights were one and then I saw this black thing and it scared me, I then realized it was my featherfin!

Edit: I can try to use my old iphone but the photos will be blurry

 

[fishnatics]

You'll fall in love with it. I did especially the long fin trailers it gets once it's about 6-7".

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

The remaining spots on the eyes sound like the places of abrasion which have excess mucus until they heal.

 

[convict360]

I fell in love with mine when it hit 6 inches, then I quickly fell out of love when he beat the snot out of everything lol