By James E. Burgess

A year long project to study the behavior of catfish specimens from around the world

By James E. Burgess

TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT

3

INTRODUCTION

3

METHODS AND MATERIALS

4

SPECIMEN INFORMATION

5-14

FILTRATION

15

LIGHTING

16

FEEDING

17

DISEASES IN THE AQUARIUM

18-19

LEARNING

20-22

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

23

LESSONS LEARNED

24

TABLE #1: SPECIMEN INFORMATION

25

TABLE #2: SPECIMEN TESTING

26-27

EXPLANATION OF PLATES

28-32

PLATES #1-#20

33-62

BIBLIOGRAPHY

63

DIARY OF A CATFISH AQUARIUM DATA

64

Several species of catfish were placed together to study their compatability and behavior. The project continued for 375 days. Several different tests were performed. Specimens were obtained from Pet Stores, Fish Farm, and Wildly caught by means of rod and reel. The diets consisted of prepared flake food mixed with shrimp pellets, wildly caught crayfish, and purchased minnows. Pictures and multiple videos were recorded.

Keeping catfish specimens under aquarium conditions is definitely not a new idea, but normally they are of the same type, genus, family, or even size. This project is unique in that the specimens included were different in most respects. The geographic origins, sizes, diet, among other attributes were so different. The Tennessee Aquarium does have a marvelous display of catfishes from around the globe but the specimens are all about the same size. The question for this project arises as to why, but the answer is really simple: curiosity. It also presented an avenue to perform several tests on a variety of specimens at once. In preparation for this project; a variety of texts were studied especially the one by Dr. Carl Ferraris Jr.. This book was written in 1991, but was extremely informative. The other books contains a wealth of information on the acquisition of and the display of wildly caught species.

A tank setup was purchased and set up with pea gravel instead of regular aquarium gravel. A triple filtration system was installed to handle the waste and keep the water clear. Having past experiences with having Ameiurus and Ictalurus specimens in a tank, the more filtration the better (see Filtration p. 15). Over the course of the Project; several types of plants were put in the tank both purchased varieties and wildly caught. The daily observations were made throughout the day just by writing down what was happening within the confines of the tank. The tests that were performed have their own individual methodologies. The specimens involved are listed in Table 1. The tests themselves are listed in Table 2. The specimens that were involved in the project are each listed individually alongwith the observations throughout the year. Videos were made during the course of the project which were combined into a single video running for over 23 hours which is available upon request by contacting me at [email protected]. The observations from that video are listed separately. All of the pictures that were taken are not included as some are repetitive and/or out of focus(see Plates starting on page 28).

CATFISH AQUARIUM SPECIMEN INFORMATION This project was initiated as a follow up to the 1979 Aquarium Observations. It was decided to utilize a diary type format instead of random observations as was the previous format. A substantial amount of extra specimens was incorporated. Each specimen was unique in their right, but together they composed an exquisitely interesting group of specimens to study.

There were ups and downs during the course of this project. Most devastating would have to be when the specimens died, but lessons were learned at each passing. The best way to relate this project is to start at the front.

SYNODONTIS: When the tank was set up and was stocked initially; several specimens were wanted. A Synodontis species was originally purchased at the local department/grocery store called Meijer. They were advertised as Synodontis hybrids and at a cost of $2.74 each; their inclusion was a must. Most of the time these specimens were hiding when younger, but as they matured they became to big to hide as well as becoming bolder. They got to be so bold that they became an aggressor to Ameiurus specimens. At one point during the project; the Synodontis was separated to prevent the attacking of other specimens. The Synodontis was observed scraping wounds onto only the Ameiurus. Clearly something had to be different that made the Synodontis attracted to only the Ameiurus. The Synodontis was behaving just as the Hypostomus specimens were when they were paired with a Pylodictis as described in Burgess (2013). The scrapings that were made by the Synodontis resulted in the death of the Ameiurus. This aggressiveness was so intriguing that it was pursued further. Dr. Peter Sorenson was the first contact which led to Dr. Jelle Atema. These gentlemen had done some research within the associated area. They were not able to tell me specifically, but they did enlighten me on the supposition that

the reason for the aggression was probably not due to actual aggression, but really a mix up of phernomes. Since these specimens usually do not come into contact with each other; it was supposed that the fright reaction substance emitted from the Ameiurus triggered a feeding response from the Synodontis. Further study needs to be done before a more positive conclusion can be reached. These Synodontis specimens eventually refrained from the attacks, but only after several Ameiurus specimens perished. The Synodontis specimens were fed the same diet as the others, but perished one by one with the last one only at the termination of the project.

CORYDORAS: A single specimen of Corydoras was included into this project. It had been housed in a Tropical Community Tank until it was retrieved from that tank and relocated to the Project tank. Throughout the project it seemed sociable and outgoing. As predicted; it would swim erratically from time to time coming to the surface to gulp air. It was effective as a scavenger as noticed on several instances. It didn’t seem to bother any of the other specimens and none of the other specimens bothered it. It survived several tank cleanups, but towards the end of the project; it started showing signs of being tormented by having frayed fins. It eventually got very lethargic and not wanting to eat. It would lay on its side, but when it was netted it suddenly had a burst of energy. It was removed from the tank so that it would not suffer any longer. It was allowed to dry out to be observed at a later date. This specimen did not bring much to the Project except some comic relief.

AGAMYXIS: There were actually three sets of the specimens introduced into the tank. The first was a pair that was purchased at a Tennesse pet store. When they were picked out; the pair seemed to be healthy. The method of capture was a

standard dip net. The individual that was attempting capture apparently had little to no experience catching these specimens. They were chased around the tank which put them on the defensive, so that when they were finally netted they were attached to the netting by their pectoral fin spines. When they were introduced into the tank; they retreated to cover immediantly. The next morning a mucous covering the specimens was noticed. Most likely since these specimens are known to produce mucous when becoming shocked; it was the shock of being mishandled from the pet store. The second pair came to the tank from a seasoned tank of tropical specimens in. Knowing better than to utilize a net for capture; they were caught by hand. One of the pair was hiding inside of an ornament, so he was cautiously removed from it, but in the process my finger was trapped between it’s body and the pectoral fin. No damage to my hand or the specimen as the hand was simply lowered into the tank. The specimen relaxed, let go, and swam into the tank. Another pair was bought from a pet store in Bowling Green, Kentucky. That individual knew how to handle these specimens, so instead of a net a cup was used to trap them. These specimens were not very active preferring to stay hidden most of the time. When they were first instroduced; the hiding spot for the Synodontis became their property forcing the Synodontis to find other accommodations. These specimens were more active at night thusly scavenging about looking for food. Over a period of time; they were enticed to appear when the tank was fed the prepared food mixture. They did not venture far from their hiding place. They would make a brief appearance, get some food and retreat back to obscurity again. Their interactions with the other specimens were almost non-existent. One by one they met their demise without rational explanation.

PLATYDORAS This type of specimen was a welcome addition to this project as they have been members of the Tropical Fish Aquarium. They were purchased and have grown tremendously in this tank. The first specimen introduced was from the batch

from the Tennessee pet shop. As with the Agamyxis; it was mishandled when captured. The day after it was introduced; it became engulfed in a mucous and soon thereafter passed away. The next introduction came in the form of a trio purchased from a pet shop in Bowling Green, Kentucky. These specimens not only survived the introduction, but over a period of time thrived. They started out being quite shy, but eventually and over a period of time came out of hiding and was socializing in a matter of speaking. They ate quite well from the prepared food mixture that was offered. One specimen outgrew the other two. The biggest one that was thriving suddenly took a turn for the worst. It was swimming upside down and also laying on the bottom, but when capture was attempted on different occasions it became active again. One by one they passed and were removed from the tank.

AMEIURUS If there was a star of the project these specimens were it. Mostly it was the thrill of capturing them as the specimens were scarce at first. Most of these initial specimens were captured using the rod and reel method. Only single specimens were retrieved during each session. The boat dock of Drake’s creek afforded up a couple of specimens, but not the number needed for sufficient testing was obtained. Late one evening a couple of fishermen was spotted on the opposite shore. They relayed that they were catching Ameiurus specimens and throwing them back. I provided a bucket and a battery powered aerator and they caught seven specimens for this project. After a few expeditions to that boat dock; there was an ample number for the project. These specimens were introduced into the Project a few at a time. These specimens were unique in that they ate just about any food given, prepared food mixture, worms, minnows, and crayfishes. Another unique attribute was since when they were captured; the hook was swallowed. These hook leads were cut leaving the hook in the specimen. Some of these hooks were regurgitated. A few of the specimens that passed were dissected and found the hook where it had caused

the death as it had been totally swallowed causing perforations internally. They fed at almost any time of day or night when fed with worms or the prepared food mixture. The diet was supplemented with live prey in the form of purchased minnows and wildly caught crayfish. Their behavior were noted carefully during the various tests as they became the dominant species in the tank and during the various tests.

HYPOSTOMUS There were two specimens involved in this project. They were originally purchased for a different project, but they had grown significantly so they were introduced to the Project tank during the initial setup. These specimens were very hardy as one was trapped under the gravel when emptying the tank to clean it. As I was disturbing the pea gravel to clean it; it was discovered. The specimen recovered quite well when placed into the holding tank. It was very interesting that the duo had taken up residence holding onto the floating driftwood upside down instead of the usual glass attachment. Their participation during the testing was nonexistent. They did what they were brought into the project for. One of the two specimens did pass away, the passing was regarded as an opportunity to continue utilizing the specimen as a preserved one. These specimens were responsible for the attacks on the Pylodictis specimen earlier as described in an earlier text (Burgess, 2013).

ICTALURUS The Ictalurus specimens were all purchased from a fish farm delivery truck but one. Many specimens were purchased including several albino individuals. When the specimens were introduced into the Project tank; there were almost to many of them for the size of the tank. Several of the bigger specimens alongwith the albinos were removed and relocated to the nearby pond. The

Ictalurus specimens had a habit of gathering in the back corner of the tank. There was not much explanation for such behavior except for the normal schooling behavior shown when juveniles. On March 9th thinking that the electromagnetism from the speaker that was next to the tank was the cause of the congregation; it was moved. The magnetism was not the cause as the congregation continued without the speaker being there. During the time of procuring specimens for the tank; it came to a point that the tank needed cleaned. As was done in the past; the specimens were removed from the tank and placed in a holding tank with fresh water. My mistake was that the water was not conditioned properly and most of the Ictalurus specimens died. Ample amount of specimens remained for the testing that had been planned as their participation during the tests was significant. They were fed a normal diet of prepared food and shrimp pellet mixture. Crayfish, minnows and the occasional worm were supplemented. The remaining specimens grew nicely and soon lost their traditional markings or spots. A single specimen was captured utilizing the rod and reel method as was with the Ameiurus specimens described earlier. Unlike the other Ictalurus; this one did not grow very much throughout the Project time frame. In addition; the spots did not subside. Why the specimens were so different in growth and markings is unsure and should be studied more.

PANGASIANODON This was a species that was purchased under the name of Pangasius sutchi or iridescent shark. This specimen was contrary to the shy nocturnal specimens that had been introduced previously. It was not shy and swam in all stratas of the tank. At one point albino forms were also introduced. These specimens ate mostly the flake food that was offered, but smaller fishes as well. They grew from when they were purchased, but that in itself did not assist them from being consumed by the exclusive carnivores of the tank. These specimens did not participate in the testing simply because they were not there.

HORABAGRUS The Horabagrus was purchased at a pet store chain in Tennessee. They are very interesting fish and were purchased in two different sets. The first trio was purchased, but succumbed quickly. The probable reason was the temperature of the tank. A heater was installed and another group was purchased. These specimens grew exponentially as they ate all the food that was offered. They were outgoing and was seen during all times, day or night. These specimens added a touch of color to the tank and were a welcome addition, but they did not hang around to participate in any of the planned testing.

MICROGLANIS, KRYPTOPTERUS, OTOCINCLUS, FARLOWELLA, ANCISTRUS, ARIOPSIS, PANAQOLUS This group of specimens are individuals that spent very little time in the Project. They were purchased but due to their small size while the other specimens were already growing; they did not last long. The Microglanis were half an inch or so when purchased and they quickly swam for cover. They were very shy and if they were to be seen it would be with a flashlight and rarely. On most occasions the furniture had to be disturbed before one could catch a glimpse of them. Everything that they did including eating was shyly done. The Kryptopterus was purchased in two sets. They were an interesting addition to the tank. The behavior was that of the upper strata to reside in and ate the flake food as it was offered. Unfortunately they did not live long enough because they were most likely consumed as no carcasses were discovered. Otocinclus was an impulse addition to the tank. They were seen at a Tennessee pet store and purchased. These specimens were small and when introduced went straight to the bottom. There is no information as to their habits while in the Project as there was very little appearances once introduced. Since no carcasses were found; it is presumed that they were consumed by other members of the tank. The Ariopsis, also known as, Columbian Shark was

purchased in a set of three. They were a multi strata specimens and their diet consisted of the fish food mixture that was offered. As with the majority of the smaller specimens; their carcasses were not recovered so they were presumed consumed. The Panaqolus specimen was billed as a Clown Pleco. It was a very ornamental individual bringing color to the tank. Jokingly it was named Bozo after Bozo the Clown. This specimen did not do much for the tank itself. It did not move around very much at all, so when he died it was not immediantly noticed. The specimen had been basically in the same spot for more than a day, so it was disturbed to find it dead. It was removed from the tank and allowed to dry adding another specimen to the preserved. The Ancistrus was also an impulse addition to the tank. It was an albino specimen, but once introduced it only lasted a couple of days before it disappeared. No carcass was discovered. The last specimen in this group of short lived inhabitants is of a Farlowella. It was dubbed with the name of Twiggy. It was not a very active specimen and preferred to shy away. The specimen was found one morning dead. In addition; the bottom was eaten, mostly the mid-section where the vital organs were. It was removed and allowed to dry.

PSEUDOPLATYSTOMA This specimen was very unique. Firstly it was quite expensive to procure and interesting as this researcher had no experience with this type of specimen. It was purchased as a pair of about 3 inches in length. The specimen did not appear to be interested in the normal prepared food mixture that was offered. When offered minnows to eat it gladly accepted. Minnows, crayfish, and any type of small fish became its meal. It’s behavior was mostly shy preferring to stay at the back of the tank. During the course of this project the specimens experienced significant growth. As for participation in the testing they were not involved. As a result; it seems as though they were not attracted to scents or odors, but rather by the rhythmic vibrations of live prey. One specimen after the project testing was completed became very lethargic and even swimming

upside down. This continued for several days, before it was removed and covered in alcohol to end its suffering. One specimen continues to live in the tank. When new plants were added and minnows introduced; it was observed swimming in the upper strata feeding.

SORUBIM This pair of specimens were purchased at the same time as the Pseudoplatystoma from the same pet store. They were not as expensive to procure, but interesting none the least. Once introduced; these specimens thrived feeding on live prey, mostly minnows and other small fish and an occasional crayfish. They mostly stayed at the rear of the tank, but swam in all stratas the entire length of the tank. They were quite shy to begin with, but slowly overcame that. Just like the Pseudoplatystoma; these specimens did not participate in any of the testing as prior to beginning them; they perished. The whole carcass of one was recovered and set out to dry out for later observations. The other specimen was only partially recovered. The skull was all that remained. It was removed from the tank and allowed to dry out for further study.

PIMELODUS These specimens were introduced on 16Mar2015. They were purchased from a pet store in Bowling Green, Ky in a group of three. The Pictus Cats or Long Whiskered Cats were an exciting addition. These specimens grew quickly and were not shy when it came to feeding or being sociable. They fed quite nicely on the fish food flakes and shrimp mixture, greedily accepting it. These specimens came to the tank at about an inch or so, but grew quickly to around 3-4 inches at the time of their demise. It would have been interesting to include them in the context of the testing, but an unfortunate accident preventing that from happening. The electricity malfunctioned one evening for quite a while and these specimens were the result of that. They were removed from the tank and placed into a specimen jar for preservation.

This collection of specimens came from various parts of the world and put together in the same tank. Some of the reactions were predictable and some were not. Their interactions were very interesting and enlightening. These specimens definitely do not interact normally so no matter what the outcome of the project was; it was educational. The tank remains to be in operation. According to the literature it was suggested to kill the specimens once they were no longer needed, but this researcher goes against that thought. They will remain in the tank and hopefully thrive. The future for these specimens are further observations and in the case of the Ameiurus natalis possibly propagation.

FILTRATION This project required adequate filtration systems and medium to maintain a healthy tank. The filter medium and activated charcoal are necessary components, but unfortunately filter cartridges are also expensive. The amount of cartridges that were required for this project were numerous due to the amount of catfish waste that was projected. The search for a more cost effective means was initiated. The requirements for a more cost effective filter were a suitable filter medium and how to use the existing filter frame was on the forefront. Initially; the existing filter was washed and squeezed until there was not any dirty water coming out of it. The top was sliced away from the frame and cleaned out of the charcoal. A new amount of activated charcoal was put in and it was then put back into the filtration system housing. That worked, but eventually the charcoal would accumulate on the bottom and thus became ineffective. A medium would be needed to not only filter the water, but to secure the activated charcoal. The next attempt was to use a piece of foam normally used for seat cushions. The attempt to secure the foam to the frame failed due to the product being to thick for the staples to penetrate. The foam was cut so that the foam was only half of the original, and then stapled to the frame trapping the charcoal in place. The thickness of the foam was the cause for the filter to be ineffective within a couple of days. As the waste products were filtered out and embedded into the already dense material; the filter was clogged in a very short time. The next and final attempt to construct a viable aquarium filter was found in the form of batting normally used for pillows. Since there were numerous filter frames; a decision was made to actually trap the activated charcoal and filter medium between two of the filter frames. To secure the frames together strips of velco came to mind, but soon discarded as the glue on the back of them propably would be toxic to the specimens. Staples were attempted to hold the velco on, but to no avail. Finally simple rubber bands were employed. With the rubber bands the very porous batting was condensed to allow substantial filtration and securing the activated charcoal in place. Now a very cost effective filtration system has been used and tested. The initial work involved was substantial, but well worth it.

LIGHTING Lighting for a catfish aquarium was a challenge. The expensiveness of specialized lighting made this option really not one. The question was how to make the lighting that was already present work for the nocturnal nature of the catfish. The answer to that question came out of Dr. Carl Ferraris, Jr’s. book. The project started out with two florescent fixtures that were designed to fit a 55 gal. aquarium. But since this aquarium setup was 75 gal; so the fixtures were not fitted properly, but were utilized anyway. The next fixture that was tried was an LED cover that covered a 29 gal. tank. It was put in the middle of the 75 gal tank to illuminate the entire tank, but that fixture was not satisfactory. The final fixture that was tested was a simple florescent shop light fixture. The fixture itself extended the length of the tank, but having double bulbs was making the tank very bright. Only one bulb was tried and decided to stay with. It was still making the tank bright, whereas it worked right. To make the lighting nocturnal was a series of trials. Taking the Dr. Ferraris Jr. information; a series of colors were tried by installing them under the light fixture. The first trial was colored plastic bags. In order to make the lighting to resemble a nocturnal ambiance; multiple bags were required. This presented a fire hazard as well as a possible hazard of suffocating the specimens if they fell into the tank. The plastic bags were discarded in search of alternate suitable materials. Tissue paper was the next on the trial list. A trio of colors were selected and tested. The red color paper was primary in the testing. The amount of paper to create a suitable nocturnal effect was not realistic. The red was replaced with the green. The green was not a suitable color as there was not as many specimens were active as was with the red. A darker color of blue was tested next, but that color made the tank so dark that the specimens could not be observed. Red was the choice color, but the tissue paper was not very economical as it readily absorbed moisture and disintegrated. There was a pair of red cloth curtains in the closet which then was folded and placed under the shop light. This gave the tank a nocturnal look and allowed the specimens to be observed and photographed.

FEEDING Feeding the specimens throughout this project was obviously directed by what the specimens required. The challenge was to discover what would be the right food that all the specimens would eat. The primary food was a floating pond pellet. After the first feeding; it was determined to abandon that food as it fouled the water and was not consumed at all. The flake food that was already being fed to other tanks was an obvious choice. Shrimp pellets were supplemented as a treat. After several feedings the choice was made to combine these foods into a single feeding. This was a extremely successful choice and was fed daily. When the Sorubim and Pseudoplatystoma specimens were introduced; the already established feeding was not appealing to them. The decision was made to purchase and introduce minnows from the local bait shop. By introducing those minnows; the Shovelnose specimens acted like they were on the hunt. They became active where before they were not. Not only did the Shovelnose specimens become active; the Pictus and Ictalurus specimens did the same. From that time; minnows were purchased every couple of weeks and fed to all the specimens that would prefer them and the prepared food fixture was delivered on almost a daily basis. While observing the specimens on various occasions; the specimens were seen skimming across the surface to feed.

DISEASES IN THE AQUARIUM The problem that all aquarists fear, no matter what it is, are the various diseases than can develop within a tank. During this project the dreadful “ICH” was evident alongwith isolated cases of fungus. The first case of what seemed to be a fungus occurred at the forefront of the project. The recently introduced specimens of Agamyxis and Platydoras were observed with a fungus or mucous covering the body on January 6, 2015. Once researched and being that these specimens were roughly handled during capture; it was determined that it was not a fungus, but rather excessive mucous output. These specimens routinely emit mucous as a predator deterrent, but when it had been so roughly handled the mucous output was excessive and thus caused the specimens to expire. Another isolated incident occurred involving an Ictalurus specimen on December 2, 2015. It was not discovered until then. It appeared to have open wounds on the head area with a type of fungal growth on it. It resembled a growth of mold of sorts. The Ictalurus specimen had passed away, but it is unsure as to what role that this fungus growth had in it. The ICH problem was noticed on March 14, 2015. There were small white spots sporadically arranged on the body of an Ictalurus specimen. Once detected; Malachite Green was administered with a discontinuation of the filtration systems to obtain maximum effectiveness. In addition aquarium salt was added to enhance the medicinal effectiveness. None of the other specimens in the tank seemed to get infected. The infestation lasted several days with additional dosages of Malachite Green being added on March 16. On March 18th; the tank was totally cleaned, scrubbed, rinsed, and reassembled. As the specimens were being removed; they were inspected for the disease. As an added precaution a small dose of Malachite Green was added to the new water. That was the only outbreak there was throughout the Project and it was quickly dealt with. No specimens were lost due to the ICH.

Throughout this Project the occurrence of disease has been minimal. The only infectious outbreak was dealt with in a timely manner.

