Thick Layer of Slime Over Striped Raphael Catfish

[Loganfish]

My large Striped Raphael catfish had been in the same area for a while (still moving to re adjust angle or position and to feed). I took him out a few days ago to try and get a measurement and since then he’s been in the same spot (possibly stuck) and has developed a thick layer of mucus. Why? Any ideas?

 

[Loganfish]

Pics

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

Sounds like it must be connected with the handling. It might have taken it hard and still stressed now. But if it feeds, I'd doubt that it is too stressed.

If it is stuck indeed, that'd be a source of stress too.

If too much mucus was removed when handling and/or the fish came in contact with some chemicals, such as sanitizer, lotion, medicine, bug spray, sunscreen, etc., then it might be another reason for mucus overproduction.

 

[Morti]

It's hard to tell from the picture but it looks like it's just general detritus stuck to it, given the amount of crud there is on the wood. They can also be quite sedentary and not move for a long time. I've had mine 30 years plus and they can go through periods of not eating and given that yours looks to have a bit of a belly, I wouldn't be overly worried.