spotted Raphael catfish compatability

justintheodd

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 7, 2024
29
16
3
24
Hey Y'all! I was looking at my spotted raphael cats earlier and saw that they were hiding pretty much 24/7. I only have 2, and I know that they are very social fish. I was wondering if I should get more or if they are fine as is. any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
 

Conchonius

Exodon
MFK Member
Aug 6, 2024
40
69
21
33
A hiding raphael is a comfortable raphael, I wouldn't worry as long as there are enough caves and crevices for each fish to claim.

If you have a red light source, you can check on them around 6 AM or 11-12 PM. Mine tends to be active then.
 

justintheodd

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 7, 2024
29
16
3
24
thanks for the replies! I only ask because the people who sold it to me and other people online have told me that they do better in groups of at least 4. I have an extremely over-filtered 150 gallon tank so space would be of no issue. I figure if I do, it would fall under the "can't hurt, might help" philosophy.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AR1 and tlindsey

tlindsey

Silver Tier VIP
MFK Member
Aug 6, 2011
24,072
25,407
1,660
Ohio
Personally had a spotted and striped Raphael and they got along great. Most catfish species like to hide until lights out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AR1

Deadeye

POTM Curator
Staff member
MFK Member
Aug 31, 2020
8,839
12,180
703
I’ve seen my raphael 3 or 4 times since I got it a year ago. Same goes for my first one.
I don’t think more will make them more confident, they are pretty reclusive by nature.
 

celebrist

Goliath Tigerfish
MFK Member
May 7, 2013
3,044
2,899
179
alaska
My spotted (Ralph) is about to turn 24 and I see him once a quarter, maybe

I don't think if I added a bunch more of them that would change it's just their way, lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: Morti

Morti

Exodon
MFK Member
Jan 12, 2024
33
61
21
38
I have a similar experience to celebrist celebrist but with a striped Raphael that's around 30 years old. I do see it everyday, as it's bum sticks out the cave it lives in but it's very very rarely that it comes out completely. I did have 2 at one point and they just lived in different caves. My friend had a spotted and only saw it the day it went in and the day the tank was broke down.

They definitely like company or are fine together when young but I don't think it's essential/necessary or even wanted if they have somewhere safe to hide.
 
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store