LEARNING Being able to learn is the basis for all species evolution. When discussing “wild animals” it been discovered that they are remarkably adaptable when housed. They tend to “learn” when to eat and how to act as their situation suggests to them. Dogs, Cats, and mammals in general have a greater adaptability than specimens that cannot be communicated with directly. These fish have other ways to learn though. During the course of this project there have been many instances of specimens acting as if they have learned when it was feeding time. Feb. 23, 2015. The entry in the diary reads: “When I approached the tank; it was noticed that the comets and guppies were all assembling in the area that I was standing. Apparantly they have figured out that it would be feeding time when I approached the tank.” Mar. 14, 2015. The entry in the diary reads: “This morning an interesting note occurred. As I approached the tank; the bluegills and shellcrackers came to the front and looked like they were trying to get my attention. They followed my finger as I scraped it across the glass. It appeared as though they learned that when I approached the tank was when food was introduced. They continue to act in this way until I added the shrimp pellets to the tank.” Apr. 7, 2015. The diary reads: “Interestingly most of the inhabitants were patrolling the front of the tank as I approached. It was like they have learned the association between food and my prescence.” Apr. 8, 2015. The diary reads: “Several specimens in the tank were coming to the corner by the desk to greet me. Right: they are learning that food usually comes into the tank when I approach.”. Apr. 10, 2015. “This morning as I came into the office and approached the tank; most all of the specimens greeted me by swimming excitedly the length of the tank at the front.” Apr. 11, 2015. “I got my traditional greeting from the specimens in the tank as I approached. It is interesting on how fast they learn.” Apr. 13, 2015. “The inhabitants of the tank continued to meet me as I approached the tank in the hopes that they will get fed. The learning abilities of these catfishes are amazing. They have gone from being afraid to actually coming to greet me as I enter the room.”

Apr. 15, 2015. “As I approached the tank most of the specimens came to greet me knowing that I would give them food. The Synodontis specimens were up front alongwith the rest of the inhabitants.””The Raphaels even greeted me as I approached the tank.” Apr. 22, 2015. “Interestingly the specimens were calmly swimming in the tank as I was sitting at the desk beside the tank until I got up from the chair. Not only did the specimens become excited, but they congregated in the side of the tank that I was at. Synodontis, Horabagrus, Pangasius, Corydoras, and Ictalurus all came out prior to adding the food.” Apr. 25, 2015. “By going from one end to the other I noticed that all the specimens were following to which ever end I was at.” Apr. 28, 2015. “The specimens as they normally do came to the front of the tank to greet me for their feeding.” May 3, 2015. “This morning as I approached the tank; the ritual began of the specimens congregating to the front of the tank waiting to be fed.” May 5, 2015. “The Ictalurus specimens alongwith the Horabagrus, Pictus, and others are swimming in the front quadrate of the tank as they do when they want food.” May 6, 2015. “As I approached the tank this morning it was not shock to see the majority of the inhabitants swimming back and forth at the front. They do this on a regular basis waiting for food.” May 11, 2015. “This morning as I went into the room by the tank all the inhabitants came rushing up to the front of the tank.” May 13, 2015. “This morning as I approached the tank most of the specimens were waiting for me as they swam from one end of the tank to the other.” “I held some food between my fingers to see if the specimens were tame enough to eat from my fingers. As I held the food; the first reaction came from the Bluegills.” “The Ictalurus specimen came up twice to nip at my fingers.” May 24, 2015. “Came into the room this morning to find the specimens were exhibiting their pattern of being hungry hungry which is the rapid movement at the front of the tank back and forth.” May 26, 2015. “Came into the room by the tank and I was surprised at the actions of a couple of catfish. The larger of the Striped Raphaels was running with the group in front of the tank in their normal actions for food by swimming back and forth in front of the tank.” “Now a

Sorubim specimen was joined the act of presenting himself for food by swimming up and down on the side of the tank.” May 27, 2015. “This morning as I entered the room the inhabitants of the tank greeting me with swimming back and forth as they normally do.” Jun 12, 2015. “The Ictalurus specimens are very active swimming in the front of the tank. They have learned that when I approach the tank they normally are fed.” “The Pictus and Horabagrus were swimming excitedly anticipating to be fed.” Jun 14, 2015. “As I looked in at the tank this afternoon; the specimens were gathered together in the front right hand corner as they do when they are wanting food.” Jun 15, 2015. “The Ictalurus and Pictus are crowding the front of the tank closest to me with Horabagrus and a couple of the Synodontis accompanying them as is their ritual wanting food.” Jun 16, 2015. “. . ., but interestingly enough the specimens did not frantically swim back and forth in the tank wanting food. They have all gathered by the right side and seems to be patiently awaiting the time to feed.” Jun 18, 2015. “Held some prepared food in my fingers and even though the Bluegills remained very interested they also remained very distant. There was a single Ictalurus that took the food from my fingers.” Jun 19, 2015. “The specimens were not doing anything out of the ordinary as I sat down to observe, but it seemed like I was not noticed until I got right in front of the tank up close. They started swimming excitedly in the manner that they usually do while waiting on their daily feeding. As I backed away without giving them food they went back to their nonchalant swimming pattern. This pattern was repeated two more times with the same result each time. It is like they recognize if I am watching them or just in the room.” Jun 21, 2015. “The specimens acted in their normal manner as I got to the tank by swimming excitedly at the front from one end to the other.”

These specimens learned that food was to be given when I approached the tank. These were not isolated instances. Most fish that are kept in captivity learn that they are dependent upon the aquarist to give them food, so they will probably also learn how to obtain that food and what to do to get it.

RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Results from this project are of a varied lot. The Project initiated in January 2015 and completed on January 15, 2015 for a course run of some 375 days plus. It contained specimens with origins from different countries all over the world. Different methods of feeding these specimens were tried with prepared food and live prey being the most effective forms. A myriad of tests were performed throughout the project focusing on olfaction, magnetism, and fishing techniques. Questions were asked such as can different species of catfish from all over the world share a common habitat? How effective are the common doughbaits to use while fishing? How does a common catfish such as Ictalurus or Ameiurus attack the bait while on a hook? How does a common catfish such as Ictalurus or Ameiurus attacks a piece of meat that it cannot swallow whole? Information such as the most cost effective method for tank water filtration was determined and what type of lighting would be appropriate for such a tank. In addition; literature describing how to capture, maintain, and observe common species not normally considered to be aquarium types was obtained.

Conclusions for this project are as varied as the results. Not all types of catfish species can be brought together. Firstly due to the small stature of some of the specimens; the larger or more aggressive species consumed them. The most prolific outward aggression was considered to be a mistake as the odor that were emitted from the Ameiurus specimens were mistaken by the Synodontis enticing them to be fed upon. More research is needed in this field as it is only a conjecture made from logical reasonings. Obviously the smaller specimens that were consumed encountered aggression, but it was not directly observed. The lighting that was determined to be the most effective for observing catfish specimens had already been pointed out by another researcher as being of a red color to simulate a nocturnal ambiance. The olfaction testing revealed that catfish species utilize their olfaction capabilities to locate food. The catfish attack prey voraciously and quickly. If the prey is larger than what their mouths can handle; than the prey is bitten and pieces of it are sawed off as the specimen shakes the prey from side to side. The most cost effective method of maintaining proper tank water suitability was determined to deconstruct used filters and reassemble using fresh filter padding and activated charcoal while using rubber bands to hold the set together.

LESSONS LEARNED: This Project revealed several pieces of information. The diversity of the catfish group dictates that different species are not compatible with other species. The larger ones cannot be trusted with the smaller ones. Live prey is more readily accepted than prepared food. A well planted tank is a must allowing safe haven for the smaller, less aggressive species. For these catfish specimens; several areas need to be made to hide away from the light. These specimens will feed voraciously causing their abdominal areas to expand. An ample amount of live prey should be made available, but to prevent from fouling the tank only a dozen or so needs to be added at a time. The catfish takes the bait quickly and ferociously when fishing. When attempting to keep catfish an ample supply of filters should be maintained or if of limited finances a more cost effective alternative can be constructed. Lastly; all the specimens should be acquired at the same time after the tank’s plants have taken root and the aquarium in general has been seasoned.

TABLE #1

CATFISH AQUARIUM SPECIMEN INFORMATION INFORMATION GATHERED FROM PLANET CATFISH SPECIMEN

TEMP

PH

DISTRIBUTION

FEEDING

SYNODONTIS AGAMYXIS PLATYDORAS HYPOSTOMUS CORYDORAS AMEIURUS ICTALURUS PANGASIANODON HORABAGRUS MICROGLANIS KRYPTOPTERUS PIMELODUS OTOCINCLUS ARIOPSIS PANAQOLUS PSEUDOPLATYSTOMA SORUBIM FARLOWELLA ANCISTRUS

22-28*C 20-26*C 23-30*C 20-30* 21-27*C 8-28*C 12-21*C 22-26*C 23-25*C 22-26*C 21-26*c 22-25*C 20-26*C 22-26*C 24-28*C 22-26*C 23-30*C 23-26*C 21.5-26.5*C

6.0-7.5 6.0-7.5 6.0-7.5 6.5-8.0 6.5-7.5 6-7.6 6.0-8.0 6.5-7.5 6.0-7.5 6.0-7.5 5.5-6.5 5.8-6.8 6-8.0 6.8-8.0 ??????? 6.0-7.6 6.2-7.2 6.8-7.6 5.8-7.2

AFRICA, CONGO PREPARED & LIVE FOODS PERU, S.A. PREPARED & LIVE FOODS RIO PARANA, S.A. PREPARED & LIVE FOODS NORTHERN, S.A. & TRINIDAD OMNIVORE MOSTLY VEGETARIAN TROPICAL SOUTH AMERICA PREPARED & LIVE FOODS NORTH AMERICA PREPARED & LIVE FOODS UNITED STATES PREPARED & LIVE FOODS SOUTHEAST ASIA-MEKONG CARNIVORE SOUTHERN INDIA PREPARED & LIVE FOODS VENEZUELA OMNIVOROUS, NOT FUSSY THAILAND PREPARED FOODS AMAZON/ORINOCO, S.A. PREPARED & LIVE FOODS BRAZIL, S.A. ALGAE, ROOTS, LEAVES PACIFIC RIVERS, CALIFORNIA TO COLOMBIA OMINORE RIO META VENEZUELA WOOD, VEGETABLES AMAZON/ORINOCO, S.A. LIVE FOOD SOUTH AMERICA CARNIVORE VENEZUELA MOSTLY LIVE FOOD SOUTH AMERICA WOOD, VEGETABLES

TABLE #2:CATFISH AQUARIUM TESTING TESTING

DATE

RESULTS

CHICKIN LIVER BLOOD

ALL BUT 2 AMEIURUS SPECIMENS REACTED POSITIVE AS DID THE RAPHAELS, PICTUS, AND ICTALURUS. THE SYNODONTIS, PLECOSTOMUS, AND SHOVELNOSE HAD NO REACTION. THE PSEUDOPLATYSTOMA SEEMED INTERESTED BUT DID NOT ACTIVELY SEARCH FOR FOOD. WHEN 28-Aug-15 THE TEST WAS RUN AGAIN IT TOOK 2 ML TO ELICITE A RESPONSE.

NIGHTCRAWLER DOUGH BAIT

AFTER PLACING 3 CUBES OF DOUGH BAIT INTO THE BOTTLE IT WAS ONLY 30 SECONDS FOR AMEIURUS TO REACT. THE ICTALURUS ALSO REACTED BUT NOT TO THE POINT OF ACTIVELY 18-Nov-15 SEARCHING FOR THE SOURCE.

CHICKEN BLOOD DOUGH BAIT LIVER AND CHEESE DOUGH BAIT

HAD A QUICKER REACTION THAN NIGHTCRAWLER BAIT DID. 5 AMEIURUS SEARCHED OUT THE BAIT, BUT TURNED AWAY WHEN THE BOTTLE WAS TOUCHED. THE ICTALURUS WAS ALSO 18-Nov-15 INVESTIGATING THE BAIT. 18-Nov-15 LEAST ATTRACTIVE. ONLY A COUPLE OF ICTALURUS SPECIMENS REACTED.

PREPARED FOOD

WRAPPED A PORTION OF THE SPECIMENS NORMAL FLAKE FOOD IN CHEESE CLOTH. THE AMEIURUS AND ICTALURUS SPECIMENS ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE THE FOOD. THE SPECIMENS 23-Nov-15 MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. NON OF THE OTHER SPECIMENS ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE THE FOOD

URINE ATTRACTANT

AMEIURUS AND ICTALURUS RESPONDED SWIMMING INTO URINE . OBVIOUSLY THE MORE URINE 16-Dec-15 IN THE FASTER THE RESPONSE. THE EVENING TESTING YIELDED SIMILAR RESULTS

FISHING

MAGNETISM

NIGHTCRAWLERS WERE PLACED ONTO STRAIGHTENED HOOKS AND LOWERED INTO THE TANK. THE BAIT WAS TAKEN GREEDILY BY AN AMEIURUS SPECIMEN. THE AMEIURUS CONTINUED ATTACKING THE HOOK FOR A FEW MORE TIMES. THE NON-SILURIFORM SPECIMENS PECKED AT THE BAIT WHEREAS THE AMEIURUS TOOK IT AND SWALLOWED IT WHOLE. THE EVENING TESTING 21-Dec-15 YIELDED SIMILAR RESULTS BY PLACING A METALLIC ROD WITH MAGNETS ON IT THE SPECIMENS REACTED BY SWIMMING TOWARDS IT. BY INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF MAGNETS THE INCREASED THE RESPONSE FROM ICTALURUS. THE EVENING TESTING YIELDED DIFFERENT RESULTS. THE SYNODONTIS, 9-Jan-15 PLATYDORAS, AGAMYXIS, ICTALURUS, AND A SINGLE AMEIURUS ALL INVESTIGATED THE

LARGE CARCASS FEEDING

TIED CHUNKS OF CHICKEN ONTO FISHING LINE AND LOWERED INTO THE TANK TO THE BOTTOM. ALMOST AN IMMEDIANT REACTION FROM THE AMEIURUS SPECIMENS. THEY ATTACKED THE BAIT RIPPING IT APART. THE REACTION WAS VERY AGGRESSIVE. THE EVENING TESTING MATCHED THE 14-Jan-15 DAYTIME RESULTS.

EXPLANATION OF PLATES The plates used for this project are a varied lot. There are 30 pages of plates, but only 20 plates are numbered. There are multiple pictures per page. Each plate sequence is numbered appropriately. The following is an explanation for each plate or series of pictures.

Plate #1: SCULPINS CAUGHT IN NEARBY CREEK These were specimens that were caught in the nearby creeks in search for Madtom Catfishes. They were introduced into the Project Tank after a short time acclimatizing in another tank. These sculpins did not survive in the Project Tank possibly due to the water temperature being higher than what they are used to.

PLATE #2: KRYPTOPTERUS, AQUARIUM, SCULPIN The Kryptopterus duo was the first pair of such. The first aquarium setup, and the last picture is of a Sculpin acclimatizing.

PLATE #3: AMEIURUS AFTER RUN IN WITH SYNODONTIS The Ameiurus specimen shown was attacked by an adult Synodontis. The pictures display hoe the Ameiurus specimen was scraped raw.

PLATE #4: A MASS OF CATFISH These pictures display multiple catfish specimens swimming in together making it appear that it was a mass of specimens.

PLATE #5: CORYDORAS A single picture of a lonely Corydoras finally coming to the front of the tank.

PLATE #6: AMEIURUS IN WEEDS When the Ameiurus specimens were introduced to the tank; they started inhabiting the plant growth. They would stay there most of the time.

PLATE #7: DARTERS AND SCULPINS FROM CREEK These pictures are some Darters and Sculpins that were caught at the creek and used as live food.

PLATE #8: CHICKEN LIVER BLOOD OLFACTION TEST This was the premier of the testing. Chicken liver blood was used due to many fishermen/fisherwomen use chicken liver as bait for catfish.

PLATE #9: ADDITIONAL SYNODONTIS WOUNDS ON AMEIURUS These pictures represent was of a single Ameiurus specimen in different phases of being attacked by an adult Synodontis.

PLATE #10: AMEIURUS WITH DAMAGED LIP This specimen was caught in Tennessee by rod & reel. It had been in the tank for several days before the lip damage was noticied. The damage did not hinder feeding.

PLATE #11: WILD CAUGHT BAIT The Crayfish, Darters, and Sculpins were caught using a hand-held dip net specifically to be fed to the Catfish.

PLATE #12: ICTALURUS FUNGUS This Ictalurus specimen developed some small wounds which then developed a fungus growth on top of the wounds.

PLATE #13: THE EATEN AMEIURUS These pictures are of a specimen that had died at the back of the tank behind some furnishings. When it was discovered the body had been eaten in half. There were scraping marks on the carcass, but the true culprit was not revealed.

PLATE #14: CATFISH BONES AND TEETH As the specimens died, an opportunity to observe the bone structure and teeth presented itself. These few pages contain pictures of an Ictalurus and Ameiurus being compared side by side. The majority of the pictures are of the head in general with photos of the teeth, Weberian Apparatus, and fin spines being included.

PLATE #15: DOUGH BAIT OLFACTION TESTING The different commercially produced doughbaits constitute the majority of the pictures here. There are some of the prepared fish food and the vessel that was utilized to administer the tests. Also included is the urine as well as the syringe used to administer it.

PLATE #16: HOOKS FOR FISHING TEST These couple of photos are showing the straightened hooks that had the worms on when the fishing test was performed. The hooks were straightened so that the specimens did not get harmed, but produce similar results. A regular hook was photographed beside the straightened ones for comparison.

PLATE #17: AMEIURUS AFTER SYNODONTIS ATTACK This pair of pictures show a living Ameiurus specimen after an attack by a Synodontis. Notice the scraped wound on the caudal peduncle.

PLATE #18: VARIOUS SPECIMEN SHOTS This includes pictures of some of the various specimens included in this project.

PLATE #19: PLANTS IN THE PROJECT There were several types of plants used for this project. They range from the moss on a rock from the creek to tropical plants purchased at a pet store. None of the plants took root, eventhough they were planted with roots, so they had to be relaced constantly.

PLATE #20: SPECIMENS These pictures are of some individual specimens being high lighted.

CATFISH AQUARIUM PLATES PLATE #1: SCULPINS THAT WERE CAUGHT IN THE NEARBY CREEK

PLATE #2: KRYPTOPTERUS , AQUARIUM AS A WHOLE, SCULPIN

PLATE #3: AMEIURUS AFTER RUN IN WITH SYNODONTIS

PLATE #4: A MASS OF CATFISH

PLATE #5: CORYDORAS

PLATE #6: AMEIURUS IN WEEDS

PLATE #7: DARTERS & SCULPINS FROM CREEK

PLATE #8: CHICKEN LIVER BLOOD OLFACTION TEST

PLATE#9: ADDITIONAL WOUNDS BY SYNODONTIS

PLATE #10: AMEIURUS WITH DAMAGED BOTTOM LIP

PLATE #11: CRAYFISH, DARTERS, SCULPINS: WILD CAUGHT BAIT

PLATE #12: ICTALURUS SUCCUMB TO FUNGUS

PLATE #13: THE AMEIURUS THAT WAS EATEN

PLATE #14: CATFISH BONES AND TEETH

PLATE #15: OLFACTION TESTING WITH DOUGH BAITS & FISH FOOD

PLATE #16: HOOKS FOR FISHING TEST

PLATE #17: AMEIURUS AFTER BEING ATTACKED BY SYNODONTIS

PLATE #18 VARIOUS SPECIMENS

PLATE #19 PLANTS IN THE PROJECT

PLATE #20 SPECIMENS

BIBLIOGRAPHY ATEMA, JELLE, 2014, PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE AXELROD, H., C. EMMENS, W. BURGESS, N. PRONEK, 1996, EXOTIC TROPICAL FISHES, T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, 1312 PAGES AXELROD, H., LEONARD P. SCHULTZ, 1983, HANDBOOK OF TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISHES, T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, 718 PAGES BURGESS, JAMES E., 1979, AQUARIUM OBSERVATIONS, POSTED ON RESEARCH GATE BURGESS, JAMES E., 2013, AGGRESSIVE LITTLE SUCKER, POSTED ON RESEARCH GATE BURGESS, JAMES E., 2013, FINDING NATALIS, POSTED ON RESEARCH GATE BURGESS, WARREN E., 1989, AN ATLAS OF FRESHWATER AND MARINE CATFISHES, T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, 784 PAGES FERRARIS, JR., CARL, 1991, CATFISH IN THE AQUARIUM, TETRA PRESS, 199 PAGES FERRARIS, JR., CARL, 2007, CHECKLIST OF CATFISHES, RECENT AND FOSSIL, ZOOTAXA 1418, 628 PAGES GOLDSTEIN, ROBERT J., 2000, AMERICAN AQUARIUM FISHES, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY PRESS, 428 PAGES PLANETCATFISH, 2016, WWW.PLANETCATFISH.COM QUINN, JOHN R., 1990, OUR NATIVE FISHES: THE AQUARIUM HOBBYIST'S GUIDE TO OBSERVING, COLLECTING, AND KEEPING THEM, COUNTRYMAN PRESS, 242 PAGES QUINN, JOHN R., 1994, FISHWATCHING: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE UNDERWATER WORLD, COUNTRYMAN PRESS, 231 PAGES SMITH, C. LAVETT, 1994, FISH WATCHING: AN OUTDOOR GUIDE TO FRESHWATER FISHES, COMSTOCK PUBLISHING, 216 PAGES SORENSON, PETER, 2014, PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE TAYLOR, LEIGHTON, 1993, AQUARIUMS: WINDOWS TO NATURE, PRENTICE HALL, 170 PAGES

DIARY OF A CATFISH AQUARIUM DATE Purpose:

NOTES 1. To establish a multi species aquarium for catfish. 2. To utilize the various species of catfish for behavioral experimentations.

Equipment:

75 gal. aquarium and stand 2- 60 gal external filtration systems 1-undergravel filtration system 2-12 inch air stones with independent air sources. 2 flourescent light sources Various moss covered rocks and wood pieces

Fish Species:

REFERENCES

Synodontis – 4 specimens Spotted Raphael—4 specimens--all deceased Striped Raphael—1 specimen--deceased Plecostomus species – 2 specimens Corydoras aeneus – 1 specimen Ameiurus natalis—24 specimens Ictalurus punctatus—24 specimens Misc. feeder fish throughout Irridescent shark/Pangasius Catfish--2 specimens Eclipse/Two spot catfish--3 specimens FERRARIS, JR, CARL J., CATFISH IN THE AQUARIUM, 1991, TETRA PRESS, 199PP., FERRARIS, JR., CARL J., CHECKLIST OF CATFISHES RECENT AND FOSSIL, ZOOTAXA, 1418, 2007, MAGNOLIA PRESS, 628 PP., EMMENS, C. W. AND HERBERT R. AXELROD, 1978, CATFISHES, TFH PUBLICATIONS, 96 PP., AXELROD, HERBERT R. AND LEONARD P. SCHULTZ, 1971, HANDBOOK OF TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISHES, T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, 718PP., INNES, WILLIAM T., 1994, T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, 288PP., AXELROD, HERBERT R., ET. AL., 1977, EXOTIC TROPICAL FISHES, T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, 608PP., KOBAYAGAWA, MIDORI AND WARREN E. BURGESS, 1991, THE WORLD OF CATFISHES, T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, 192PP., GEIS, RICHARD, 1999, CATFISH KEEPING AND BREEDING THEM IN CAPTIVITY, CHELSEA HOUSE PUBLICATIONS, 65PP., BURGESS, WARREN E., 1989, AN ATLAS OF FRESHWATER AND MARINE CATFISHES, T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, 784PP. , SMITH, C. LAVETT, 1994, FISH WATCHING: AN OUTDOOR GUIDE TO FRESHWATER FISHES, CORNELL UNIVERSITY PRESS, 216PP.

