I got this cat just today and though he was alive when he arrived I am worried whether he'll survive over the next couple of days. Not much is known about this particular species(Pseudauchenipterus nodosus) but what has been observed as posted in planetcatfish is that they are a active cat not bothered by light and aggressive competitor for food.
Upon arrival the cat was barely breathing and the gill movements where very minimal and shallow. Not what I'm used to seeing in Auchenipteridae which I've kept many of the other species in the family. Their gill movements are usually very lively and quick. Yet I know this cat is different then other members in his family so I don't know if this is normal.
He also was nearly unresponsive to my handling of the bag just laying at the bottom. The only movement was caued by the water which put him in a position where his belly was nearly facing up towards the surface of the water. I acclimated him quickly and added him to the aquarium to which he immediately sank in a odd position the only movement caused by my powerheads.
His gill movements slowly sped up to what I'm used to seeing in other Auchenipteridae and he became active. Though I am still worried as he now just circles half the tank just under the surface at a slight angle where his head faces the surface almost like a fish in water with low oxygen content or under some respiratory distress. His tail angled downward in perspective to the rest of his body and his movements are very slow. From the description I read I had expected a fish that would move in a similar manner as a ID shark. Quick and agile while this fish seems slow and clumsy. His tankmates have left him alone and include 4 other Aucenipteridae cats from 2 different species who seem fine in the tank including a pair of Trachys that are about 10 years old. Tested my parameters and everything reads okay. Tomorrow is a normal water change day for me so hopefully that'll perk him up.
Pseudauchenipterus nodosus by the way is stunning fish. It's a pity they aren't available more often. Some pics, hopefully the cat is okay and more will come. Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated. You don't have to be cat expert just voice what you think. Thanks in advance.
Upon arrival the cat was barely breathing and the gill movements where very minimal and shallow. Not what I'm used to seeing in Auchenipteridae which I've kept many of the other species in the family. Their gill movements are usually very lively and quick. Yet I know this cat is different then other members in his family so I don't know if this is normal.
He also was nearly unresponsive to my handling of the bag just laying at the bottom. The only movement was caued by the water which put him in a position where his belly was nearly facing up towards the surface of the water. I acclimated him quickly and added him to the aquarium to which he immediately sank in a odd position the only movement caused by my powerheads.
His gill movements slowly sped up to what I'm used to seeing in other Auchenipteridae and he became active. Though I am still worried as he now just circles half the tank just under the surface at a slight angle where his head faces the surface almost like a fish in water with low oxygen content or under some respiratory distress. His tail angled downward in perspective to the rest of his body and his movements are very slow. From the description I read I had expected a fish that would move in a similar manner as a ID shark. Quick and agile while this fish seems slow and clumsy. His tankmates have left him alone and include 4 other Aucenipteridae cats from 2 different species who seem fine in the tank including a pair of Trachys that are about 10 years old. Tested my parameters and everything reads okay. Tomorrow is a normal water change day for me so hopefully that'll perk him up.
Pseudauchenipterus nodosus by the way is stunning fish. It's a pity they aren't available more often. Some pics, hopefully the cat is okay and more will come. Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated. You don't have to be cat expert just voice what you think. Thanks in advance.
