spotted Raphael catfish compatability

[justintheodd]

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!

 

[Deadeye]

I don’t think they care one way or the other. Mine is solo and has had no problems.

 

[Conchonius]

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]

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.

 

[tlindsey]

Personally had a spotted and striped Raphael and they got along great. Most catfish species like to hide until lights out.

 

[justintheodd]

Personally had a spotted and striped Raphael and they got along great. Most catfish species like to hide until lights out.

yeah, I am pretty heavily stocked on bottom dwellers, so I didn't know if they would help them feel more confident or not

 

[Deadeye]

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]

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