Specimen information

Start with the 2 most common specimens. Corydoras aeneus: Common name is Bronze Corydoras, Range is Eastern Venezuela and Trinidad to Sao Paulo, westward to Bolivia. Temperment: Peaceful species popular in community tank. Temperature is 70* to 90*F. Reference (HANDBOOK OF TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISHES BY AXELROD AND SCHULTZ, ) , MEMBER OF CALLICHTHYIDAE. IN THE WILD THEY WILL BE FOUND IN PLANT GROWTH (BURGESS, AN ATLAS OF FRESHWATER AND MARINE CATFISHES. SUCKERMOUTH CATFISH: HYPOSTOMUS PLECOSTOMUS. CAN GROW TO 2 FEET IN LENGTH. TEMPERAMENT IS PEACEFUL SPECIES SUITABLE FOR THE COMMUNITY TANK. TEMPERATURE RANGE IS 70* TO 85*F. LOOKS LIKE A SLOW MOVING SPECIES BUT IT IS ONLY A HOAX. THEY CAN MOVE QUITE RAPIDLY WHEN NEEDED. HIDES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. INTERESTING NOTE THAT ONE OF THE FIRST NAMES WAS ACIPENSER PLECOSTOMUS. BELONG TO LORICARIIDAE. STRIPED RAPHAEL (PLATYDORAS HANCOCKII) , TEMPERATURE RANGE 23.0-28.0°C or 73.4-82.4°F , NOCTURNAL SCAVENGER, COMMUNITY TANK RESIDENT. SPOTTED RAPHAEL: Agamyxis pectinifrons . TEMPERATURE RANGE IS 20.0-26.0°C or 68-78.8°F. Will eat any food that reaches it. Bloodworm and sinking catfish tablets are best as they can be ''aimed'' at the fishes daytime hide-out. Needs a dark refuge, but smaller individuals will spend the day in dense vegetation just as happily. COMMUNITY TANK FISH. CAN GROW TO 150MM. (RAPHAEL REFERENCES: PLANET

Setup:

I purchased this aquarium at a local yard sale. The cost was $30.00 and it came with a stand and a glass hood for each side. I cleaned the aquarium and prepared to assemble it. I started by layering the bottom with white rocks mixed with multi colored aquarium gravel. Above that I layered two bags of unwashed pea gravel. A large airstone was installed at each end of the tank being attached to a separate air source. An undergravel filtration system was installed in the middle of the tank and activated hooking up a dual outlet air pump. It was combined using a simple T method. A quadripleoutside filtration system was set up and activated. It was filled up by the outside garden hose. By utilizing a liquid dechlorinator; the water was made safe for habitation. Since the gravel was unwashed; the water was quite dirty. The aquarium was further supplemented with driftwood from the local waterways, as well as, some moss covered rocks from a nearby creek. The aquarium setup remained uninhabited for several weeks while being filtered and conditioned for the upcoming inhabitants. The first inhabitants was the small goldfish that I purchased from the local Wal-Mart. There was twenty-six of these fish purchased and placed into the aquarium. Very little time went by before there was only two individuals remaining, but the tank was conditioned and ready for additional inhabitants. The first catfish introductions came in the form of four Synodontisdecorus specimens. These individuals were purchased from a Meijer store. I noticed them while just shopping and since the price was only $2.74 for each one; I decided to purchase four of them. They were placed in the tank after the normal temperature acclimatization time. By this time; the aquarium was setup to resemble a river bed. These Synodontis specimens were mostly black and blended very well into the color of the aquarium. Soon the specimens were hiding and settled into the tank. For several days; these individuals became more scarce until they were only being viewed for short periods of time only a couple of them at a time. Finding these individuals settled others were sought out. I sought out some possible candidates for being included in My Catfish Aquarium setup. Pet Supermarket out of Hendersonville, Tennessee was where the search took place. Several types of specimens were considered. A trio of Raphael Catfish was selected. Acouple of spotted and a single striped specimen were selected. Alongwith the catfish specimens; a choice to include some transparent freshwater shrimp and some common guppies was made. The Spotted Raphaels were quite plump, and after some research; it was discovered that the possibility of these specimens being ripe for mating was interesting. Once again; these catfish specimens were nocturnal and after swimming around in the tank decided that they could be comfortable. The trio disappeared into their hiding places only to be seen occasionally once the lights were shut off.

Additons to the catfish community were made from the tropical fish tank that was already established. A pair of Plecostomus was retrieved that was placed into that tank until a suitable habitat was constructed. A Corydorasaeneus specimen was added alongwith a pair of Spotted Raphaels. These individuals were added with the thought being that if the primary pair of Raphaels were females than a possibility of a male being in the next pair created some thought processes into breeding. The Plecostomus specimens went straight to attaching themselves to the sides of the tank. The other specimens went into the crevices between the rocks and sunken wood. When the Spotted Raphals were transferred; one specimen was wedged into a castle ornament. Very carefully it was dislodged but then it had clamped its pectoral fin in between my fingers and holding on. The hand was eventually lowered into the tank where the specimen finally relaxed the pectoral enough that it slipped off and met up with the others. It should be mentioned that this tank is only at room temperature. Everyday temperature readings as well as any activity will be noted. The future holds subsequent acquisitions of A. natalis and I. punctatus specimens in the spring of 2015.

Monday, January 5, 2015

This is the first day of actual observations. In the morning time the sun was shining into the tank itself. The water itself is clear, but the level is low. Only natural light was used for viewing as to the nocturnal nature of the specimens. The first thing that was noticed was the activity of a pair of spotted raphaels. These specimens moved around the tank in all stratas seemingly without fear of being out in the open. The first specimen was swimming nonchalantly making paths up and down the sides of the tank. The other specimen was swimming towards the surface appearing as though it was grazing on the floating wood. I noticed that this Raphael specimen was actually swimming upside down while grazing the entire length of the floating wood. This activity continued for about twenty minutes before they retreated to the nocturnal lair with the catfish congregation. The other catfish specimens in the tank were motionless during this time. The only ones other than the spotted raphaels that was visible was the Plecostomus specimens. One of which was under the sunken log on the bottom. The other was visible behind the siphon tube on the glass. A viewing later on in the afternoon resulted in additional information. A single spotted Raphael was noticed swimming nonchalantly over the rocks towards the back of the tank. The Corydoras was nervously swimming up and down the left side of the

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

. Today was filled with sorrow. A pair of newly acquired specimens became ill will a fungus outbreak. A Spotted and a Striped Raphael both were laboriously swimming around the tank in obvious distress. The Raphael specimens would float and be tossed around the tank by the aeration current. Immediantly aquarium salt and fungus medicine were introduced while removing the filters pads from the filtration system. When all seemed lost for the individuals they were removed from the tank . They were positioned so that they could be prepared for viewing. The Corydoras was somewhat active doing the normal swimming technique of going up and down the glass sides. A pair of introduced Spotted Raphaels from another tank was noticed swimming lazily around. One of the two was seen perched behind the filter tube ventrally situated of a Plecostomus . A single Synodontis was seen outside of the catfish lair. It was not swimming, but rather laying on the bottom with all fins erect. One of the two Plecostomus has been situated underneath the sunken log every time it was viewed.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

. Not very much happening within the confines of this catfish inspired aquarium. After the disappointing news of the demise of the Striped and Spotted Raphaels; it was a relief to see no distress in the tank and the water was clear after the introduction of Malachite Green yesterday. Later on; the pair of Spotted Raphaels was noticed outside of the catfish lair. One individual was propped up in the left corner behind the air line. The other one was swimming near the bottom under the siphon tube for the filtration system. The Plecostomus specimens were in their normal positions. A specimen was attached to the glass behind the filtration siphon tube. The other specimen was noticed under the sunken log laying on the gravel. The pet shop where the Spotted and Striped Raphaels were purchased from was contacted initially by telephone. The individual at the store informed me that the manager would not be there until after 2pm. The corporate headquarters was contacted via email. A response was received later asking if a receipt was possessed and the reply was affirmative. It was scanned and sent alongwith the reply, but the store never did return the phone call.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

. This morning was another disappointment. The tank has taken two more casualties. A spotted Raphael and a comet goldfish met their deaths sometime in the night. The other individuals in the tank did not show any signs of distress. The Raphael and Goldfish did not have the same muscus covering that the first three from the pet store had. Most probably the deaths were the result of over medication as all the water tests were normal. The Plecostomus were doing their thing by clinging to the back glass under the filtration system siphon tube and the last Raphael was resting on the bottom of that tube. No sign of the Corydoras or Synodontis specimens. Maintenance involved replacing the filters in the filtration system and the charcoal pack for the undergravel filtration. In order to do a wellness check on the other inhabitants (Corydoras and Synodontis); the moss covered rocks and the wood was moved of disturbing the silt on the bottom. All specimens seemed to be doing ok, just hiding. The rocks and wood were spread throughout the tank to provide a better viewing opportunity for thes nocturnal specimens. The last Raphael was seen in what seems his favorite place; behind the aeration line in the corner about half way up the side. The Raphaels that was transplanted from another tank seem to be more outgoing than before. Possibly due to the size of the other inhabitants being smaller than them. Obviously the thought of breeding the Raphaels was forgotten since the demise of the first two ripe females. Yesterday was the day that a contact was attempted for the deaths of the three Raphaels from Pet Supermarket. An e-mail was sent to the corporate offices as well. No response from either was received. Another attempt was made today to contact the store. They wanted me to bring in a water sample from the tank and they would replace the fish. A sample was taken at 1036 hours by using a simple dip method. By dipping a 50mil flask into the water; the sample was decidedly more than what they requested. The Spotted Raphael that was left in the tank seems to be doing quite well. He is still more bold than when he was in the other tank. He was last seen swimming lazily along the bottom. The Corydoras was out in plain sight between two rocks. Two of the Synodontis specimens were seen foraging around the base of the rocks situated in the back of the tank. The lights were turned on and the illumination did not have any immediant effect on the specimens. The Raphael did not seem to mind it as he was not exhibiting any anxious behavior. The Plecostomus species does not seem to be bothered by anything that goes on. They seem content just to do their thing. After the nightly feeding and the light was turned off that there was increased activity with the Synodontis specimens. A typical feeding consists of shrimp pellets and flake food.

Friday, January 9, 2015

: Not much viewing going on, but a couple of notes here and there throughout the day. The Plecostomus specimens doing about what they have been doing. They have both been clinging to the back glass of the tank behind the filtration siphon tube. Not moving much throughout the day. The Corydoras seemed to settled better as it is staying out from the catfish lair. He seems to be staying mostly on the left side of the tank with spurts up to the surface with a supposition of gulphing air. The Synodontis specimens have remained hidden for the most part. There has been a single specimen staying out, but remains motionless for the most part on the bottom. No obvious sign of the Raphael. The real news of the day was when I went down to Pet Supermarket in order to obtain replacement Raphaels. When I arrived at the store; I was informed that the water chemistry was off as the nitrate levels were high. I was refused a replacement for the Raphaels for that fact and since I did not bring back the deceased specimens. I called Corporate headquarters and I was offered a $25 gift card which I refused telling them that I wanted the full price of the fish. I have yet to hear from them since then. I will retain the deceased specimens for viewing under the microsope for further notations at a later date.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Viewing revealed the Plecostomus staying in the back with each one was positioned under each of the siphon tubes. The Corydoras specimen was seen in the rear right corner. It was not moving much at all, just sitting in the corner. A single specimen of the Synodontis was seen outside of the lair so to speak. No immediant action was apparant. Water was cloudy and the siphon tubes had quite a bit of debris adhered to them. A few shrimp pellets were entered, but the only specimens to take notice was the comet goldfish and the Guppies. After a while another specimen of Synodontis made an appearance, but none of which was making any attempts at feeding. Maintenance was done on the tank by checking filters and siphon tubes. Cleaned the siphon tubes and added a water clearing chemical. The tank was illuminated and the Corydoras was out front. It didn't move when the lights were turned on. The Plecostomus that was on the bottom of the tank did quickly revert to its normal hiding spot behind the siphon tube. The one Synodontis specimen that was out quickly retreated. An e-mail was sent to Dr. Carl Ferraris Jr. documenting how I am reading and using his texts that is in the library. The current project was also mentioned. After reading his text about how to keep catfish in the aquarium; a few changes will be implemented so viewing can better be accomplished (putting colored paper under the light to simulate low light conditions. A preliminary experiment was set up to test the colored paper idea put forth by Dr. Ferraris by wrapping dark colored plastic bags under the flourescent fixtures to simulate low light conditions. At first the Corydoras who was already out stayed out but quickly retreated when viewed to closely. A single Synodontis was seen coming out of the lair of rocks and wood, but not going very far out. The preliminary test did not yield very positive results. The specimens did not venture out of their hiding spots after 30 minutes of viewing.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Not much activity after the lights had been turned out for a couple of hours. The Plecostomus and Corydoras were out and about, but the Synodontis was barely out of the Catfish lair. One was totally out and the other was 50% revealed. During the midday hours the normal brave adventurers were seen (Plecostomus and Corydoras). A Plecostomus specimen was adhered to the floating log upside down with very little movement. The other Plecostomus was behind the siphon tube. The Corydoras was out front. There are two Synodontis specimens out in the rear of the tank. One has the doral and pectoral fins in a defensive posture while the other one has all the fins down and in. The shrimp pellets that was introduced the other day doesn't seem very appealing to them as very little of it has been consumed. On about sundown I noticed that the two Synodontis were still out and further away from the lair. Both had their fins open, but still staying close to the left rear corner. The Corydoras when he noticed that he was being watched darted close to a sunken piece of wood towards the top. The Plecostomus specimens remained where they had been. The one that was hanging upside down on the floating log had turned in the opposite direction. Another Synodontis specimen was making its way out of the catfish lair to the open, but seemingly not ready to commit to full exposure as of yet. Very little activity except for a single Synodontis that has remained out from hiding.


Most of the day was just like any other. The same duo of Synodontis specimens were out in the open. The water did clear up since the Pond Clear chemical was introduced. A decision was made to move the rocks and wood around in an attempt to locate the other Synodontis and Spotted Raphael specimens. The Spotted Raphael was found dead trapped under the large sunken log. It was retrieved, but undetermined what the cause was. Dr. Carl Ferraris sent an e-mail reply to the one that was initiated and he was studying the similarities between catfish and sharks some 30 years ago. That was great information as it boosts my self-esteem to know that a well-known catfish researcher was at one time studying what I am studying now. A contact was made with the owner of the house concerning a friend of his having a pond full of catfish and was asked to get his friend to call me in an effort to obtain some small catfish specimens. He was given a business card to relay.


Not much viewing was done today. When the lights were turned on the Plecostomus was on the bottom in the front of the tank. A couple of the Synodontis specimens were swimming near the bottom. The Corydoras was out swimming. Once the lights were on the specimens all retreated back to cover.


Maintenance on the tank included cleaning the debris away from the siphon tube and brushing inside the tube itself. A couple of the Synodontis specimens are getting bolder by staying out of their hiding space more and more during the day. The Plecostomus specimens are becoming more active with one towards the front of the tank. It should be noted that these Plecostomus specimens were the same ones that attacked and killed a Pylodictis olivaris less than a year ago, but did not bother any of the bullheads in the tank or Ictalurus punctatus specimens. The ghost shrimp (trade name) are becoming active during the day. They are actively swimming about the tank.


Got into to observe the tank and the first thing was that the couple of Plecostomus specimens were hanging upside down on the floating log. Not moving just attached. Put the digital thermometer into tank to start recording the temperature data. It was registering at 19.4 degrees Celsius. No other catfish specimens were observed. The Plecostomus specimens moved towards each other and now they are nose to nose. It is truly amazing how these individuals can attach themselves to an object and still breath. Debris is noticed on the siphon tubes and the water level is low. As darkness set in the room; the Plecostomus duo were still attached to the floating log facing each other. The Corydoras came out foraging around. A single Synodontis came out of hiding for a short time. After dark the Plecostomus specimens came unattached from the floating log and were found clinging to the glass at the rear of the tank nudging each other as they moved up the glass. The Corydoras came out when the room went dark, but no sign of the Synodontis.


The Synodontis specimens remained hidden throughout the day. The Plecostomus specimens have been attached to the underbelly of the floating log with one detaching briefly to hide behind a sunken log. The Corydoras specimen has been out intermidently. The other inhabitants of the tank are swimming throughout the area. The comet goldfish was situated in the front bottom corner most of the day. The temperature remains a steady 20.8 *C and the water is clear. The filtration siphon tube on the left side of the tank is showing signs of debris accumulation so maintenance will be done in the am. Even after lights were out and darkness was upon the tank the Synodontis specimens did not show themselves. Shrimp pellets were introduced. The Corydoras immediantly started foraging for them. The small guppies and shrimp reacted the same way. Synodontis did not reveal themselves.


This morning was pretty much as it was left last night. The Plecostomus specimens were still attached to the floating log upside down. These specimens are not timid as we have been together for over a year. None of the other catfish specimens are noticeable. Maintenance consists of cleaning the siphon tube and filling the tank. Temperature is 20.5*C when read. The sunlight rays are actually visible in the tank from the exposed window which reveals what looks like debris swirling around. The Corydoras made an appearance around midday. It was actively swimming at the back of the tank. While doing the maintenance a single Plecostomus was detached from the floating log and was seen at the back of the tank adhering to the glass at the point where the water was being added at. The Synodontis has not been seen for a few days, so the wood and rocks were disturbed to validate their existence. Two specimens were noticed and they appeared to be healthy and content with hiding.


The Plecostomus had moved from the floating log and was pairing up on the sunken log at first viewing this morning. The Corydoras seemed to be content out and about on the left side of the tank. The comet goldfish doesn't seem content at all. It mostly remains on the bottom seemingly afraid to venture out. Mid-morning found the Plecostomus pair back attached to the floating log. One seems to have more brightly colored patterns than the other.


Today found the Plecostomus specimens still attached to the sunken log together. The water temperature has risen to 21.8*C. The tank is only heated by the sunlight coming in through the window behind the tank itself. The Corydoras comes out every so often, but there still is no sign of the Synodontis catfish. The comet goldfish that seemed sluggish yesterday has expired . It was found sucked onto the siphon tube. After the room being dark for quite a while the Plecostomus specimens had both detached themselves and were found near the back glass. Once a limited amount of illumination was added; a single Plecostomus specimen reattached itself to the floating log. The Corydoras has been visible all throughout the day, but even after adding shrimp pellets the Synodontis specimens failed to show themselves. The water cooled a little after the sun went down to around 21.3*C. As notations were being added; the unattached Plecostomus made it's way up the front glass and reattached itself to the floating log. It has become apparant that this is the favorite place for these Loricariidae.


After no signs of the Synodontis; it was time to search for them. The wood was moved carefully by using a grabber, but that only produced a single specimen. It was amazing how camoflouged these specimens are. After observing for a while; the others were finally noticed at the end of a piece of wood that was moved. They were clinging to it and blended in so well that they were very hard to spot. The specimens seem to be doing quite well, but extremely nocturnal in their habits. Interestingly though the Plecostomus specimens are still attached to the floating log. It is unclear as to the purpose of them residing in that particular spot, but they obviously favor it. The Corydoras is somewhat hidden, but still visible when looked for. Even though there is moss covered rocks in the tank; there is a real need to acquire some additional plant life for the middle and upper stratas of the tank. In past experiences with Ameiurus specimens they favor being in plant growth during the day in an attempt to hide. The last viewing of the night reveiled some positive results. A Plecostomus specimen had come down from the floating log, but when the flashlight was put on it, it retreated to the back of the tank. The Corydoras was spotted in the back right hand corner of the tank just resting. The most remarkable was when the flashlight beam was put onto a sunken piece of wood there were the Synodontis specimens. They of course retreated from the light.


After yesterday's discovery of where the Synodontis were hiding out at; I looked closely at that piece of wood. A single specimen was on the indented parts of the wood itself. The Plecostomus has not changed, but the Corydoras was seen perched on top of a piece of sunken driftwood. As dusk was approaching and the room was getting darker the Plecostomus are still clinging to the floating log, but the Corydoras was seen swimming bottom to top in the rear right corner of the tank. No sign of the Synodontis as of yet. The shrimp pellets that was fed last night still have a pile remaining. Once the room lights were turned on after several hours of darkness a few things were noticed. A single specimen of Plecostomus was swimming over the rocks and arranged debris on the bottom, but only after a few minutes retreated to the supposed safety of the floating log with the other one. The Corydoras was out and about. A single Synodontis was huddling in the crevices of the driftwood that they call home. The others were not noticed. Temperature in the tank was 21.1*C at 2200 hrs.


Not much different today than any other day so far. The Plecostomus specimens were still hanging upside down on the floating down. After viewing them after darkness had engulfed the room for a couple of hours; it seems as though these specimens are attempting to hide when attached to the log. Simply put when lights are off; the specimens detach from the log and venture around the tank. The Corydoras seems to be coming out of hiding more and more, venturing openly around the tank. Now that the Synodontis specimens have revealed their hiding spot; it is pretty easy to view them even though they are blended into their surroundings quite nicely. Took several pictures of the tank itself alongwith specific specimen pics. The feeder guppies and transparent shrimp all are active.


This morning revealed a continuation of the aforementioned days. The Plecostomus specimens were again attempted to hide hanging upside down from the floating log. The Corydoras has apparantly found a little niche underneath the driftwood that houses the Synodontis that is visible even though it blends in nicely. Took a picture of the Corydoras and Synodontis as they were together. Thinking of obtaining some Irridescent Sharks for the mid strata soon. That way there will be something swimming out in the open until the Ictalurus punctatus and Ameiurus natalis make their arrival. The other specimens did'nt come out of hiding after darkness except for a single Plecostomus. He was noticed on the front glass about halfway up.


As the light from the sun was creeping into the tank; the specimens were all back to their normal hiding spots. The Plecostomus duo are still hanging upside down on the floating log. The single Synodontis was embedded into the trunk of the sunken driftwood. The Corydoras was facing the front from under the driftwood that the Synodontis is on. Maintenance on the tank will include cleaning the filters. For explicit details on how that is done refer to that paper. The siphon tubes require brushing off as well. As of right now not very many changes occurring in the tank or with the tank inhabitatants. The Synodontis specimen did turn around in the crevice that it stays in.


During the middle of the night; I went in to view the tank. The Plecostomus specimens were both off of the log. They were attached to the sides of the tank, but when I was noticed they immediantly made their way back to the safety of the floating log. The Cory was out and about, but the Synodontis specimens were still in hiding. The maintenance on the tank was done today instead of yesterday. The filters were sprayed out and cleaned as well as the siphon tube was cleared of the debris that adhered to it. No activity throughout the day, but as darkness fell the Plecostomus specimens relinquished their hold from the floating log and was seen swimming around the bottom of the tank. Once my prescene was noticed; they took back to the floating log. The one that stays at the end of the log has it caudal fin hanging down. The other one has it's caudal fin perpendicular to the log. The Corydoras was casually swimming up and down the sides of the tank towards the back.


