spotted Raphael catfish compatability

justintheodd

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 7, 2024
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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
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Aug 6, 2024
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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
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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.
 

Deadeye

POTM Curator
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Aug 31, 2020
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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.
 
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Morti

Exodon
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Jan 12, 2024
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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.
 
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