Striped Rafael, Pictus, Upside-Down, etc.

[snakeskinner]

hey all you experts. I've got a 36 gallon 1/4 cylinder tank that currently houses a trio of giant danio's, 5 tiger barbs, 2 serpae tetras, a gold gourami, a 6" pleco and 6 ottos. I've been looking at getting a catfish or two and it seems every pet store, book and internet site has a different story on each fish. I looked at the irredescent sharks but I think I've ruled them out because of their size. The Striped Rafael looks good but seems to be a chicken from what I've seen (people say they stay hidden). The Pictus depends on who you believe. One place says they are very good community fish and won't bother anyone. Others say they are highly predatory and will eat anything smaller than them. The Upside down catfish looks like a winner for a topwater fish (and all levels) being that it seems they don't bother anyone and don't seem to be bothered by anyone and only get to around 4" but one place says they'd rather be alone and others say they like company. Watching them in the LFS seems to point to the schooling with friends more than being alone. The ones I've seen seem to play follow-the-leader. (I'm talking about the ones that look similar to a small african butterfly without as many fins). I plan to pick up a pair of Rams and a couple Golden Rainbow Panchax for topwater fish. Maybe some other barbs too. Any experiences with these cats will help tremendously since I'm confused as to who to believe. I figure owners would be best to listen to. Kyle

[Dapple2]

striped raphs- Very good looking, although yes they can be very shy. If you give them plenty of hidey spots (makes them feel more secure) and have a nocturnal bent you have a fair chance of sighting them...well, maybe not, depends on the raph, they are pretty shy, but they are so neat looking it's always a treat when they do come out.

pictus- I haven't found them to be all that predatory, but they do get too large and nervous for that tank. They really need their swimming space.

up-side down cats- Neat fish! These guys really need buddies, they hide and pine away if they are kept alone.

[snakeskinner]

I think I'm for sure getting a trio of upside down's. As far as the Raphael's and Pictus, I'm back and forth all the time. I think I'll throw the pictus out for their size. Not that one would be a problem but since everyone seems to list them as needing 3 or 4 at least to be comfortable and as you mentioned, space. My tank is heavily planted (fake mostly) and not much free open space for a fish that size. The Raphael, I love the look but not too keen on them hiding all the time. I already have a 6" pleco I never get to see, don't need any more. I really don't need the cleaning factor anyway. I think I'm probably gonna trade idea of the Raphael's and Pictus in on some more barbs. I love the Rosy barbs but they just get too big to have a school of them in my tank. I'll probably go with some fancy tigers and gold tigers (albino's). thanks, Kyle

[dethjam316]

pictus cats can be vicious...a former roommate of mine once had a pictus that ripped a betta to shreds and devoured an entire school of tetras. of course, this was his fault. but it doesn't change the fact that they can be nasty.

striped raphs are very cool...when you see them. i have one, and i'm lucky to see it once a week, and my schedule leaves me up late every night.

[snakeskinner]

How about spotted Raphael's? I didn't know they existed till today. I'm going to assume they're the same since these two were stuck in corners and under decorations. Kyle

[dethjam316]

more or less, they are very similar.

[daveedka]

I have never personally had a problem with Pictus but they do like lots of space to swim around. They are a great fish to watch, and every one I ever owned was docile and grew slowly, I have also always had single fish and it doesn't seem to bother them to be the only one. not sure if this help, I have a few years experience but not as much as most of the folks weighing in here.

[baxter]

I've currently got one spotted raphael, one stripped raphael and two upside down cats. The upside down cats are the most active and the largest, and to me, the nicest looking. I do like the look of the stripped raph, but I hardly ever see the sucker. He stays in a castle I have and only comes out once in a while, at least while I'm there. He's pretty funny though, he'll let you hold him in your hand and just sit there peacefully.

My largest upside down cat got that way from eating a ton of jewel cichlid fry, so be careful if you're trying to breed any fish with any cats present.

[LMOUTHBASS]

i know you decided against the pictus and i think this is a good idea just want to share my experince -
i have 2 in a 55g thinking of giving them away - my tank hasn't got lots of open swimming room lots of plants etc - if you keep this fish they need open room - mine spen most of their time in one corner swimming into the glass (very boring to watch) they don't sem to bother other fish although mysteriously i am now missing two of my 3 ottos - hmmmmmmmmmmm

[Bristlenose Chuck]

I had a striped rafael once but my heater malfunctioned and cooked it. :( They are the coolest catfish. They do hide a lot but they are worth it.