During the day there was very little activity, but as the room became dark and food was introduced the Corydoras was observed actively feeding. The Plecostomus specimens were attached to the floating log. A single Synodontis specimen was active during the day while viewing. It was viewed switching positions within the crevice that it stays venturing out momentarily, but retreating quickly. There are multiple places on the tank glass that have patches of bubbles. Unsure of the origin of them or what they are. The shrimp and guppies were swimming all about the tank, but there are several small snails in the tank possibly from the moss rocks that were collected from the nearby creek. Once late afternoon and darkness had set in; the Plecostomus specimens became unattached from the so called hiding place and was observed moving throughout the tank.


Not much activity during the day. There are an increased amount of small snails in the tank. The Corydoras specimen seemed to be more out in the open than previously. After dark a couple extra Synodontis specimens were observed around the sunken log towards the front of the tank. It was pretty much by accident that it was observed. A small movement was observed under the big sunken log. It was observed hiding behind a piece of wood that was wedged up against the log. It came out of hiding and went into a crevice. Even though a flashlight beam disturbed it; the reaction was not one of immediantly retreating, but of being more blended into the wood crevice. The other specimen made it's debut coming from behind the log on the end. It's reaction to light was opposite of the other. It reacted immediantly by retreating to it's hiding space below the sunken log. The Synodontis specimens are becoming more comfortable with their surroundings as they are coming out of hiding more and staying out so they are visible.

Notes of additions

Since the Raphaels had passed no additions have been planned. The end of the month a 6 specimen addition of the commonly referred Irridescent Shark will be purchased and added. The specimens were chosen to bring some middle strata specimens to the tank. Also that way; they should be grown enough so that when the Ictalurus and Ameiurus specimens are added they won't be eaten. Another planned addition is a single specimen of a hybrid shovelnose/tiger catfish. The planting plans are about half of the tank. Variety of plants are projected with most of them coming from nearby waterways after being washing throughly though. Possible addition of some non-siluriform specimens would be juvenile bluegills taken local waterways and quite possibly some additonal comet goldfish and small minnows. Both of the latter specimens are also used as food for the Ictalurus and Ameiurus specimens. The planned additions were altered in that only two specimens of the Pangasius Catfish were obtained and three specimens of the Eclipse/Two spot Catfish at the same time. The hybrid shovelnose/tiger catfish was not added


A couple of the more daring Synodontis specimens were out of hiding clinging close to the wood crevices. There was a single specimen out in the sunlight. It was staged at the end of the sunken log, but when it noticed a human prescence; it darted back into hiding. The Corydoras has been staying mostly out of hiding and the Plectostomus specimens are still clinging to the floating log. When darkness envelopes the room; they detach themselves to pick up variable points throughout the tank. Temperature has been constant of 20.1*C - 21.6*C. Feeding with shrimp pellets was done as the specimens don't get fed everyday as to the debris from the uneaten food is a good source of contamination. The only catfish specimen actively feeding is the Corydoras. It started out in the right hand corner of the tank and once the pellets were introduced it made it's way to the spot that the shrimp were introduced. There it is content on feeding in the same general area. As I was searching the tank with a flashlight; I suddenly became aware the reason that the Corydoras catfish were sometimes sold under the trade name of Emerald or Bronze Catfish. As the light strikes them they shimmer an emerald color.


Corydoras was out in front this morning taking a stoic pose. There were a couple of Synodontis huddling inside the wood crevice on the left side of the tank. One moved over to the crevices on the sunken log for a while and then retreated to the underside of the log. Movement is observed behind a small piece of wood under the sunken log. The inspection revealed a Synodontis poking its head out of the hiding space. Once darkness took over the room; strangely enough the one Synodontis that is normally huddled into a crevice of a piece of wood has relinquished its hold over it and left. It had left it's post and could not be found. It later returned to resume nestling in that wood's crevice. A Plecostomus specimen was attached to the front glass allowing it's underneath to be viewed including it's mouth and the workings on that. Nothing else seemed to be happening except the Corydoras seems to be staying out in the open more and more.


All's well within the confines of the tank. The specimens are back in their normal spots seemingly peaceful. Now comes the adventure of getting the new tankmates. As promised when I called yesterday; the Pangasius Catfish and the Eclipse Catfish were there at the store waiting for pickup. In addition I picked up some Comet Goldfish and Rosey Red Minnows so the tank wouldn't look so static. Once the catfish were released; they immediantly went in search of a hiding spot. A Pangasius went to the bottom in the front of the tank head down between some gravel. After a couple of minutes it backed itself out and went to the back of the tank. The Eclipse went into hiding in separate directions. The Plecostomus is strangely out of his so called hiding spot. He is attached to the back glass out in plain sight. A Pangasius and an Eclipse must of decided that they were comfortable enough so they came out of hiding and were swimming all around the left side of the tank mostly where the bubble screen is. Another Eclipse has decided to take up residence under the sunken log which is the domain of the Synodontis. It will definately be interesting to watch how this match up works out. The Rosey Minnows and the Comet Goldfish did not take any time to make the tank their home. They are out and about being adventurous and pickup up food particles. Corydoras decided that he would wait til everything calms down as he ventured back to the safety of under a piece of driftwood. Only a single Pangasius specimen is still swimming around out and about. Total additions were 2 Pangasius Catfish, 3 Eclipse Catfish, 6 Minnows and 6 Comets. A couple of the smaller Synodontis specimens were observed under the sunken log seemingly playing by chasing each other back and forth swimming upside down. Once the new additions had a chance to get used to the surroundings; all of them started moving around the tank. The Pangasius swam quite rapidly along the left side of the tank while the Eclipse swam nochalantly throughout the tank. We advance to the night. The room is dark and on comes the overhead light. Surprisingly though the newest inhabitants does not seem to notice. The Pangasius and Eclipse did not immediantly retreat into hiding, but stayed swimming like nothing had happened. The aquarium light was lit and again no immediant retreating. One last observation before the lights were turned out. The Pangasius was swimming out in the light with no indications of hiding or at least going to the darken areas of the tank. The Eclipse were seen or at least two of them were in the dull light area of the tank, but not really attempting to hide. Corydoras was out swimming it's normal pattern of up and down the side of the tank.


Early morning viewing of the tank presented a problem. A single Eclipse catfish was laying down on the bottom motionless. Still breathing but no activity. All the others were out an swimming around the tank. Fortunately later on in the day; it regained and was up swimming around with the others. The Pangasius Catfish were activity swimming all day long. They mostly stayed on the left side of the tank swimming in and out of the air bubbles from the air stone. Corydoras seemed unaffected by their activity as he was swimming by himself along the back of the tank. The Eclipse were swimming close to the bottom with an occassional venture to the upper strata. There wasn't much activity from the other catfish specimens. In order to view the tank with the light on but more of a subdued feature; a sheet of red tissue paper was added to the light. Obviously it cast a reddish hue into the water, but more sheets need to be added to create a subdued lighting to be compatible with the catfish nocturnal nature. Feeding was done in the evening of flake food and shrimp pellets. The Corydoras, Ecllipse, and Pangasius were all actively feeding. The Eclipse were more attracted to the flake food, but the Pangasius were actively feeding on the shrimp pellets from the bottom. A single Synodontis was observed on the floating log where the Plecostomus stays for the most part. It did not make a very long appearance

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Started the viewing this morning with only a single Pangasius swimming around. The other new additions are obviously hiding in the early morning hours. The tank temp seemed quite low so to elevate it gradually a floodlight was installed over the tank. This will increase the temperature slowly as not to put any of the specimens into shock. Since only a single Pangasius was spotted a search was initiated to discover the others. By using a grabber the wood and rocks were disturbed in an attempt to find the hiding fish. The search only turned up a single Eclipse Catfish. It seemed to be in a distress, but since the tank temperature was slightly under 20*C; the inhabitants that require a higher temperature were probably trying to stay warm. The tank now has a new look as while probing for the hiding specimens the rock and wood formations were rearranged slightly. The minnows and goldfish are actively swimming around as they don't require a tropical type temperature to be happy. The floodlight was taken out and an actual aquarium heater was installed to better regulate the temperature as well as give the fish the nocturnal atmosphere that is their nature. The disappearance of the new inhabitants is a concern, but after searching the surface and the siphon tubes and not finding the deceased bodies; the concern is minimal. Once the tank is heated to the proper temperature the other specimens will probably be out in force once again. Even the one Pangasius specimen is not as active as they normally are. The disappearance of the Pangasius and Eclipse Catfishes reminds one of when the Synodontis Catfish could not be found and they finally started getting more comfortable with their surroundings and making appearances. After reviewing some of the information from PlanetCatfish on the Pangasius and Horabagrus Catfishes; it was no wonder they were not very active as the temperature was greatly reduced from what they are accumstomed to. In order to expedite the heating the flood light was once again activated until the temperature reaches optimum levels. The next action to be taken is to acquire some types of plants to be integrated into the tank. The better portion of the tank will be planted eventually with a variety of plants from pet shops and the river when they become available. The tank is heating up slowly, but still no sign of the newest additions with the exception of a single Irridescent Shark. The one Horabagrus that was stirred up during the search had been situated underneath the sunken log, but it has now gone as well. Late afternoon when I checked the temperature of the tank which is now up to 20.8*C; I discovered a couple of the Eclipse Catfish swimming ever so slowly at the bottom. Upon further inspection an Eclipse specimen was found to be deceased in the very back corner of the tank behind some wood. It was extracted from the tank and placed into a test tube for further observation. The nature of the demise was probably since it was so cold in the tank. An individual Irredescent Shark is still on the missing list. Both Plecostomus specimens were off of the floating log. One was attached to the back glass behind the siphon tube and the other was emerged into the rubble pile in an attempt to hide. Corydoras was seen out and about swimming in an up and down patterns. A single Synodontis was spotted hiding in the crevices of a piece of driftwood where it normally stays.

Monday, February 2, 2015

This morning revealed another death in the tank. An Eclipse Catfish was seen adhered to the siphon tube. That makes 2 of the 3 that are gone. The missing Irridescent Shark is still missing. Water temperature is believed to have caused the demise as even though an aquarium heater was put in; it was still less than optimal temperature. As it stands a single Irridescent Shark and a single Eclipse Catfish are the only ones surviving this latest round of additions. Interesting note though; since the search was conducted yesterday the Plecostomus specimens have remained unattached to the floating log. Not sure if this is because their hiding space was disturbed or what. The surviving Irridescent Shark is swimming mostly on the left side of the tank in amidst the bubble screen. Corydoras is out of hiding but not active. The Plecostomus specimens are separated by one being attached to the back glass and the other nestled underneath a piece of driftwood leaned up against a pile of moss covered rocks. Very little has changed since this morning. The temperature has risen. Activity has increased with the Irridescent Shark and the other inhabitants. After dark it was noticed that another Synodontis was swimming over a different piece of wood. The other Synodontis specimens were still in their areas as well. The Plecostomus specimens were still avoiding the floating log. The Irridescent Shark

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Not much viewing done today. Did some maintenance on the tank by cleaning the filters. Temperature had reached a comfortable range for a tropical tank, but still no sign of the missing Eclipse or the Irridescent shark. They are presumed deceased. A single rosy minnow was seen adhered to the siphon tube. Water level somewhat low. The Plecostomus specimens continue to refrain from going back to the floating log.

Wednesday, Frebruary 4, 2015

The Corydoras is swimming throughout the left side of the tank. The Plecostomus specimens are still avoiding the floating log after the search was done the other day. One remains behind the siphon tube adhered to the glass towards the bottom and the other is hiding under a piece of driftwood propped against a rock pile. The single Irridescent shark seems to be calm with swimming out in the open, but not very fast. The other inhabitants of the tank are swimming in all stratas. A single Synodontis remains nestled inside the driftwood crevice with the others hiding presumably within the confines of the rock pile. The sunken log was removed to be transplanted into another tank that has been set up. At present it doesn't seem to have any effect on the tank inhabitants. The Corydoras ventured to the other side of the tank swimming in it's normal up and down motion. This went on for several minutes and then he went back to the left side of the tank and did the same. After a while it settled down. Food was introduced and as expected the non-siluriform specimens went about foraging. The Irridescent Shark did actively start feeding in a head down position on the shrimp pellets. The food was introduced in the opposite side of the tank than normal. The shark's abdomen is distended extensively, but still he actively forages. The Corydoras started foraging after several minutes of inactivity. The Shark seems to want to stay in the left hand side of the tank seemingly afraid to venture the full length of the tank. The Plecostomus specimens or the Synodontis specimens show no signs of feeding. Took several pictures of the tank's inhabitants, but especially the Shark and the distended abdomenal region and in comparison with the other typical teleosts of the tank. The missing Eclipse catfish floated into view. Yes it had been dead for a while, but hidden somewhere into the tank.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Activity in the tank this morning was minimal. All of the non-siluriform specimens were busy foraging on the bottom. The Plecostomus specimens didn't seem as though they moved at all. Ever since I did the specimen search the other day and disturbed the floating log; the Plecostomus seem to be avoiding their usual place. One is now normally seen behind the siphon tube attached to the back glass and the other is usually underneath a piece of driftwood that has been propped up onto a pile of moss covered rocks. The single Synodontis specimen which is also the biggest is staying nestled into a crevice of a piece of driftwood. He is visible, but thinks he is hiding. Corydoras was not seen at first viewing this morning. The Irridescent Shark is just casually swimming on the left side of the tank. This afternoon the Corydoras has come out of hiding and actively swimming in an up and down fashion towards the back of the tank. The other Synodontis remains hidden in the pile of rocks. The sunken log that was removed the other day had a surprise in it today. It seems as though a Synodontis specimen remained attached to it even after lifting it out of the water. It was noticed coming out of hiding in the other tank when a larger Synodontis was exploring the log. The Corydoras finally came out of hiding in the evening.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Not much activity in the tank. The Corydoras is out and doing his normal pattern of swimming up and down the back of the tank. The Irridescent Shark has been staying on the left side of the tank somewhat like being territorial. The Synodontis specimens are still hiding with the larger one being visible in the crevice of a piece of driftwood. Still have not captured the Synodontis specimen that was accidentally transferred to the other tank as of yet. The Plecostomus is the news of the day. The specimen that has been at the back of the tank against the glass has now found its way back to the floating log. The other Plecostomus specimen is still trying to hide under a piece of driftwood that is propped up against a pile of moss rocks. The other inhabitants are going their way apparantly without any reference to the catfish at all. They don't seem to be interacting very much at all.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

The whereabouts of the catfish specimens remain the same for the most part. Corydoras is out front on the bottom, Irridescent Shark is swimming on the bottom strata on the left side of the tank with a distended stomach somewhat. There is no sign of the Synodontis that normally inhabits the crevices of the piece of driftwood towards the front of the tank. The Plecostomus this morning has moved from the back glass of the tank to the floating log. The other Plecostomus is still hidden at the rock pile. There is a remarked increase of bubble patches adhering to the driftwood. Presumably these are snail eggs as the only other possible mates are the Synodontis. The Synodontis specimen that was accidentally transferred to another tank when the sunken log was has been retrieved and reintroduced back. It had become so attached (figuretively speaking) that it remained with the log while it was being removed from the tank. When it was introduced back into the original tank the specimen immediantly went to the nearest piece of wood at the bottom. It then ventured to another piece of wood. It is observed roaming all over this small piece of wood presumeably checking it out for habitation. The Synodontis that is normally in the crevice of a piece of driftwood was not visible at first, but then it made it's way back to it's normal spot. Took a video of the specimen as it was climbing over the driftwood. It made that piece of wood his for several minutes until it moved on to the pile of rocks. Feeding came in the form of shrimp pellets. The Corydoras was the first Siluriform to notice the pellets and swam right over to them. The Irridescent Shark was next, but interestingly enough it seemed as though he couldn't hone in on the pellets as he swam over them several times and then went to a single pellet that had drifted off by itself. The non-siluriform specimens was immediantly there picking on the pellets as they were falling to the bottom. Plants were introduced into the tank this afternoon. These plants were gathered from the banks of the nearby creek. The roots were submerged but the leaves were not. A rock was utilized to hold them down as they were floating initially. A section remained floating. The tank has quite a bit of debris floating around as the plants were washed before introducing them into the tank; there were still remnants of debris clinging to the roots. The non-siluriform specimens investigated the plants at once and even were feeding on the floating debris. Additional sightings in the evening of the Synodontis. One was hanging upside down on the floating log and another one was detected behind the propped up drift wood. The plants were initially held down by a rock, but it seemed more appropiate to let them float with the long roots causing a type of root forest.


The newly introduced plants have gathered together in a bunch at the surface. The siphon tubes are clogged with the debris from the plant introduction so maintenance on the tank will involve cleaning those. The active siluriforms are the Corydoras and Shark. The others are hiding like they usually do. A single Plecostomus specimen is attached to the floating log, but the other is still attempting to hide under a piece of driftwood. A single Synodontis is visible as it attempts to blend into a driftwood crevice. The other non siluriform inhabitants are busy foraging. The shark has been seen more and more in other parts of the tank than what he normally resides. The filters on the left side filtration system were also cleaned as they were clogged with debris.


Pretty slow in the activity area of the tank. A few bits of tank maintenance such as filling, washing filters, and siphon tubes. The Irridescent shark is apparantly getting more comfortable in the surroundings as he is venturing the entire tank though mostly in the front. The Corydoras was seen foraging right alongside the comet goldfish on the right side of the tank in the front where the debris from the introduced plants is. No special activity noted from the Synodontis or the Plecostomus species. The Plecostomus that was attempting to hide under a piece of driftwood was observed attached to that wood upside down and the other one was still attached to the floating log. Installed new LED light system to the tank. Put red tissue paper under it so to give the tank a more nocturnal appearance. The Plecostomus specimen finally came off of the floating log and attached itself to the tank's front glass. No food was introduced as there is plenty of vegetable matter present. Even though the tank is darker with the red tissue paper covering the light, the Synodontis specimens remain hidden.


Food was introduced in the opposite end of the tank that the specimens were in. Response was immediant. The Shark quickly zoned in on the food and started feeding. The Corydoras was foraging as well as the other tank inhabitants. A Synodontis specimen did come out of hiding for his share briefly. Added more plant life this morning. Was able to obtain bunches of Anacharis, Combomba, and Sword plants. In addition purchased some additional specimens such as feeder guppies and transparent shrimp. The plants were planted which caused the already present debris to be stirred up. The tank has settled down from the previous disturbance and some surprises. I turned on the light overtop of the red tissue paper as well as a heat lamp. It was a pleasant surprise to find a Synodontis out of hiding so that it could be seen. The Plecostomus that had been attached to the floating log has come down and really out in the open. The siphon tubes need cleaning, but no much else in the way of maintenance. After repeated lighting up the Synodontis specimen it has not went back into hiding. The other specimens both siluriform and non are busy foraging.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Plants have remained planeted throughout the night. The Synodontis that was out in front of the rocks last night has retreated to a safer hiding place. Not much activity throughout the day. The only siluriform specimens that have been out is the shark and Corydoras. The Plecostomus came down from the floating log when the lights were out, but returned quickly when the room was lit.


The abundance of plants in the tank have afforded opportunities for the non-siluriform specimens to hide in. There is a marked increase in the amount of snails in the tank. The Corydoras has been staying more on the right side of the tank than before and the Shark has been venturing away from his home on the left side as well. The Plecostomus specimens seem content where they are, one hanging upside down on the floating log and the other upside down on a piece of driftwood leaned up against a pile of rocks. The Synodontis for the most part stays hidden amongst the rocks. The single specimen that has taken up residence in a piece of driftwood's crevice is still visible, but doesn't move that much. With only the heat lamp on the Plecostomus came down from the floating log to the bottom front of the tank. A Synodontis made its way from the rock pile to in front of the driftwood leaned against the rocks. The other Synodontis has remained in the crevice of the driftwood. A smaller Synodontis was observed darting from one piece of driftwood back to the pile of rocks. The Synodontis were all hidden at first glance then I was able to see a caudal fin moving in between some rocks. The Synodontis that is usually in the driftwood crevice was not in its hiding place. The Plecostomus from the floating log was still down from the log. It had moved to several spots in the tank, but then it finally attached itself to the log once again. The Synodontis returned to its driftwood crevice after food was introduced. The food was put in the opposite end of the tank from the other day so that the specimens would not be expecting it at any one location. The Shark and Corydoras were actively feeding the entire length of the tank as well as the other non-siluriform specimens.


Not much activity in the tank. The guppies, minnows, and comet goldfish are swimming and foraging. The Corydoras and Irridescent Shark are out, but all the others are hidden. Maintenance is needed on the tank as the filters and the siphon tubes are being clogged with debris.


Finally couldn't stand for the Plecostomus to not be moving under the driftwood leaning against the rocks. It hasn't moved in several days, so the obvious approach was to move the driftwood to test how alive the specimen was. It was moved and the specimen is alive. The filters and siphon tubes were cleaned out. The charcoal cartridge for the undergravel filter was removed and will have to be replaced at a later date. Food was introduced in the back corners of the tank. Shrimp pellets on the left and flake food on the right. The current aided in the dispersal of both. The Shark was the first siluriform to hone in on the shrimp pellets. A shrimp pellet had struck the Corydoras which led it to quickly swimming to the other end of the tank. It has since started foraging on the bottom on the right side of the tank. All the other siluriform specimens have not shown and signs of feeding.


No special happenings in the tank. The heat lamp was turned on in the morning. The only siluriforms that are out of hiding are the Irridescent Shark and the Corydoras. The floating log continues to be the place where a single Plecostomus chooses to be attached to. No sign of any of the Synodontis specimens.


The Siluriformes specimens are doing what they have been with one exception. A single Synodontis was seen grazing on the driftwood that is propped on the rock pile. Nothing special about that except that the specimen was grazing under the caudal peduncal and fin of the Plecostomus specimen that has been attached to that particular piece of wood. It does appear as though the floating clump of plants that I obtained from the nearby creek is dwindling in color and robustness henceforth it must be dying. So as to not contaminate the tank with to much debris it will be removed.


Decided to leave floating plants in as they are providing some cover for the smaller specimens. The Plecostomus from the floating log was unattached and swimming around the bottom, but the lights came on and it immediantly found it's way back to the log. There are short sightings of the Synodontis specimens. Once fed the Shark and Corydoras immediantly started feeding as well as the comets and guppies. Several plant sprouts were observed growing. Unsure of the type, but they are single stalk leafy plant life rooted into the gravel. Presumably they are seedlings from the floating plants.


The floating plants have now drifted down to the bottom. These plants have lost some green color and looks somewhat bare of leaves. The red tissue paper that was suggested in Dr. Ferraris' book seems to have some positive effects on the tank inhabitants. When the overhead lights were out and only the red light was illuminating the tank; the Plecostomus from the floating log came unattached from that and came down. There was no other inhabitants that came out of hiding, so possibiliy of increasing the tissue paper or getting a different color to entice the Synodontis and other Plecostomus out of hiding will be warranted. The Corydoras and Irridescent Shark are out foraging and swimming the entire tank. The Comet Goldfish were observed actively foraging among the now submerged plants as well as the guppies were. The Plecostomus came out from hiding under the propped piece of driftwood and has moved to hiding among the sunken plants. The caudal fin on up to the middle of the specimen was observed on the tank's bottom within the plants.


The plant life that was floating had submerged yesterday. It mostly resembles a intertwined maze of roots. The Plecostomus has apparantly made this his new hiding spot even though he is still visible. The guppies and comets are making this their new hangout while foraging on the vegetation. The Synodontis specimens have not been observed in the plant life as of yet. The single Synodontis that is in view is in the crevice of the piece of driftwood. The others remain hidden. The other Plecostomus is still attached on the floating log. The plant life that was purchased is still green and has roots to it. The Corydoras must not of liked being entangled in the sunken maze of roots as it had gotten into it and was struggling to get out. The only siluriforms that remain visible is the Irridescent shark and the Corydoras. The Plecostomus and the single Synodontis are visible, but they think they are hiding. The others are hiding in the rock pile and group of plant roots.


Maintenance was done on the tank today. External filters were sprayed and cleaned out. The Plecostomus that was in the clump of roots decided that he didn't like it anymore as he went back to his position underneath the propped up driftwood. Filled up tank . Everything else is about the same.


Power went off this morning so quickly hooked up battery operated air pumps to the tanks. Fortunately it was not off for long. The tank is not as clear as what it was, but no major damage to the inhabitants. All specimens that are visible do not appear to of been affected by the outage.


Tank seems cloudy this morning. The clump roots that was once a floating mass of plants is disintergrating. It is breaking up causing excessive debris floating around the tank. The root mass was removed as well as the siphon tubes cleared of debris. A heating system will be installed tomorrow. All the specimens are in their respective places with no outstanding activity to report.


Water is still not as clear as it needs to be possibly due to algae buildup on the glass. The Plecostomus that is normally attached to the floating log has come down to the bottom to accompany the Synodontis on it's piece of driftwood. There are numerous snails all over the tank, but not causing any immediant problems. Small bubble nests presumably from the snails are present. When I approached the tank; it was noticed that the comets and guppies were all assembling in the area that I was standing. Apparantly they have figured out that it would be feeding time when I approached the tank. Shrimp pellets and flake food was introduced. The Corydoras was the primary siluriform to zone in on the food with the Irridescent Shark secondary. There wasn't any reaction from the rest of them. Pretty big day for the tank. Went to the pet store to put in an order for special fish to make sure that I got them when their fish order came in, but ended up purchasing 3 different species of catfish. The Horabagrus brachysoma or Eclipse Catfish, The Bumblebee Catfish, and an Otocinclus species that I was told at the store was not a catfish. A new heating system was installed and activated. The new inhabitants were left alone with only a light shining through a couple layers of red tissue paper on. Later on after 2100 hrs. I observed the tank with special emphasis on the new inhabitants. The Horabagrus were all out swimming around. The Bumblebee specimens were in hiding, but the Otocinclus were out and very active. Feeding consisted on shrimp pellets placed about the middle of the tank up front to observe. All the Horabagrus were actively feeding alongwith the Shark and Corydoras. Even more surprising was that a Synodontis was seen actively feeding and straying away from his hiding spot. The Plecostomus specimens are in the back attached to the glass as I was concerned about the one attached to the piece of driftwood, so to satisfy my concern I moved the piece of driftwood as I thought he was deceased. As I am sitting here observing the tank; a small Synodontis is observed feeding out in the open. It didn't stay out for long. When the overhead lights were turned on; the expectation that the Horabagrus would be shy and hide did not happen. The three specimens did not have a fright reaction, but rather stayed out swimming around the tank as they had been doing.

Tuesday, Frebruary 24, 2015

Looked in on the tank early this morning and all seemed well. The Horabagrus and the Irridescent shark was swimming in all stratas. The Algae eaters were busily foraging. Once shrimp pellets were introduced; all specimens were actively feeding. A Synodontis was seen actively feeding out in the open which seems as though at least one is getting more comfortable with their surroundings. The Horabagrus is actively swimming the entire length of the tank. A search for the bumblebees of the tank will be done in a couple of days just to check on their progress. Both Plecostomus specimens are situated behind the siphon tubes close to the bottom. The activated charcoal cartridge was replaced in the undergravel filter tube and the outside filters were cleaned. The red tissue paper was also replaced. In the interim it was noticed that the Horabagrus specimens went into hiding. The algae eaters were not affected by the change in lighting and neither was the Irridescent shark or the Corydoras. Once the red glow again established and the disturbances settled down the frightened Horabagrus ventured out again. Feeding time and all the normal specimens are out foraging. The Horabagrus, Irridescent shark, and the Corydoras were the first to arrive at the drop site, and the other non-siluriforms were there as well. The other siluriforms in the tank have not been spotted cout for the feeding. Once in a while a single Synodontis comes out briefly, but darts back into the hiding spot.


Not much special activity in the tank. Administered some clearing chemical since the water was still somewhat cloudy. Had to turn the temp on the tank down since yesterday. It was preset to 76*F, but I averaged out the temp at about 73*F so that the more temperate specimens would not be harmed by overheating. The Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) specimens that are planned to introduce does not need that high of a temp to be comfortable. The Horabagrus, Corydoras, and Irridescent shark are all out swimming in all stratas whereas the Plecostomus, Synodontis, and others are in hiding. Plans for searching the tank will be implemented tomorrow during daylight hours. Different colored papers will also be tried out in an attempt to bring the other specimens out of hiding. Feeding time was as how it has been with the usual specimens coming in to forage. In addition there was a single Synodontis that was feeding not out in the open, but where it could be seen. The tank seems to of cleared up quite a bit.

Thursday-Friday, February 26-27, 2015

Trying to recover the lost data from when I saved it to my 500gb thumb drive. Somehow or another the files were showing, but there was nothing there. For the last 2 days there have been some additions to the tank. The Columbian Sharks and Spotted Raphaels were added alongwith some basic minnows. The Sharks were separated and seemed to be exploring the tank on their own, but evenutally came together and are staying towards the left end of the tank. One Thursday the rock pile was disturbed and separated in an attempt to find the Bumblebee Catfish, but no observations at that time. After the room lights were out for awhile; a single specimen was observed hiding under a piece of driftwood. Of course, the shy little specimen found more suitable cover once I shined a light on him. The Spotted Raphaels were a mixed bag because when released into the tank one went for direct cover while the other one stayed out for a while. Tank is cloudy, so needs to be cleaned.

Saturday, Febuary 28, 2015

This morning I was amazed at the sight of a Spotted Raphael being out and swimming in all strats. Mostly swimming in the back of the tank he was actually swimming into the sunlight. This lasted for several minutes until he decided that he had had enough and started to find a suitable hide out. He found the spot that is usually inhabited by the Synodontis in the driftwood crevice towards the front of the tank. The two species are now sharing the space. The other Synodontis specimens are visible and keeping close to a piece of driftwood towards the back of the tank. The sharks are all out (both species) swimming mostly in the bottom strata on the left side with singles venturing to the other end of the tank temporarily. Cleaned out the clogged filter medium and changed out the activated charcoal for the first time in the filters themselves. There appears to be a single Horabagrus that swims laps around the tank after I sit down by the tank. From across the room he is not noticed doing this. The other Horabagrus specimens are not visible. The minnows have gathered together and do not seem to have any effect on the siluriform specimens. There is limited interactions at this time. The tissue paper was replaced and changed the color from red to green. A new flourescent light fixture was installed today to have a more consistent light. The green color doesn't seem to have the same effect as the red as there are not as many specimens out from hiding . Next will attempt to use blue to see if there is any type of change. Food was introduced in the form of flakes and shrimp pellets in different areas of the tank. The Columbian Sharks were not real quick to respond, but they did along with the others. It really is amazing to see the Columbian Sharks swim. As they are swimming it actually looks like a small shark even more so than the Iridescent Shark does. There has already been a noticeable reduction in the amount of guppies visible. Not for sure if the new inhabitants are making them lunch at present although they are known to do that. The Algae eaters are busy in all parts of the tank and the Corydoras is out and foraging as always. The Plecostomus specimens have been attached to the back of the tank with the exception of a single one making its way up to the floating log for a short period of time.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Today was clean the tank day. The water was murky and dirty so for the sake of the inhabitants it was decided to take the tank apart and redo it. It was quite a task to capture the catfish and transfer them to a holding tank. At the end of emptying the tank I could not find a Plecostomus. As the gravel was being moved around the Plecostomus was found. Somehow he got buried in the gravel. So I am definately going to keep a close eye on him for the next few days to see if there is any issues from that ordeal. I arranged the tank aeration devices a little different than before. I placed a recently purchased undergravel filter system in the left side of the tank with a dual air stone arrangement in the other end. The actual filters were totally cleaned out and the filter medium cleaned and replaced the activated charcoal. The rocks were spread throughout the tank and the driftwood was placed towards the front so that the hiding inhabitants would be seen. Once the tank heats up; the plant life will be placed towards the back middle of the tank. Blue tissue paper under the light replaces the green that was previously used. The test is to see if a certain color will provide a better nocturnal experience for the inhabitants. Red seems to be the go to color.

Monday, March 2, 2015

Today was the day that the fish were re-intergrated into the cleaned out tank. Lost a few minnows in the transition, but all the siluriform specimens came through without any distress. The Plecostomus that had gotten buried yesterday is back in and seems to be doing dood. The transition took place without losing any siluriform specimens. While I was transferring the plants there was a Raphael among them which quickly became attached to my fingers by way of his pectoral fins. No real damage just uncomfortable as the specimen was striating his pectorals making the sound he was also digging into my skin. Fortunately for both of us I was able to release him before he penetrated the skin. It is remarkable on how these little catfish can hold on without using their mouths. Tank seems tranquil for now. A Raphael has found him a home up against a piece of driftwood out in front which is what I had hoped for when I was placing the wood in the tank. The Synodontis for the most part has returned to their little hiding places as was before. All the sharks and the Horabagrus are out swimming in the open. The silver tipped shark was the first siluriform to get excited about food with Corydoras second. The Horabagrus was swimming around right over the spot without noticing the shrimp pellets. The other Raphael is sharing space with a Synodontis in the crevice of a piece of driftwood, but it is out front. The blue tissue paper doesn't illuminate the tank enough for observations, so the Red color seems to be the one with the most advantages of creating a nocturnal environment as well as allowing observations.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Tank is looking good. Clear water and filtration systems working good. The majority of the bait minnows are on the left end of the tank. The Siluriform Sharks are situated in the left end of the tank as well with short excursions to the other end. Shrimp pellets were added and the Silver Tipped Sharks made a mad dash for the food with the Corydoras close behind. The Horabagrus is doing his laps around the tank again, but the Synodontis and Raphaels are still hiding or at least they think they are, but I situated the driftwood and rock formations so that I can still observe them. A single Plecostomus has made it back to the floating log while the other one is attached to the siphon tube. Removed the blue tissue paper and replaced it with red to provide a nocturnal atmosphere so that observations could still be made. A couple of dozen of channel catfish are scheduled to be introduced into the tank tomorrow. These catfish are not from the wilds, but rather from a catfish farm. A minnow trap is being placed into the nearby creek under the bridge in an attempt to collect some madtom catfish. If the collection is successful then those individuals will also take up residence in the tank for observations as I have never observed one before. The Plecostomus is out front this evening even when the overhead lights came on. A Synodontis was spotted cruising along the floating log upside down. Amazingly the Plecostomus that was out front went off the glass down to the bottom on the gravel. The fins are all flared out looking all regal. The Iridescent shark made the first bid for the shrimp pellets this time. The Silver tipped sharks came close behind and then the Corydoras. The Goldfish and minnows were right there as well. Trying to put a little food at a time but more times per day to prevent over feeding and contaminating the tank. The Plecostomus found its way back up to the floating log.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

This is introduction day for the tank. Picked up 1.5 dozen of Ictalurus punctatus fingerlings. Had to introduce them sooner than I could properly alclimatize the water, but there were several that looked like they were starving for air. I also picked up what they called shellcrackers and coppernose bluegills. I procured them to observe the interactions with non-siluriform specimens. I also picked up 4 Albino Ictalurus punctatus specimens, but not sure if I can going to put them in the tank or not since they are quite a bit bigger than the other ones that I got. As I introduced them I lost a couple of the bluegills and shellcrackers, but most survived. The Channels immediantly dove for the bottom which was suspected. When I replaced the red Tissue paper the bright light was a panic trigger. All the fish were darting around. Amazingly a Silver tipped shark is circling a channel down front like giving him the once over. A Synodontis at the back by the siphon tube is also checking these new catfish out by swimming over them repeatedly. There are two Synodontis staying at the Floating log. Performed maintenance on the tank by cleaning the filters and correcting the position of the charcoal cartridges for the undergravel filter. The Spotted Raphaels have not produced any type of reaction to the new catfish even though they are right beside the Raphaels. The Horabagrus doesn't seem to be addressing the issue of new inhabitatants as they are still swimming their laps around the tank. Introduced the larger Albinos into the tank. Since the Albinos settled down their activity is slow and mostly staying in the corner. A few of the Channels are getting to be more active. No aggressive behavior as of yet with the smaller specimens. Matter of fact the smaller siluriforms have been bothering the channels with the emphasis being on the normally shy Synodontis specimens and the Silver Tipped Sharks hovering over a couple in the front. The Synodontis is out from hiding and being very bold with the new inhabitants. It's almost like the smaller siluriforms are in a way expressing to the Channels that this is their tank and they are the boss here. One of the Plecostomus specimens has decided to return to his upside down position on the floating log. The Channel Catfish have made themselves more at home and moving around with ease. Still not really observing any type of aggression toward the previous tankmates. There has been 2 more deaths of the shellcracker/bluegill variety. Two of the larger albino channels are out swimming around and was attempting to feed on a dead non-siluriform specimen. There was a definate feeding activity comencing with the new inhabitants as well as the older tankmates when shrimp pellets were introduced. The Channel Cats show an interest but seems like they still are not sure if they should as of yet. The Horagrus, Silver Tipped, Corydoras, and Iridescent Shark are all activity feeding with the Channels taking small bites and leaving, but coming back and repeating the process.

Thursday, March 5, 2015

This morning almost all of the Channel Catfish are gathered over in the left side of the tank with the exception of a couple on the right. The inhabitants still seem content to not bothering each other. The Horabagrus and the Corydoras have been observed swimming through the midst of the Channel Catfish with no harmbul tendacies. The Siluriform Sharks have been doing the same. The Raphaels have displaced the Synodontis from the driftwood crevice at the front of the tank. The aggressive actions have been the bluegills and shellcrackers by the erectness of the dorsal fin. There have not been any deaths of any of the catfish, but the others have lost five. Those deaths were attributed to the weakened state that they were in due to insufficient oxygen from the dealer as well as the shock of the emergency introduction instead of allowing the temperature to equalize within their bags. The Channel Catfish have begun moving freely throughout the tank in the afternoon. A couple of the larger Synodontis specimens have joined the Plecostomus on the floating log. The overhead lights have been out for a while with only the reddish glow of the tank light. The channels were more dispersed than before The Plecostomus that has called the floating log his home was down from it attached to the glass. He quickly retreated to the supposed safety of the log when I walked into the room. There hasn't

Friday, March 6, 2015

Starting with late last night was when I turned off the tank light which had been on for a couple of days; a Raphael had ventured out of hiding, but of course with the flashlight on him he quickly darted into the nearest spot. Still have not seen the Bumblebee Catfish since I cleaned out the tank. Progressing into this morning; I noticed that the tank was extremely cloudy mostly due to the abundance of shrimp pellets that I put in last night. Maintenance was accomplished in the method of cleaning the filters. The Shark Catfish (silver tipped and iridescent) are actively swimming the length of the tank . The tank looks relatively peaceful with the only aggression is shown by the bluegills and shellcrackers. All the other specimens are casually swimming. The Ictalurus punctatus specimens are staying in the left side of the tank, but that is mostly due to the sunlight that is coming in on the right side. As they are swimming and once they come into contact with the sunlight they quickly turn around The Raphaels are securely nestled into their driftwood crevices and the Synodontis specimens are up on the floating log with the Plecostomus and the other two are in hiding. The albinos are swimming around like the rest of the channels, but slow and methodical instead of darting around as if they are scared. Since the sunlight was coming in preventing the catfish specimens to run the entire tank; a red curtain was hung to keep out the direct sunlight except through a single window. Since that time; the Ictalurus specimens have been slowly traveling the entire length of the tank. The tank light has remained out until tomorrow to see if that makes that much of a difference.

Saturday, March 7, 2015

The tank has cleared up considerably since yesterday. The sunlight has been covered with a red drape, but the Ictalurus specimens still remain in the left side of the tank. The Synodontis are still up on the floating log with a Plecostomus . It seems as though the Ictalurus are more or less in a school with a few breaking away from time to time. The tank seems peaceful . The inhabitants do not show aggressiveness although the caudal fin of a shellcracker has been nipped at. Not for sure who is responsible as the others have the caudal fins full. The tank light is lit, but it doesn't seem to have much affect on the inhabitants that don't normally hide. Removed biggest of Albino Ictalurus specimens to give to my granddaughter. The remaining ones are still somewhat skittish as I approach the tank. They are however venturing further away from their territory on the left side of the tank. Filters need cleaning again, but since they are picking up the debris that is ok. Feeding time was an adventure. I purposely restrained from putting very much shrimp pellets into the tank. There was an active feeding frenzy especially from the Ictalurus specimens. The tank inhabitants seem peaceful in that the Ictalurus are venturing all over the tank even though they are still mostly congregating on the left side of the tank. The smaller catfish are active and so no restraints going into the midst of the Ictalurus congregation. Both of the Plecostomuses are attached to the siphon tube with the Synodontis swimming around them. The only time that there is any upset in the tank so far is when sudden moves are made by the tank. Those moves creates a panic within the Ictalurus but no other siluriforms are affected. The Raphaels are still hiding in the driftwood crevice and there is no sign of the BumbleBee Catfish. The Ictalurus specimens that were the first ones to reach the shrimp pellets are still showing the bloated abdominals. A few of the Ictalurus specimens are swimming in all stratas, but mostly in the lower strata.


No observations in the a.m., but the afternoon proved worthy. The Ictalurus fingerlings have started gathering in the right hand rear corner of the tank. No explanation as to why as of yet. The gathering is facing the corner of the tank. The Albino Ictalurus is now swimming throughout the tank. The Synonotis specimens are still hugged up against the Plecostomus specimens in their spots. The Horabagrus are foraging and the Raphaels are still hiding. Still no sign of the Bumblebee Catfish. The Silver Tipped Shark has been reduced to 2 as I found one floating. Not sure of the reason, but outward appearance was that it was very thin. Food was presented but it seemed like it took longer for the specimens to react. The Horagagrus were the first ones to actually start foraging for it. The Corydoras was close behind. The Ictalurus specimens are foraging instead of in a frenzy. A couple Synodontis came down front to forage for food as well. The foraging has pretty much quit and the looks of a few of the Ictalurus and Horabagrus specimens with the distended abdominals is amazing. The Iridescent shark has it also. Not all of the specimens are exhibiting that so that indicates that more food needs to be introduced. The shrimp pellets were introduced and very quickly a group of Ictalurus swam over to the spot, but then left again. Slowly the Ictalurus came back and starting feeding again. The filters were dirty and clogged once again so maintenance was performed to cleaned them out. The Horabagrus specimens, even though they were stuffed already were continueing to forage. The group of Ictalurus that was congregating in the right rear corner has since broke up late in the evening. The filters were outfitted with additional filtering material in an attempt to enhance the filtering process, but the operation has failed since the water is again cloudy due to possible overfeeding.


Turned the tank light off last night. The observations started in the afternoon with the fingerling Ictalurus being grouped in the right rear corner again. Still unsure of the reason why. The Silver Tipped Sharks are right along with the group. Thinking that it could be the magnet of the speaker, I moved the speaker. The reaction was one of slowing down the anxiousness shown by the catfish. The group has dissapated somewhat, but a number still are present. The larger fingerlings are in the opposite area of the tank. The Synodontis specimens are hanging around the floating log whereas both Plecostomus specimens are attached to the siphon tube for the filter. The Raphaels are still huddled inthe piece of driftwood. and the Horabagrus appear content to hanging around a small piece of driftwood. It appears as though the guppies that were in the tank have been preyed upon presumably by the Ictalurus specimens that could fit them in their mouths. The filters were cleaned and new activated charcoal was added. The orginal filter media was replaced by a gauze type media called cheez cloth. Added water to bring the level back up. Fed the tank with shrimp pellets. The first to arrive was the Ictalurus fingerlings, and then the Horabagrus. A Synodontis was even in the midst of feeding. Out of the two Silver Tipped Sharks that remain in the tank; one doesn't seem to be eating. He is getting thing and sluggish. His fins are not erect anymore and he seems to be struggling to swim. The other one has been observed eating in the group of Ictalurus. The shark seems to have skin irritations. There is a single Ictalurus fingerling that has been attempting to hide underneath some driftwood. He comes out at feeding time, but for the most part he stays in that one little area. This is different from the others as they are not attempting to hide in the least. It is amazing how the Ictalurus, Synodontis, Horabagrus, and Pangasius all have a distended abdominal region after they eat whereas the Goldfish, minnows, shellcrackers, and bluegill don't exhibit such an abdominal area. Just as expected the thin silver tipped shark passed. The Ictalurus specimens have relinquished their hold on the rear right corner as the specimens started to leave that corner and become very active all over the tank. Mostly foraging, but definately more active in the twilight. the Plecostomus has even come down from his home and was forageing along the bottom and on the driftwood. Not sure what but something has been making a meal of the Anacharis stalk that was growing quite well as it is bare of leaves on the extremities. I took the perishing specimen out of the tank and propped his mouth open to view his teeth and mouth cavity. The top of the mouth itself slightly over hangs the bottom jaw. The broad band of teeth both upper and lower jaws are present possessing conical teeth as seen through the microscope.


Not very much observing done today. The water seems clearer with the new filter medium that was installed. A non-siluriform was found dead on the bottom. No food was introduced to help with the clearing of the water. The Ictalurus specimens were again crowded in the right rear corner. Still no answer as to why. Shut off tank light.


Water in the tank is cleared up. The crowd of Ictalurus is still present in the corner. Introduced food and the Silver Tipped Shark was the first to arrive with the Ictalurus specimens very quickly arriving after. A definate feeding frenzy developed as the Ictalurus specimens were observed shaking their entire body as they were head down feeding. The difference between the siluriform and non-siluriform specimens was that the bluegill specimens went in and pecked on a piece of food then pulled back whereas all of the siluriforms fed with the head down and the bodies up shaking while feeding. The Goldfish started feeding upside down, but not in the frenzy fashion as the siluriforms did. There was no sign of the deceasded Bluegill. An extension of this project developed as an Albino Ictalurus (the largest one) was released in the nearby pond to investigate how this one will do in a wild environment without outside assistance. This evenings observations proved very fruitful as among the Anacharis bunch was a Bumblebee Catfish. It was resting there where I did not see it until the second pass with the flashlight. Some of the Ictalurus continue to exhibit swollen abdominal areas even though no feeding was done since morning. The Ictalurus specimens continued to be gathered in the rear corner. A Plecostomus was unattached from the floating log, but when the flashlight was lit, it immediantly went back up to the log and shied away from the light. The Synodontis specimens were all seen on the bottom, but mostly on the left side of the tank. Raphaels continue to remain in the driftwood crevice in front. An Ictalurus specimen mysteriously remains under a couple of pieces of driftwood. Still unsure as to the reason it remains there. I was able to capture the BumbleBee Catfish in a few still photos since it didn't immediantly dart for cover when I turned the room light on. It did however turn around a few times. Hopefully this elusive specimen will remain in the plants during the daylight hours as well.


As I looked at the tank this morning; the BumbleBee Catfish has went back into hiding as he was gone from the plants and I searched the tank to no avail. It appears that the Silver Tipped Shark is showing signs of distress. The sides and dorsal area by the dorsal fin is blotchy and deteriated. There is a marked increased in the size of the Horabagrus specimens as they are constantly eating which shows by the distended abdominals. Water continues to remain clear even after last nights feeding. The specimens are eating all of the shrimp pellets that have been put in. Tonight's feeding will be more on a live scale with live worms being introduced. Knowingly the Ictalurus specimens will consume them as having caught them on such in the past suggests. It will be interesting to note on how the Horabagrus and the other tropical species react to the live feeding. The worms were cut up into smaller bitesize pieces for the smaller specimens. The worms were dumped into the front middle of the tank. There was an instant reaction from the Horabagrus. The Catfish specimens of all sorts came in for the meal. There was even a couple of Synodontis specimens that had came out from the back of the tank to feed on the fresh meat. It was like an explosion when the Ictalurus came onto the scene. The frenzy did not last long as the worm segments were gone quickly. The Corydoras and Pangasius were also in the midst of


The tank has cleared up some since last night. It is not as murky as it was, but not exactly clear. The abdominal regions of the Ictalurus although appearing full are not buldging whereas the Horabagrus specimens are still enlarged. There is not as many Ictalurus in the rear corner as before. The tank was subjected to regular daylight as I drapped the curtain up so that the daylight could come in. With the light fading from outside and no interior light the Synodontis is coming out front to forage. The specimens in the tank seem calm and without anxiety. The Plecostomus and the Raphaels on the other hand are still in their traditional hiding spots. I find it interesting that the Raphaels had bullied themselves into the spots that the Synodontis has been previously. At one time they were sharing the space and then the Synodontis just gave it up to the Raphaels. The BumbleeBee failed to show tonight at least not that can be seen. The Spotted Raphaels have split up as one seems to of went wondering around the tank. The room light was turned on and it had roamed to another piece of driftwood. It was observed trying to get under the piece of driftwood. The Synodontis were seen in the very back of the tank towards the bottom. The Plecostomus specimens didn't change positions from where they were. The Ictalurus fingerlings were still crowded into the rear corner of the tank as well as moving about the tank in all stratas. Seems like the water is clearing up slowly.


This morning an interesting note occurred. As I approached the tank; the bluegills annd shellcrackers came to the front and looked like they were trying to get my attention. They followed my finger as I scraped it across the glass. It appeared as though they learned that when I approached the tank was when food was introduced. They continued to act in this way until I added the shrimp pellets to the tank. They then started feeding. The Raphaels came out in full force to feed. It was interesting to note that the Raphaels and the Synodontis specimens were actively feeding. The frenzy continued with the Horabagrus and Ictalurus specimens coming from all points of the tank to feed on the shrimp. The water is still murky. The Ictalurus assault on the food was forceful enough to bully the other tropical siluriforms out of the way. Tonight as I came in the room to observe the tank; I noticed that the BumbleeBee was out of the Anacharis plants in plain site. I was able to take a few good pictures of him. He went back into hiding slowly as if he was trying to avoid being seen. The Plecostomus that normally stays behind the siphon tube is out on the bottom of the tank close to the vegetation. The Synodontis specimens were paired between the floating log and the siphon tube, but has since dropped down to the bottom as well. There is still a pair around the siphon tube though. It appears as though some of the Channel Catfish has some white spots on them. That normally means Ich. Administered Malachite Green and stopped the external filtration for the fish to get the maximum effect. Noticed that the Bumblebee had huddled into the space of the Raphaels and actually is hiding underneath one of them. Seeing at least one of the two that are in the tank is amazing. They have been very relunctant to come out and feed. Put Shrimp pellets right in front of the Bumbleebee's hiding place, but there was no reaction except for all the others coming to eat. Also adminsitered some salt to aid in the removal of the possible Ich problem.


Water is pretty cloudy and the spots are still on the Ictalurus specimens. Doesn't seem to of infected any of the other specimens as far as I can tell. Will get some more Malachite Green tomorrow to treat the tank again. The Floating log is clear of Plecostomus as of right now. It is amazing on the ferocity of the Ictalurus specimens when feeding. The Synodontis must of been extremely hungry as they came down and were feeding in the front. The Horabagrus was amidst the Ictalurus frenzy. The food disappeared quickly, but they are still foraging. The tank is overcrowded with Ictalurus specimens so with that in mind another tank will be set up to house the majority of them especially the larger of the specimens with 6 of the smallest ones being left in the main tank. The tank light has been off for a couple of days so tonight the light will again shine down on the tank. I think that the best thing for the other tank inhabitants and for the sake of this project will be to remove all of the Ictalurus specimens from the tank and treat the entire tank for the Ich. Even though there has not been a loss of life, it will surely prevent the others from contracting the disease.


As I looked into the tank this evening; I noticed that the Ictalurus specimens were still inflicted with white spots. I removed the filter medium and added another dose of Malachite Green. I had 6 additions to the tank today. 3 striped Raphaels and 3 Pictus cats were purchased from Petco to add some variety to the tank. Even though the other specimens in the tank did not appear to be affected by Ich; I treated the entire tank. I will replace filters and do a 50% water change tomorrow. I am removing 75% of the Ictalurus specimens and leaving the smallest ones if the Ich infliction is gone. The specimens are moving around quite nicely with the Ictalurus ones noticeably attempting to scratch on the rocks. Once the Raphaels were introduced; they started hunting out appropiate hiding areas. One did swim out in the open for a few minutes while the other ones hid. The Pictus Cats on the other hand were very much social. They started out swimming in all stratas. Strangely enough at one point all the comet Goldfish were huddled together in the back of the tank, but quickly broke up as I approached the tank.


After administering the Malachite Green last night there doesn't seem to be much difference in the Ictalurus specimens. Replaced the filters with brand new ones, but the water is extremely cloudy. Possibly due to the new food that I introduced this morning. I bought some pond food, but it floats so out it goes. The new inhabitants seem to be well. The Pictus Cats are all out swimming around and I have been able to spot 2 Striped Raphaels in hiding spots throughout the tank. The Albino Ictalurus abdominal regions are very bloated like they are the ones that ate most of the food from the surface. Found the other Striped Raphael as he was attempted to get into the area that the Spotted Raphaels have settled into. The Anacharis plant bunch is breaking up probably due to the specimens feasting upon it. Added some chemicals to clear up the water. This afternoon gave me some surprises in that the Ich spots on the Ictalurus specimens were actually diminshed. I will continue to monitor them until tomorrow. The water seems to be clearing up some, but the filter mediums seemed to be clogged up. I still plan to do a total cleanup on the tank and thinning out of the Ictalurus specimens with only using the smallest ones possible. Probably about 6 specimens will be held in the tank. The nightly feeding was done but with terrible results. All the siluriforms except Bumblebee came out feeding as there were plenty to feed upon except that it just made the water worse than it was before. The Plecostomus from the floating log came down and was on the front side of the tank. The Pictus cats are all out swimming around just as hyper as they were at the pet store. Even the Striped Raphaels were reacting to the shrimp pellets. There is a marked decrease in the minnow population which means they are fulfilling their mission for this project by being food for the larger albino Ictalurus. Some Ictalurus specimens are scratching themselves on the tank bottom which tells me that the Ich infestation is still lingering.


Today is the total revamp day for the tank. As I was removing the specimens from the tank; I only found a single BumbleeBee. I have no clue on what happened to the other one. The improvements to the tank included adding another undergravel filter system. I replaced the gravel sparingly. Only enough to cover and conceal the air stones and filter plates. I rearranged the rocks and driftwood into formations. The purpose of which is so that the specimens will think that they are hiding, but are still visible. As I was removing the Ictalurus specimens they were checked for white spots and they seem to be clear, but as an added precaution I added a small amount of Malachite Green to the water. The main reason behind the greatly reduced amount of gravel is so that I can utilize my aquarium vac to reduce the buildup of debris thus reducing the probablity of fouling water. I removed the Spotted Raphaels and the Plecostomus specimens by hand to reduce injury from clinging onto the net. The tank was filled by the water hose from outside which meant a longer warming period. Activated all 3 air pumps for the air stones in the back and the undergravel filters at each end. The outside filters were totally cleaned out as well as the filter medium, filled and activated. The wait game is on. The floating log was replaced and the covers were cleaned. The specimens will spend the night in the holding tank


Moving day. This morning the specimens were transferred from the holding tank to the main tank. The floating bag method was utilized in that the specimens were placed into a plastic bag and floated in the tank to equalize the water temp. The trick was to not introduce any of the old water into the newly rejuvinated tank. This was accomplished by pouring all of the water into a fine net over the holding tank and slowly transferring the specimens by hand one at a time. The Ictalurus specimens were reduced by number with only taking 7 or 8 small individuals. It took a double check in making sure that none of the pertinent specimens were left behind. The Synodontis was the cause for alarm as I was only seeing 3 when there should be 4. The last one finally made an appearance once it was settled. The spemens are making themselves at home. All are out swimming and regrouping exploring their new surroundings. Bumblebee is the only one that has not been seen. Even the Striped Raphs are out swimming around. The Plecostomus specimens which are usually shying away are out of hiding and even coming to the front by where I am. The tank look peaceful, but active. These specimens seem to living together peacefully even though the Ictalurus specimens are bigger there has not been perceived aggression towards the others. Granted the small mouths and jaws have probably played a major role in that. Once I am able to secure the last of the major groups (Ameiurus); the more productive tasks can be accomplished. Hoping to obtain some small specimens so that the balance in the tank will not be upset. Shrimp pellets as well as flake food was introduced and an interesting thing happened. The feeding frenzy that the Ictalurus specimens had before was not present at this feeding. It appears that the frenzy only happens when a multitude of specimens are present. Since the population had been thinned out then the frenzy activity had dissapated. Since there was some food particles left over then that indicates that a reduction in the amount of food at one time should be reduced. There has been quite a bit of growth noticed on the Synodontis and Horabagrus specimens. The Plecostomus specimens have been out in the open more today than ever. The Striped Raphaels are in hiding as well as the Spotted Raphaels and Bumblebee. The Ictalurus and Pictus are active out in the open as is the Pangasius. The Horabagrus have been staying together for the most part as has the Synodontis. The Ictalurus have been acting like they were scratching themselves on the gravel, but no sign of Ich have been detected. Darkness has allowed some of the more nocturnal specimens roam around such as the Striped Raphaels. Still no sign of BumbleeBee as of yet.


Everybody seems to be good in the tank. No aggressive acts towards anyone noticed this morning. This afternoon the tank light was reinstalled using the red tissue paper with a darker blue to shield the back part of the light. The Raphaels are still hiding for the most part. Striped in the rock formation and the spotted in the wood crevices. Both formations were designed for specimen viewing as well as the specimen nocturnal habits. The Ictalurus specimens aren't displaying any actions except for causal swimming. The Plecostomus has remained on the front glass even when the room light was on and individuals approaching the tank. The larger of the Synodontis specimens is actually aggressing towards the much larger Ictalurus specimens by swimming over and around them really just annoying them instead of actually showing aggression. A full night crawler was dropped into the tank and the Pictus was first on the scene, but the Ictalurus came in and stole it swimming away quickly with others behind. Corydoras and Horabragrus are busily foraging. The nightcrawler is really to big for the fish to eat so it is sticking out of the mouth, but he refuses to release it to any of the others. A small amount of shrimp pellets was added and all the specimens came out of hiding except for 4 of the Raphaels, the spotted and 2 of the striped. A single Striped Raphael came out of hiding in the wood to feed and both ofthe Plecostomus came down to scour the bottom.


All seems calm within the realms of the tank. There is an interesting note concerning a duo of Ictalurus specimens. One has set up residence in the rock pile and the other one in the wood formation. All the others are out in the open. I can see all the Raphaels except 1 Striped. Three out of the 4 Synodontis specimens are on the floating log. The Pictus cats have apparantly learned that when I come close to the tank than they need to be right there just like the Comet Goldfish and The Shellcrackers do. The Plecostomus that is normally attached to the floating log has apparantly gotten use to me being close up as he has stayed on the front glass even when I was right up on him. Took several pictures of the specimens and the tank in general. The observations this evening had some interesting notations. The Plecostomus from the back of the tank has found the floating log to hide again. All of the Raphaels (Striped and Spotted) were in very close proximity. A small Synodontis was away from the normal area and was seen foraging on the rock pile. While transcribing these happenings the Plecostomus from behind the siphon tube came down to forage around the wood formations shortly and then returned to the siphon tube. Ictalurus specimens are still jumpy when I approach the tank whereas most of the others are not. They settle down in short accord though. Tank remains to be clear. Discontinueing the light since it has been lit for 2 days non-stop giving them some rest time. Attempted this evening to procure some Ameiurus specimens for inclusion to the tank, but was unsuccessful in the attempt. The single Ictalurus remains to inhabit the rock pile like he is hiding. He comes out for short periods and then goes right back in. Only one other fingerling shows that kind of shyness.


Last night after the tank light was turned off and the room light was off; the Bumblebee finally made somewhat of an appearance. It had choose to be around the driftwood formation underneath the wood that the Spotted Raphaels cling to. The whole body was not in view, but about 50% of the posterior was. This morning the only change to the tank is that a Striped Raphael has come to rest in the driftwood where the spotted ones stay. Purchased a package of small red wiggler worms to be fed to the tank. Rinsed the worms off and dumped them into the tank. The inhabitants did not react the same way as when the cut up worms were introduced. It was not an immediant reaction. The Corydoras was actually the first one to start feeding. Slowly the other inhabitants started over and casually began feeding. The feeding frenzy did not happen. The Pictus cats, Horabagrus, and Ictalurus were all seen feeding. A couple of Striped Raphaels came out of hiding since the lights were out. All the feeding specimens came away with swollen bellies. By observing the feeding the afternoon tells me that the specimens will feed more aggressively and completely when the food is cut up to expose the blood and other fluids.


Upon observing the tank this morning; it was noticed that the Ictalurus specimens and the Horabagrus specimens still had distended abdominals indicating that the meal of worms from last night had not been fully digested. The Horabagrus specimens have been noticed within the confines of the wood and rock formations instead of swimming out in the open. Using common scissors; a package of nightcrawlers were cut up very small and placed in a beaker. The camera was set up to record video. Once everything was set up and the tank light was turned on; the cut up worms were added to the tank. There was an immediant reaction. The first reaction came from the Ictalurus specimens, but actually there was such a reaction from all of the specimens it was difficult to tell which was first and so on. Insterestingly the Striped Raphaels all came out of hiding to partake of the feast. It was somewhat comical on how these specimens was not able to take the who piece of worm into their small mouths, but just held onto it. The Ictalurus on the other hand gorged themselves so that the stomachs were distended tremendously. The Horabagrus and PIctus were among the ones that stuffed themselves as well. The Synodontis came around to eat the worms as well. Apparantly by cutting the worms and allowing the blood and other fluids to be introduced into the tank alongwith the worm carcass; the specimens react more readily than just putting the whole worm into the tank. The Spotted Raphaels reacted to the food, but didn't come out of hiding to partake of it. No sign of the BumbleeBee during this entire process, but later as the room was dark and the only light on was the reddish hue of the tank light; the Bumbleebee was seen under a piece of driftwood. The Plecostomus specimens seem indifferent to my presence which is opposite of before. They seemed frightened as I approached the tank. The Ictalurus specimens are presently sluggish as they are sporting the full bellies from the worm feast. The Horabagrus, Pictus, and Pangasius specimens all have distended abdomins, but are swimming better the the Ictalurus. Even though the Comet Goldfish were feasting on the worms as well; interestingly they don't appear to have swollen bellies.


Not very much going on with the tank directly. Viewed the feeding video from last night and was surprised. During the course of the feeding a Spotted Raphael had come out of hiding and was eating a worm piece. That was amazing because I have never seen them eat in any tank that they have been in. The Ictalurus, Horabagrus, Pictus, and Pangasius specimens have all had a good day to digest the worms from last night. The abdominal regions that were so swollen after the feast are now mostly back down to normal size. The Synodontis specimens are moving around the entirity of the tank. The pair of Plecostomus specimens have not went back up to the floating log for any extended time. The one that has attached itself to the front glass hasn't moved all day or at least the time that I have observing them. Lesson learned is that if live bait is to be used than it needs to be cut up simply because it was consumed in its entirity and the tank stays cleaner.


Not much on observations today. Have been fishing all day in attempt to bring in some other specimens. Brought back some very small Bluegill specimens that was captured in my umbrella net. They were brought back to the tank for observations. They were put into the tank one at a time. The Ictalurus specimens and others were very interested as the new comers entered the tank, but quickly left them alone when they were not presented as food.


This morning was feeding day for the tank. In order to keep the tank cleaner and to ensure that the food is consumed in a timely manner; the tank only gets fed every other day. I fed the tank tropical flake food. As I place the flakes on the surface there was an instant reaction from the Comet Goldfish and Bluegills. As the flakes were drifting down the catfish started a frenzy. To describe this was amazing. All the catfish specimens were reacting to the food. All of the specimen types were out feeding. Both types of Raphaels even came out to feed. The food was eaten quickly and what wasn't eaten was seen at the siphon tubes for the filters. These filters were then disengaged and another feeding commenced. Another frenzy developed and as it quickly comsumed the food the frenzy died down. Re-engaged the filters.


One of the baby bluegills was attacked by an unknown source. His caudal fin was chewed off. The tank was doing what they normally do. The Pictus, Pangasius, Ictalurus, and Horabagrus were lazily swimming around. The Plecostomus specimens were attached to the sides of the tank. The Raphaels and Bumblebee is hiding and the Corydoras was foraging on the bottom. The tank light has been on for a few days, so discontinued its use for the next couple of days. Added Flake food to the tank. The tank came alive. The catfish specimens all started feeding and moving at a quickened pace. An Ictalurus specimen was observed skimming the surface on a couple of occasions. The Synodontis specimens came out of their back corner to feed and forage all over the tank. A single Striped Raphael came out of hiding to feed. Looking back the size of the Synodontis specimens when they were purchased; their growth in the last 3 months have been phenomenal. What started out at a quarter inch has now reached 2 inches being the biggest with an inch being the smallest. The Horabagrus is another growth worth mentioning. They were purchased about 1 inch and now they are at least 2 inches in the short time that they have been in the tank. The Pangasius has shown some growth, but not nearly as phenomenal as the Synodontis and Horabagrus specimens.


Not a lot of activity in the tank for the majority of the day. Feeding time stepped up the action . Stopped the outside filtration systems so they would not get clogged up with the flake food. It was instant activity when the food was entered. Utltimately every species was actively feeding. The Synodontis came from the back corner and a striped Raphael came out of hiding. The Spotted Raphael finally exited his hiding spot to briefly feed a short distance from it. The Pictus and Ictalurus were both observed skimming the surface. Up to 3 Ictalurus were observed at a time. The abdominal regions were distended significantly after eating whereas this was not observed on the bluegills and goldfish. The activity slacked off, but not entirely after a few minutes.


Gave the tank some pure sunshine this afternoon. The specimens were anxious at first, but soon settled down. The Horabagrus went into seclusion in the rock pile, but slowly became accustomed to the brightness and came out. Pangasius and Pictus are swimming the entire tank hurriedly. Maintanance on the filters were accomplised by spraying them out multiple times. Set a minnow trap this evening with chicken, liver, bacon, and catfish dough bait under the bridge at the nearby creek in an attempt to capture some Noturus specimens for this project.


Check the trap this morning for Noturus specimens, but none were in the trap. Re-located the trap downstream a bit in an eddy of sorts by the bank. The sunlight coming into the tank doesn't seem to affect the Ictalurus, Pictus, or Pangasius as they are swimming mostly towards the bottom out in the open. There is a single specimen amidst the driftwood pile, but apparantly he has taken up residence there only to come out to feed. An Ictalurus specimen does have an abrasion on the left side directly behind the operculum. Looks as though he has been scratching himself on the tank gravel, but have not observed this personally. Feeding this morning was incredible. By turning off the outside filtration system; it not only prevents the filters from clogging up as quickly, but also produces a more sustained feeding. Of course all the specimens were out except Bumblebee. The instant reaction came from the goldfish and bluegills as they were ready as I approached the tank. They actually were following my hand as I placed the flake food in the water. The Siluriform reaction was almost instantaneous. All the Specimens immediantly started to feed in a frenzy. Two specimens of the Raphaels were seen feeding. The Striped Raphael was actively feeding throughout the tank. The Spotted fed around his driftwood home. The Plecostomus even came down for a bite and came out to the front glass. Another smaller feeding will be done tonight for the ones that didn't come out to feed this morning. A couple Ictalurus specimens are observed skimming the surface while the flake food was floating, but since the majority of the food is out of site; the specimens are continueing to forage on the bottom. The entire room was dark except for the glow of the computer monitor. Introduced a good amount of flake food into the tank after shutting down the external filters. With the room darkened the Raphaels came out in full force to feed. All of the Striped Raphaels were roaming the tank foraging for food on the bottom; whereas only one Spotted Raphael was observed. The Spotted Raphael was more comfortable in the feeding as he was out of his hiding spot more and further away than he had been during the daytime feeding. Still no sign of Bumblebee as of yet. The other Siluriforms did not surprise me. Just as I thought they fed as voraciously as they did during the day with the sunlight coming in. Finally was able to find the Bumblebee. It was hiding in the confines of the driftwood pile. The Spotted Raphael that normally resides in the driftwood crevice at the front of the tank has decided to explore as it was not there when the Bumblebee was found.


Went down and checked the minnow trap this morning in hopes of securing a Noturus specimen or two. I caught a bullfrog tadpole instead. Thinking that this animal was big enough so that the fish in the tank would not harm him; I placed it into the tank. Immediantly the Ictalurus specimens started chasing it. I fed the tank some flake food in the hopes that would curb the chase. It did until the food was gone. The Ictalurus specimens homed in on the tadpole. The tail went first with the other Ictalurus chasing and fighting over it. After changing possesion several times; the tail was gone and the tadpole was being picked apart slowly but methodically.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Not much in the way of observing the tank today. Even forgot to check minnow trap. Went fishing in hopes of getting some A. natalis specimens to introduce into the tank. One specimen was caught on hook at Hendersonville, Tn park. It is actually part of Drakes Creek. The specimen measured 7 inches total with a mouth measuring 1 inch wide. Since the mouth measured to much alongwith the predatory nature of this species; it was decided to initiate a second tank for study of the larger specimens. Fed the tank late tonight so the food was eaten ravenously. The Spotted Raphael that had vacated his hiding space had returned and was out feeding with the rest

Thursday, April 2, 2015

The natalis specimen that was captured late last night was to big for the main study tank so went material gathering for the extra study tank for larger specimens. Bought some small gravel and gathered up some driftwood to put into the tank for suitable cover. Came in to depressive situation today as an Ictalurus specimen was found deceased. This is the one that had some abrasions on it's body. He was brought out of the tank, but something had been eating on him before. Before rigor set in the pectoral fins were positioned and the mouth was held open to observe later. The rest seem to be doing well as they were swimming in most stratas as they normally do. Tonight as I fed them Flake food; the Bumblebee was noticed out feeding in place site. After all of this time; I found where he burrows into the gravel. It was amazing since he rarely comes out except in total darkness. The A. natalis specimen that was captured last night now has a home all by himself for right now anyway. I put driftwood in the tank, but they are floating. The specimen is amazingly staying up at top instead of the bottom. A cut worm was presented, but he didn't seem interested.

Friday, April 3, 2015

This morning was a shocker in the larger specimen tank. The A. natalis specimen was propped in the rear corner, but it didn't appear to be breathing. Upon probing the water with a net; it came out of it's slumber. It then rapidly swam about the tank in like a panic. It settled down, but then went hiding in the floating driftwood. The pieces of worm remained uneaten in the bottom of the tank. While feeding the tank this morning a couple of things were noticed. Added the flake food and was watching them feed when something on the bottom caught my eye. The Bumbleebee came out of hiding and was feeding with the rest of the glutens. He stayed out for a while feeding. All the Striped Raphaels came out to actively feed. After feeding had calmed down; a couple of them were swimming over each other somewhat playing. This continued for several minutes and then they settled down. The spotted Raphael was out actively feeding for a bit and then went back into hiding. Only one specimen was observed. The Synodontis specimens are getting large enough that it is difficult for them to hide within the structures that has been provided. Have not seen any other specimen that had any type of marks that resemble the ones on the deceased Ictalurus specimen. The method of stopping the outside filtration systems prior to feeding and then once the feeding frenzy has subsided starting them again has proved to be beneficial in keeping the water clear and the filter media from having to be cleaned out so soon. While observing the larger specimen tank without searching the specimen was unnoticeable. The specimen has positioned himself so that the entire body is hidden for the most part in the driftwood.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Fed the tank this morning and surprisingly everyone came out to feed. The Spotted Raphaels came out of hiding to feed and the Bumblebee was traveling the length of the tank to feed. It appears as though several of the specimens have learned to come to the front of the tank when I enter. When I sat down at the desk before sunrise with only the monitor light shining; several specimens such as members of the Ictalurus and Pictus came over to the corner of the tank. As in the past feedings; the specimens readily accepted a combination of flake food and shrimp pellents. The natalis specimen in the other tank was down on the bottom while it was dark, but when a light was turned on, he immediantly went to his refuge among the floating driftwood. He hasn't chosen to start eating as of yet. Hopefully that will change once more specimens are added. Today is specimen collection day. There is a pond in Muhlenberg County Ky that supposed to hold the answers to my specimen needs with catfish of all sizes. All the equipment will be taken including nets and rods and reels. After several hours of fishing only 2 bluegill specimens were caught and released. A fellow fisherman found an A. natalis specimen in a cooler that was caught 7 days earlier. The specimen measured longer than the one that is in the tank. The specimen has been injured on the left side of the head. Placed him into the tank with no fuss. He immediantly went to the bottom and then worked his way up to the driftwood. He has taken control and booted the other smaller one out of the driftwood hideout. Shrimp pellets were placed into the tank, but the specimens did not react to them. The younger specimen apparantly gave up his hiding spot as he is now on the tank's bottom without any cover or concealment.

Sunday, April 5, 2015

This morning was feeding time. Disengaged outside filtration systems. Introduced flake food and shrimp pellets. Prior to the feediing; there were several specimens that was approaching the front of the tank meeting me as I approached. All of the specimens including the Raphaels and Bumblebee came out to actively feed. It seemed as though feeding time turned into a frenzy and it didn't last that long. The activity slacked off as the food was devoured. The specimens continued to graze off of the bottom. Went specimen hunting in Drake's Creek at the boat dock off of Gold City Road. The first specimen caught was an Ameiurus natalis. It was the biggest one that I've caught in a long time. It swallowed two hooks so the were cut instead of trying to retreive them. An Ictalurus punctatus was the next specimen caught. Interestingly the coloration was not of a normal I. punctatus, but the sides were yellowish green. A couple of kids fishing at the same location caught a small A. natalis. They didn't want it so they allowed me to take it. Trying to get the new natalis specimens to feed. Once I introduced the new specimens a few nightcrawlers was dropped in, but none of the specimens showed any interest.

Monday, April 6, 2015

Feeding time was in the afternoon. The combination of flake food and shrimp pellets were added and the specimens immediantly engaged. They swam rapidly feeding aggressively. All but the Raphaels showed instant reaction to the food. Even the Bumblebee was actively feeding. The specimens reacted like they were extremely hungry. The larger specimen tank was extremely filthy. The tank light was illuminated which in turn made the specimens react in a panicked way. The tank was stirred up causing a great amount of debris. It was noticed that the largest specimen that was introduced last night was not as full as before. There is solid debris floating which resembled being chewed up. I have constantly been informed that catfish "throw up" to create enough room for additional food. In the past I have observed metal hooks that the specimens were swallowed on the bottom of the tank suggesting regugitation, but not until today has actual food debris been observed. The wounded specimen doesn't show signs of healing as of yet. Tank obviously needs to be cleaned.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Fed the tank this morning with an immediant reaction. Interestingly most of the inhabitants were patroling the front of the tank as I approached. It was like they have learned the association between food and my prescence. The food was introduced and there was an immediant reaction from all inhabitants except Plecostomus. The food was eaten very quickly. The curtain was raised to allow sunshine in on the tank. The inhabitants were feeding and did not show a reaction to the direct light from the outside. The floating driftwood that was placed in the larger specimen tank has begun to absorb the water to cause it to slowly drift to the bottom. The larger specimens were not very active, but without any outside stimuli. Tank water is extremely debris ridden and has a distinct odor. Task for today is to set up a 30 gallon tank to transfer the larger specimens to. One of the outside filtration systems from the main catfish tank will be utilized for the larger specimen tank. It was noticed that since a few more specimens were introduced into the tank; the floating driftwood doesn't act like a hideaway for the smaller specimen. I guess it feels safer with others in the tank with him.

Wednesday, April, 8, 2015

Got to the computer this morning and noticed that I had a following in the tank. Several specimens in the tank were coming to the corner by the desk to greet me. Right; they are learning that food usually comes into the tank when I approach. Normal feeding of flake food and shrimp pellets and the frenzy commenced. Leaving curtain open to allow sunshine into the tank. Noticed the growth of the Horabagrus and Synodontis specimens. By comparing the size of them now to the size of when they were purchased; growth has been over 100%. The Synodontis have grown at different lengths possibly due to how bold the specimen was in coming out for food. The Horabagrus growth has been steady for all 3 specimens. Even though the Striped Raphaels are bolder than the Spotted ones; no noticeable amount of growth has occurred. Went on a collection expedition today. No new Siluriformes specimens, but several small Crappie were caught with a cast net. Brought them home and put them into the larger specimen tank, but they were attacked almost immediantly so none survived. Purchased a dozen small crayfish on the way to the collection point and intend on putting them into the regular specimen tank.


This morning was introduction time for the small crayfish that I purchased yesterday. Did not go as well as planned. They were left in a bucket throughout the night and it had appeared that 3 were already deceased. I gathered the rest and introduced them into the tank. They probably went into shock coming from cold water to the warmer water of the tank. Several more seemed deceased as they entered the water. At the onset 3 specimens were active and two went straight to the rock pile. The third traveled to the driftwood. It was quite interesting to see how the specimens of the tank reacted to the new crustaceans. Mostly it seemed as though it was curiosity. After a bit though the Goldfish were pecking at them. The Ictalurus specimens kept getting closer and closer until they finally got up the courage to start pecking as well. There is five small crayfish being pecked at in this tank. The pecking is getting more frequent, but then the dead crayfish were removed and feed to the larger tank specimens. Finally re-activated the outside filters. The water wasn't dirty, but they had been off for a couple of days now. Turned on light over the tank, but the fish didn't show much a frightened response. The crayfish have settled down. All the normal specimens are out seemingly happy as they swim around the tank. Haven't observed any aggressiveness towards the crayfish after the initial


This morning as I came into the office and approached the tank; most all of the specimens greeted me by swimming excitedly the length of the tank at the front. Did a feeding of flake food and shrimp pellets. It has become normal for the inhabitants to explode in activity while feeding. The Synodontis was in the group that greeted me as I came into the room this morning. The Spotted Raphaels became active with only one coming out of hiding to actually feed. There is a noticeable amount of growth in a Spotted Raphael as I compared them together. The Crayfish specimens looked so comical as the fish were feeding. They were in a defensive posture with the little claws up and ready. The Bumblebee came out from the driftwood pile and fed while going to the rock pile and then disappeared again.


The curtain is still up allowing the sunshine to beam through. I got my traditional greeting from the specimens in the tank as I approached. It is interesting on how fast they learn. I fed them a diet of tropical flake food and shrimp pellets. The frenzy is always amazing to me. It is like they ignore all other stimuli while they are feeding. The Bumblebee and Raphaels came out to feed. The Ictalurus specimens have been skimming the surface like a plankton feeder only today a Horabagrus specimen was observed doing the same thing. They have always been feeding in mid strata down to the bottom. Their interactions with the crayfish have been non-aggressive. The crayfish on the other hand goes into a defensive stature when a fish gets to close. A crayfish was venturing over to the food drop spot when it encountered a Striped Raphael. It looked like it was going to attack but the Raphael abruptly moved, but continued to feed. The external filtration systems have been de-activated for the last couple of days, but will be re-activated this afternoon. The specimens are grazing the bottom picking up whatever is left of the food. The Ictalurus specimens are actually going below the gravel to feed. I released the larger catfish specimens today by putting them in the small pond by the house in the hopes of populating that pond for future possible specimen collections.


Not much going on in the tank. The abdominal regions on the specimens are still buldging from the feeding this morning. The Pangasius seems to be growing some, but the Pictus cats are doing very well. The Raphaels and the Bumblebee are both coming out to feed more. The crayfish seem very defensive when the fish are feeding even though they are not acting aggressively towards them. The Horabagrus continues to show signs of growth. The Synodontis specimens are not very active until it is time to eat. Today the larger specimen tank was cleaned. It was filled and the driftwood was placed. The bigger piece of wood that had not absorbed enough water to submerg was weighted down with a couple of good size rocks. I then went on a fishing trip to replenish the tank. An Ictalurus punctatus was the only Siluriform to find the new home, but 4 crayfish were also collected and placed into the tank. Tomorrow will find me at the pond in an attempt to retrieve the two smallest Ameiurus natalis specimens to be re-introduced to the tank.


The inhabitants of the tank continued to meet me as I approached the tank in the hopes that they will get fed. The learning abilities of these catfishes are amazing. They have gone from being afraid to actually coming to greet me as I enter the room. As I fed them at the opposite end of the tank which didn't matter as they were following me or rather the food canister as I went to the other end of the tank. Every specimen were out in feeding mode except the Plecostomus as they mostly remained still. It was intersting to see how these different species of catfish interact with each other. There has not been any aggression towards another smaller specimen observed. The tank apparently is living in harmony. The smallest specimen (Bumblebee) as he comes out to feed does not have aggression shown towards him even though the Ictalurus specimens could just swallow him. They are feeding beside each other so far without any issues. Maintenance wise: the Carbon cartridges for the undergravel filters need to be changed so that will happen today. Re-activating the outside filtration systems to eliminate any waste floating in the water as it is a little cloudy but not bad. Turned off tank light and opened curtain. The larger specimen tank has the tank light on and the Ictalurus punctatus as the sole fish inhabitant is attempting to hide, but he can still be seen. All the crayfish have apparently found new homes underneath the driftwood that has rocks on it.


First thing that I noticed in the tank this morning was how a crayfish had constructed a burrow of sorts. He had moved a significant amount of gravel up to a piece of driftwood with his little head sticking out. Feeding time was as comical as ususal. All the specimens including the Synodontis met me as I entered the room and swam from one end to the other in the anticipation of me dropping food. The crayfish try to catch a specimen when it gets to close, but their claws are so small that they just get shook off. I have never witnessed the way that the Ictalurus is digging into the gravel to get food before. The Ictalurus specimen in the larger tank remains somewhat hidden. He stays on the bottom huddled up by the big piece of driftwood held down by rocks. Two more crayfish were captured last night. One has a huge claw disproportionate to the body size and the other was a small specimen. All the crayfish are dark reddish brown. These were taken at the boat dock at Drake's Creek outside of Franklin, Kentucky. They also remain hidden.


Feed the tank this morning. As I approached the tank most of the specimens came to greet me knowing that I would give them food. The Synodontis specimens were up front alongwith the rest of the inhabitants. The frenzy ensued once I introduced the food. As I came into the room late afternoon they are duplicating the ritual. The abdominal regions are not bulging so they are obviously hungry. Not much light in the room or tank. The Raphaels even greeted me as I approached the tank. They are normally pretty shy. Once the food was entered all mayhem. In the larger specimen tank a crayfish climbed out and made it all the way to the kitchen before it expired. The others are well hidden in the tank around the big piece of driftwood held down by rocks. After the regular feeding; the specimens are calmed down and lazily swimming around the tank. The Raphaels have all went back to their normal spots. The Ictalurus, Synodontis and Horabagrus are all still feeding on what remains of the food scraps. Took away the red tissue paper and turned on the tank light. The immediant reaction was chaos. The Synodontis and Horabagrus went straight under cover of some sort. After a few moments the tank calmed down and the Horabagrus came out of hiding. The smaller Synodontis stayed hidden. The Ictalurus specimens after initial panic settled down and continued scavenging for scraps. Interesting notes on the Plecostomus specimens after the regular light was turned on. Instead of hiding like they normally do; they have ventured out and became actively feeding. They were both on the bottom and then they split up one to each end of the tank. They do not appeared to be hindered by the bright light, but instead they have become more active. The tank has a group of plants that have settled around one of the undergravel filter tubes. There is a crayfish that has climbed up into the plant life. He has to be brought down for fear that he would climb out and thus die.


This morning feeding time took on a different aspect. The tank light was turned on prior to feeding. The reactions of the tank were not changed that much. The light did hinder some from coming out to feed. The Synodontis were out in force before I turned the light on and even after. The Horabagrus are on the shy side, but still came out for the feeding. The Ictalurus did not any adverse reactions at all. They were unhindered by the light while feeding. The Striped Raphaels were observed feeding, but only 2 out of 3 were actively participating. The Spotted Raphaels were observed with only 1 specimen out of the 2 that are in the tank feeding on a consistant basis which was awesome simply because they are the shyest of the Raphaels. The Bumblebee was observed feeding but only in the shadows. Pictus and Pangasius did not have any hinderance at all. Corydoras is still foraging on the bottom. Plecostomus specimens did not move. Did a test to see if the specimens would come get food that was being held. The first bait was a saltine cracker. The Comet Goldfish had no problem coming to and eating. The Bluegills were hanging around, but did not come in to eat. A couple of Ictalurus specimens after circling around for a few finally came in to take a bite. Next a nightcrawler was held. This time the Comet Goldfish still came around attempting to peck at the worm. The bigger Bluegills actually tried to take it from my fingers, but the Ictalurus was observed coming in for a bite often after circling and checking it out. Only the Ictalurus was brave enough to take the food from my fingers. Once I cut the worm the reaction was more instant. Finally as the worm dropped into the tank a pair of Ictalurus was seen swimming off with it between them. This morning an Ictalurus started an interesting activity. This individual started chasing any and all specimens out of a particular area. Another Ictalurus specimen started doing the same thing along the back of the tank. The aggressive behavior was not constant, but it seemed like sporadic. It didn't seem as though they were nipping fins, but just chasing. This aggressive behavior could be part of the nesting behavior as it is time for this species to mate.


Gone for the best portion of the day. Traveled down to Hendersonville, TN to test out my specimen netting. After 3 tries a specimen of minnow was captured, but more important was the notations that was made to enhance the net. At first the floats made the net so that it was not sinking all the way, so I removed them. The next couple of tries showed me that I needed to add some support staffs on each side of the net. Also The depth of the net needed to be greater, so additional netting will be added later. Even though I fed the tank before the new minnow was introduced; I found that he had been killed. The most probable culprit was the Ictalurus as they were the ones that was playing with the corpse. I am pretty sure that a crayfish had molted in the tank. An exoskeleton as seen, but it wasn't like it was eaten. The Ictalurus finally swallowed the minnow that was killed. The abdominal area in that single specimen is enlarged significantly. There are a few smaller minnows that have been in the tank, so the question is why was that one targeted. The trio of Horabagrus specimens are acting differently. A single one is pale in color and seems to be staying off to itself. It was noticed attempting to join the other two in the rock formation, but it was chased out. Also tonight a small Ameiurus natalis was caught. He was brought back to the larger specimen tank. It was pretty interesting when he was introduced into the tank; it didn't panic and tear up the tank. It calmly swam away from where he was put in. It was really mild as it swam around the tank until he was settled alongside the Ictalurus specimen. Added some shrimp pellets since the Ictalurus specimen hasn't eaten since he was placed in the tank. The exoskeleton from the crayfish in the test tank was apparantly eaten as it disappeared and the Ictalurus specimens had distended abdominal regions


Finished taking water samples for sending to the lab. Took 3 tubes from each sampling area. Sample 1A-1C is from Hendersonville Memorial Park, sample 2A-2C is from Drakes Creek Boat Dock ouside of Franklin, Ky, sample 3A-3C is from the actual Catfish Aquarium. Two of the 3 tubes were placed into a wooden test tube holder for transportation to the lab. The third tube is held back as a control tube. Took pictures of the newest little Ameiurus specimen that was introduced last night. He was observed with his head down resting on the gravel and the caudal fin resting on the driftwood. Left the tank light on overnight. Fed the tank and of course the frenzy started. Observed all the specimens out feeding except for a Spotted Raphael. The water remains clear with the methology of deactivating the outside filtration systems prior to feeding and once the food is mostly eaten then re-activating them. The pale Horabagrus remains pale and somewhat sluggish. He did show promise as he came out eating like he normally does. Once he finished eating he went back to his perch on the rock formation.


Today was when a test was done with the object of seeing how the specimens reacted to the tank light as they were feeding. As usual the specimens were pacing at the front of the tank as I entered the room. The tank light was off. The food was placed into the tank and the specimens were feeding frantically. All the specimens were out feeding with the exception of the Plecostomus. The light was turned on and the reaction was very little. The only specimen to react negatively was Bumblebee and that reaction was hiding in the shadows. Even the Raphaels stayed out feeding. The Horabagrus specimens are still acting strangely. Two of the three specimens are within the rock formation. The third is hovering around, but is chased away every time it attempts to join the others. That single one is still paler than the others. He doesn't seem to be in distress and his appetite hasn't been affected, but the others won't have anything to do with him. Last night a few specimens were captured using a cast net. A few specimens of bluegills and a couple of what appears to be a type of shad. Positive Id on that to come later.


Sent a couple of pictures of the unidentified specimen to Dr. Larry Page for identification and he identified it as a Golden Shiner. Was away from the tank for the most of today. The tank did get a very generous portion of food and the reaction was as it has been. The growth of the Spotted Raphael is double compared to the other specimen. It really is kinda fun to watch these catfish that had at one time hid when the light was turned on to come up and greet me when I walk into the room. They come out of hiding and meet me at the front glass. Tonight the tank light was turned on. The first reaction was hiding, but that quickly went into coming out to meet me. The Horabagrus specimens are continueing their differential color scheme as two of the specimens are darker than the other and the lighter one still can't associate with the others. I can pick out the bolder specimens as they are definately bigger and more colorful. I have not seen any of the crayfish that I put in the tank, so they are presumed dead. One of the Plecostomus has unhinged itself to come down to feed along with the others. The appearance was brief as I was typing it decided that it was best if he went back to the other end of the tank. These are the same Plecostomus specimens that some time back decided that they liked the taste of whatever was on a Flathead Catfish enough to scrap abrasions on him raw and therefore causing


Did some maintenance in the form of topping off the tank with water and cleaning the filters. In addition one of the outside filters were removed and placed into the larger specimen tank. Rigged up a sort of trout line out of twine and hooks. Baited the hooks and through the line into the pond in hopes to catch a couple of the smaller Ameiurus specimens that was placed there a couple of weeks ago. The tank was fed by my wife and she was amazed at the ferocity of the specimens as they were eating. Everybody came out to feed except for the Plecostomus specimens. One of them remained attached to the floating log while the other remained at the back glass. Not much activity really in the tank. The tank light was turned on which caused a brief panic, but they quickly settled down. Tomorrow will bring the results of the make shift trout line as it will be checked in the morning. Also a plant retrieval expedition will ensue to Portland Lake outside of Portland Tennessee as well as Drake's Creek by the Franklin Ky park. It seems as though all of the crayfish have vanished so another group will be bought soon. Still awaiting word as to the possibility of obtaining some Ameiurus fry and/or fingerlings. Once those are procured than the rest of the experimentation can proceed.


Went to check the make up of a trout line that was placed last night. No specimens were caught even though the nightcrawlers that were used as bait was removed from the hooks. This morning the tank water is quite clear as the outside filter was started last night. Interestingly the specimens were calmly swimming in the tank as I was sitting at the desk beside the tank until I got up from the chair. Not only did the specimens become excited, but they congregated in the side of the tank that I was at. Synodontis, Horabagrus, Pangasius, Corydoras, and Ictalurus all came out prior to adding the food. Once the food was given than the what looked like a frenzy ensued with everyone being pushed and shoved in an attempt to get the food. The Bluegills, minnows, and comet goldfish stayed out of the way using restraint. While the Siluriformes specimens were mostly on the bottom, the other non-siluriformes specimens remained in the middle to upper stratas. The BumbleBee appreared briefly, but did not partake of the food. Possibly it's non participation involved the tank light being lit. The Raphaels and Pictus specimens did however perform frenzied activities right along with the other Siluriformes specimens. Fed the larger tank specimens some nightcrawlers last night, but there wasn't an immediate reaction. Only a single crayfish with a big claw has been viewed in the tank so without moving the furniture one can only presume that the smaller specimens were eaten. Turned on the light on the larger specimen tank. Initially the Ictalurus was out of hiding, but when the light came on he went into hiding. It is amazing how the inhabitants of this tank differ so much between feeding and not. When they are not in the feeding mode they swim nonchalantly almost lethargic. There doesn't appear to have much purpose, but then the food is given. Once the specimens are fed than it is like nothing but chaos ensues. They bump into each other and their whole mood changes. They swim like in a panic and without any notice of what is happening around them except being fed. There is this surge of excitement and chaos and then like a light switch it turns off and the specimens are pacifly foraging. The ones like the Raphaels and Bumblebee go back into hiding whereas the others like Ictalurus, Pangasius, and Pictus lazily swim around the tank. Sometimes they just stay in one area. The abdominal regions before eating are flat but during and after feeding; those same flat regions become inflated. The Ictalurus and Pictus are the most noticeable. It's like they are about to give birth. All the Siluriformes exhibit the same abdominal inflation whereas the Bluegills, Comets, and Minnows don't look like they haven't eaten at all.


No observations were done today as the day was spent at VA and Vanderbilt on personal stuff. A trip was done with reference to getting some small specimens of Ameiurus. Went to a somewhat lake outside of Greenville, Ky. Fished until around 2030 hours with only Crappie, Bluegill, and Turtles being caught. Set out the new umbrella net and the minnow trap with chicken liver in both as bait, but all that was caught was a couple small bluegill. This process of trying to capture specimens of Ameiurus natalis small enough to include in the project tank is overwhelming with no positive results.


Today a trip was planned to Portland Lake with the hopes of gathering some plants to place into the project tank. There was none of the plants that I had noticed there last year, but there were stalks of some plant that resembled bamboo. The stalks were rooted deep enough so as not to be able to just pull them up. Another trip is planned for Saturday to retrieve some of the those plants with a small shovel to dig the roots up. An idea occurred to me today on how to remedy the situation of not having appropiately sized Ameiurus specimens. Cut a piece of clear plexiglass to the height and width of the tank and section part of it off. Placing specimens that are already in the tank that are large enough that the Ameiurus specimens would not inhale them to incorporate all the specimens in the project testings. Drilling small holes in the plexiglass will allow the water to pass through thereby giving the tank the aspect of being one even though it would be sectioned off. Of course the furniture will have to be redone. When I fed them this afternoon; it was quite remarkable on the rapidity that the specimens reponded. The Spotted Raphaels, especially the larger specimen, were immediant in their response.


Turned light on the tank to see how it affected the way that the specimens ate. The initial reaction was that of fright of the brightness of the light, but that very quickly subsided. The specimens did in fact follow me as I was at the tank. By going from one end to the other I noticed that all the specimens were following to which ever end I was at. They have gotten trained to that point that they know instinctively that when I approach the tank they get food. An ample amount of food was introduced and the normal frenzy activity was noted. What was outstanding was the growth that was observed in the specimens of the Spotted Raphael, Striped Raphael, and the Horabagrus. The bigger specimens will be grouped together as I partion the tank. A Plecostomus specimen came down to join in on the fun of feeding. He didn't stay long, but it was good that he made an appearance. I have started noticing an behavior on the Ictalurus that I don't remember about them. I have seen Carassius specimens pick up gravel, swirl it around and then spit it out, but I have never seen an Ictalurus do it before. These specimens are behaving like that constantly. While feeding it was interesting to note that none of the catfish were feeding anywhere but the bottom. A couple of Ictalurus specimens have been seen skimming the surface, but not today. It is so funny to note that the abdominal regions on the catfish specimens are so swelled that it presents the appearance of being laden with eggs, but they are only full. But even though they appear to be full, they are still foraging in the gravel. Today was a special day in the tank. Procured quite a lot of plant stalks. Somewhat resembles bamboo. Got a piece of plexiglass yesterday and had it cut to the dimensions of the tank. Drilled holes in the divider so that the water would pass through, but small enough so that the smaller specimens didn't cross over. Attached the plant stalks to the bottoom row of holes in the plexiglass by way of zip ties. Removed all the furniture so that I could make sure certain ones stayed on one side. Inserted the plexiglass divider into the middle of the tank, put rocks to stabilize the bottom and used a zip tie up top around the supports. Put several Ictalurus specimens alongwith the Plecostomus species. Two of the larger Synodontis, the larger of the Horabagrus, and the larger of the Striped and Spotted Raphaels. Moved the outside filtration system from one side to the other. From the larger specimen tank I included the Ameiurus natalis and a single golden shiner. Obviously the tank light is remaining off and the water is quite cloudy, but it will calm down later. A dozen small crayfish were purchased and divided between the 2 sides.


Last night I added a chemical to help clear up the water and it did. The filters are now clogged with the debris, but they will be cleaned out later. This morning there was not the panicky type reaction when I approached the tank. The specimens on the right side calmly swam to the front of the tank, whereas the specimens on the left side with the Ameiurus specimen didn't show any reaction at all. Placed a red curtain to subdue the lighting when it was turned on. The reaction was not what was expected. The Ameiurus natalis did not trash the tank as it did while in the other tank. It did however react and just when more under the driftwood. All the Specimens that was put into the left side of the tank are all still visible. There doesn't seem to be any aggression except the Bluegills are chasing the Shiner around. The Plecostomus specimens are actively exploring the driftwood. None of the specimens from either side have been observed testing the limits by bumping into the plexiglass divider. The small Bluegills were seen up against the divider but not actively trying to get to the other side. Feeding time was eventful as the food was split in two. On the larger side; there was not reaction from the Ameiurus about feeding. It stayed under the driftwood. The Shiner didn't seem to eat either. The Striped Raphael and the Horabagrus remained in their place, but interestingly the Horabagrus is more hidden than the Raphael. One the other side al speciimens were observed eating except the Bumblebee. He was not observed coming out possibly due to the excitement caused by the sectioning of the tank yesterday. The Bluegill specimen on the larger side seems to been getting darker in color whereas the other one remains the same. Need to transfer Corydoras, Irridescent Shark, and larger Spotted Raphael over to the other side. Am going to check out a dam to possibly fish at in the morning or afternoon. Have determined that the best way to catch the catfish that was placed in the pond is to seine for them so that is on the agenda in the afternoon.


Basically just left the tank alone for the most part of the day. The Ameiurus natalis has been a recluse which is normal for that species, but it has not been observed eating anything that has been offered. Tonight at the daily feeding; it has been emerging from its shelter. When the tank was fed with its normal diet of flake food and shrimp pellets; it was observed eating and even in the open. All seems well in this tank even with the divider. I went on a fishing trip tonight at the local Drake's Creek. I caught 3 catfish specimens that I brought home. 2 Ameiurus natalis specimens and 1 larger Ictalurus punctatus specimen. The interesting thing was that once the new specimen's were added; then the older specimen came out of hiding. The larger Ameiurus specimen is so huge in the abdominal area that it cannot or will not swim. It just lays around the tank breathing. It's actions remind me of a piece of driftwood floating around in the water. The other Ameiurus specimen is swimming around the tank even with the light on. After a little while it she quit breathing. I took this opportunity to get some valuable information and samples. I removed the egg sacks and was even able to get a few eggs on a slide to view under the microscope. The teeth came next and then the barbels themselves were removed to view later under the microscope. I then took the remaining carcass outside and placed it under a bucket to see if I could come up with a viable skeleton.


This morning came as a surprise as I checked on the larger specimen tank. Firstly the Ameiurus natalis was wedged behind the tube for the undergravel filter. Then I noticed that the tank was short an Ictalurus punctatus that was captured last night. Sometime last night it had jumped out of the tank and landed behind the tank stand on the floor. It was still breathing as it was picked up and put back into the tank. It recovered after about an hour. The Ameiurus natalis that was dissected last night still had the piece of worm in the stomach. The specimens as they normally do came to the front of the tank to greet me for their feeding. Both sides were fed the same food at the same time. On the right side the only one that I did not see feeding was Bumblebee. All the others were out feeding until their little bellies buldged out. On the left side; everyone was eating. The Ameiurus natalis has finally came out to eat with the rest of the tank. The Plecostomus are even down from their driftwood log and grazing along the bottom. The A. natalis was not feeding vigorously, but it was more of a casual dining experience. Introduced the newest member of the tank another Ameiurus natalis which was caught last night, but spent the night in the larger specimen tank. Seems to be active for a nocturnal specimen with the tank light on. At first he went around the tank investigating everything and then tried to settle down under the driftwood. The larger Plecostomus showed signs of aggression towards both members of the Ameiurus natalis variety. It got to the point that I was going to separate him to the other side, but after chasing him away from the objects of his aggression he is now attached to the driftwood alongwith the other one. The larger natalis specimen hasn't showed any aggression to other members of the tank even though the Ictalurus specimens have been swimming over and nudging him.


Left the tank light on all night so that the newest A. natalis will get used to it being on. This morning showed a marked increase in the activity of the natalis specimen, but nothing destructive. All the tank inhabitants are present. The Plecostomus was observed on the Natalis, but when I approached the tank he swam away. It was like he knew he was in trouble when I approached and when back to the log. I feel as though I will probably have to remove this Plecostomus from this side of the tank. My opinion is that it will be safe enough to add some other specimens from the right side, but I would like to have at least one more Natalis specimen before the testing begins. The divider with plant life on it could be situated so that the specimens would have the full run of the tank, but I will put that last Natalis specimen in and get it alclimated before that happens. Last night I went on an expedition to recover a couple of the small Ameiurus specimens that was released into the nearby pond; I was unsuccessful in any retrieval of fish of any kind. I did however bring back a sizeable number of tadpoles. I went on a fishing trip to the nearby Drake's creek. An Ictalurus specimen and an Ameiurus specimen were brought back and placed in the larger specimen tank waiting on a transfer to the test tank for the Ameiurus.


Did mostly literature research today. As I observed the tank; the smallest Ameiurus specimen was noticied as having a budging stomach. I thought that it had eaten one of the other catfish specimens so I went about trying to determine which one. It seems that all the siluriformes specimens were accounted for. The stomach was buldging, but not in the usual way from eating a minnow or something. It looked as though it had consumed a crayfish. By letting the newly caught specimen to remain in the other tank; it would calm down and possibly rid itself of the impurities in the body before it was brought over to the regular tank. Once I get everyone in this tank than I can start my testing. Keeping the Plecostomus off of the Ameiurus specimens seems to be a dutiful task as the smallest one is already showing signs of the scraping on the caudal peduncle.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Fed the tank this morning with little surprises. The smallest Ameiurus did seem as though he was excited about the food that was offered. Surprisely the minnow that is in the side of the larger specimens is in fact still there. Introduced another Ameiurus specimen into the tank this evening. Actively swam about the tank in what seemed was an effort to escape as he was pushing up against the plexiglass divider. Once he get alclimated to this tank the plan is to remove the partition so that the specimens will have the entire tank to swim in. The only aggression that has been noticed has been the Plecostomus scraping the Ameiurus, but not that much any more. Water is somewhat cloudy possibly due to the need for better filtration since the charcoal packs need replacing as well as the outside filters. Noticed that one of the Pictus had small white spots on it possibly Ich. Administered the recommended dose of a brand called Ich Cure. The medicine for the possible Ich problem has migrated through the holes of the plexiglass divider into the other end of the tank causing a coloration of the water.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

This morning was a welcome sight as we viewed the tank. The medicine for Ich was apparantly quite effective as there were only a couple white spots on the Pictus cat and none on the others. The larger Ameiurus specimen started acting very strangely by seemingly to panic and swim precariously around the tank. He very soon expired so he was removed. It was noticed that the abdominal region had red in it instead of the traditional all white. During the autopsy it was discovered that the hook that he had swallowed during capture had been attempted to swallow completely instead of regurgitating it as they normally do. The water is extremely dirty, and so to facilitate a better filteration the partition is removed and turned sideways. This way the tank can still have the advantages of the plants without closing off sides. Also that way the specimens can all mingle together. Repositioned the divider so that all the specimens will have free roam of the tank. Most of the specimens have integrated amongst the others, but the Golden Shiner and Ameiurus specimens are staying in the left side. A folded red curtain was placed under the light which resembles darkness or nocturnal area. Rinsed out filters and replaced them to help clear up the tank. There was quite a bit of debris at the bottom of the divider when it was moved.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

This morning as I approached the tank; the ritual began of the specimens congregating to the front of tank waiting to be fed. The feeding frenzy began as I issued out the the flake food and shrimp pellet mixture. It was not surprising that all the specimens started eating, but what was interesting was that the Ameiurus specimens began feeding and exhibiting the same frenzied activities as the others. The smaller Ameiurus was more active than the larger one as he was more pronounced by feeding off the bottom with the traditional head stands and shaking the body as it was eating. The larger Ameiurus was active, but not as pronounced as the other specimens were. You could tell that he was searching for food, but not quite ready to accept the common food that has been offered. Since the water is still very cloudy after 12 hours of constant filtration; I have added a chemical to aid in clearing the water.

Monday, May 4, 2015

A surprise greeted me this morning as I came into the room by the tank. The Ameiurus specimens came out from behind the plexiglass partition and came up towards the front of the tank. They are becoming less shy and have been active during the daytime with the sunshine coming through. At the feeding this morning all the members were actively feeding with the exception of the larger Ameiurus specimen. The smaller Ameiurus was displaying the same frenzied activity as the others. Bumblebee finally showed up for the event. The Plecostomus specimens need to be monitored closely as they have been observed scraping the Ameiurus specimens. If they continue to show this type of aggression than it will be imperative that they will need to be transferred to another tank. This evening held another surprise as the larger Ameiurus specimen was causually swimming in upper to middle strata in the daylight. Even so it was swimming by where I usuall sit at the desk. They are moving about the tank more readily now. It seems as though the larger Synodontis has developed a taste for the slime on the Ameiurus bodies. There is definately a size difference in the pectoral fins of the larger Ameiurus specimen. It is sure a pleasure to sit by the tank and watch all the inhabitants being active. The smaller Ameiurus has found him a perching spot high up on the weeds. He is sitting motionless while being

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

These fish constantly amaze me. This morning the larger Ameiurus was observed perched upon the plant leaves with only the anal fins in touch with the leaves. The dorsal barbels were actually sticking out of the water. The smaller Ameiurus specimen is pretty active. This tells me that they are getting alclimatized to the tank and surroundings. They are not darting off as they have been. The Synodontis is the aggressor for the Ameiurus now instead of the Plecostomus as they are constantly swimming over the specimens irritating them. The Ictalurus specimens alongwith the Horabagrus, Pictus and others are swimming in the front quadrate of the tank as they do when they want food. The Corydoras is actively foraging. Today is introduction day for 4 more specimens of Siluriformes. I was able to purchase from a pet store 2 specimens of shovelnose catfish, 5 specimens of Otocinclus, a specimen called Clown Pleco, and a specimen of Silver Tipped shark. I fed the tank prior to the release of the fish into it so that the current residents would be less likely to look at the new guys and think food. The Shovelnose Cats are relatively big from a pet store about 4 inches each. I also purchased some bunches of Anacharis plants to add to the current array of plants. As the new additions were introduced to the other inhabitants the Clown Pleco gave me the best laugh as it tried to invade the Spotted Raphaels living room. He was unsuccessful in his quest. The Shovelnose are staying on the right of the tank. The Otocinclus specimens are all over the place as well as the Silver Tipped Shark. There hasn't been any aggression noted, but there has been some aspects of curiosity. Some maintenance will have to be done as there is noticeable debris in the water. The filter tubes and charcoal cartridges need to be serviced and replaced. Done with the services. I was able to obtain some special all in one filter cartridges that just comes down over the tubes. Makes it alot easier when replacing the charcoal. Once the maintenance was done the tank light was turned on. Initially everybody went into a panic, but they soon calmed down. I say everybody but surprisingly the new Shovelnose didn't react at all. They continued swimming like they had before. The Clown Pleco is hiding under a piece of driftwood, but his tail can still be seen. The Shovelnose are both out and active. The small Otocinclus is spread throughout the tank, but I have not been able to see the Silver Tipped Shark at all. I don't see it floating, as of right now he presumed hiding. One of the Ictalurus specimens has a bad cut posterior to the eye. Not for sure what happened, but will definately keep an eye on that one.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

As I approached the tank this morning it was not shock to see the majority of the inhabitants swimming back and forth at the front. They do this on a regular basis waiting for food. I opened the curtain so that only natural light came through. I fed the tank and the normal frenzy took place with the exception of the larger Ameiurus specimen. The Shovelnose specimens seem to be doing quite well. They engaged in the feeding activity, but not in the frenzy. The Clown Pleco is still in the hiding stages, but the Otocinclus are visible throughout the tank. Still no sign of the Silver Tipped Shark, so I double checked the bags that they were in, but they were empty. Didn't get to see Bumblebee this morning either.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

As I was making the last check of the night of the tank; the larger of the Spotted Raphaels was seen amongst the plants that are attached to the plexiglass divider. It was odd as he hasn't been seen there before. This morning's check on the tank revealed that sometime during the night the duo of Ameiurus specimens had eaten something. Now I'm counting fish in the tank. As far as I can see; all the siluriform specimens are still there, but the single minnow is gone and there is a reduction of the Comet Goldfish population by two. The Ictalurus specimen that had gotten cut seems to be healing, but there is a haze over one eye. That could only mean that he is blind in that one eye. The Golden Shiner has a mottled look on the body as if there are scales being removed in spots. There aren't any signs of it being in distress as it is swimming about the tank. With the Ameiurus specimens being full as if they had eaten overnight than it is safe to presume that their nocturnal predatory instincts are still active and haven't decreased by being in an aquarium. The Ameiurus specimens had been swimming towards the surface over on the right side of the tank, then go away and then come back. Not much activity in the tank and then I remembered that they haven't been fed today. Once I approached the tank with the can of food in hand then the activity was pronounced more robust. The Synodontis specimens are becoming quite a worry as they are leaving cuts and scraps on the Ameiurus sides. The Sorbium specimens are interesting as I haven't seen them in a straight line yet. They are usually in the middle strata by the plants but they either are cantored head down or head up. I am putting a significant number of tadpoles in the tank tonight and see if that will enhance everyone's behaviour. Tadpoles were gathered and added to the tank with just about all the specimens in pursuit. The Sorbium specimens seem somewhat laid back, but the tadpoles did get them moving.

Friday, May 8, 2015

This morning I have come to realize that the larger Ameiurus natalis specimen is to big for this tank. It has now become apparent with the disappearance of a couple different specimens that this is a definate predator and that his size makes him a detriment to this tank. I have lost a couple of specimens such as the Irridescent shark and the silver tipped shark to the belly of the beast. It would be best for this entire project if the larger Ameiurus is removed. The smaller one can stay. Upon inventory this morning there are the following specimens on hand: Ameiurus natalis, Spotted and Striped Raphaels, Plecostomus, Pictus Cats, Synodontis, Sorbium, Horabagrus, Corydoras, Clown Pleco, Otocinclus, Ictalurus punctatus. The ones that are supposed to be in the tank is Bumblebee, Silver Tipped shark, Irridescent Shark, but I haven't seen them. Question remains: what is the makeup of the skin of Ameiurus natalis and that of Pylodictus to entice Plecostomus and Synodontis specimens to feed off of them? Removed the larger of the Ameiurus specimens to hopefully avoid any more abscences of specimens. The current Ameiurus has abrasions located on both sides of the body on the caudal peduncle. Added some Rosey Red Minnows and small Crayfish to help feed the Shovelnose as I looked up from the keyboard A Sorbium had one in its mouth trying and seems to be very successfully eating


This morning there were not any Rosey Red minnows left in the tank. I had bought them for the Sorbium specimens, but of course the other Ictalurus and Ameiurus specimens had their bellies full as well. Not much happening in the tank this morning. The stomachs of the Sorbiums are still buldging as are those of the Ameiurus and some of the Ictalurus specimens. There seems to be a lot of very small debris suspended in the water giving it a cloudy look. All the specimens seem to be doing well. Fed the tank this morning and even though the bellies of the Ictalurus and Ameiurus specimens were full from live prey; they still partook of the flake food and shrimp pellents that were added. Today the Anacharis that was purchased a few days ago will be bunched together and planted. A trip to the local creek is in order to get some small pieces of driftwood to add to the tank after a complete cleaning is done. A few flat rocks will also be gathered to construct a rock formation on one side of the tank and a driftwood formation on the other side.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Didn't observe the tank much today. As I was showing my Granddaughter the tadpole tank outside the back door; I spied a land turtle. I pick him up and brought him in. He is going to a good home for turtles as my son and daughter in law have several slider turtles in good health.

Monday, May 11, 2015

This morning as I went into the room by the tank all the inhabitants came rushing up to the front of the tank. I didn't feed them yesterday so they were pretty hungry. At first look the one thing that caught my eye was that of a Striped Raphael in the front corner about mid strata. There was no visible reason why he should be there, but there he was. The most active specimens were the Ictalurus, Horabagrus, and Synodontis. The Sorbium specimens were more towards the back of the tank. I fed the tank on the right side (as I was standing in front of it). Most of the specimens were already getting into their feeding mode. I dropped the flake food and shrimp pellent mixture. Like normal there was a frenzy. The Ameiurus specimen was late to the feeding, but he finally participated. He does have several abrasions on both sides of the caudal peduncle. This afternoon sitting by the tank I noticed a Striped Raphael laying on the corner of the tank closest to me. He had blood coming from the mouth area and not very active. Still breathing but just laying there lopsided. The barbels on this Raphael had been removed but by what is still a mystery. None of the other Siluriform specimens had this condition even the Pictus cats who has very long barbels. He has since come active by swimming up the corner that he was laying in. The Ameiurus specimen has taken a unique position in the tank. He has is dorsal area pressed up against the plexiglass positioned so that it looks as if he is standing straight up in the row of bamboo type plants. My best guess as to why would be to be hidden so that the Synodontis specimens would quit bullying him. The tank is having one of those lazy afternoons where not many are very active. Question is why does the Synodontis continously annoy the Ameiurus. There has got to be some biological or chemical cue that attracts or encourages this behaviour, but the other Siluriforms don't possess it. Put it on ResearchGate as a Question. Went to the bait store this evening and purchased some small minnows for the catfish tank. As I put them into the tank I could see the various catfish taking notice. The Ictalurus, Ameiurus, and Sorbium specimens for sure was gorging themselves as the stomachs being distended could attribute to. The little Striped Raphael that had his barbels removed is quietly laying on the bottom nesstled up against some driftwood. He is not showing any ill affects as of yet, but surely the ability to locate prey by using the barbels has been nullified.


After feeding the tank some live prey last night; the Ictalurus and Ameiurus specimens are not coming to the front for a feeding whereas the others are. The Striped Raphael that is missing the barbels is still doing ok. Haven't tried the food location thing as of yet. Today is the day that I get to show my little friends off. I will be taking both kinds of Raphaels, Plecostomus, Ameiurus, and Ictalurus specimen to my Granddaughter's school to give a talk on Ichthyology and Science in general. The Shovelnose has been feeding on the minnows that was put into the tank as indicated by the distended abdominal areas on both specimens. Five specimens were removed from the tank in order to give the children a broad view of the diversity of catfish. The talk at the school went great as the children were very intersted in the other aspects of science and ichthyology, but the highlight was when the specimens were brought up out of the water for them to pet and feel.


This morning as I approached the tank most of the specimens were waiting for me as they swam from one end of the tank to the other. I went about feeding in a different direction. I held some food between my fingers to see if the specimens were tame enough to eat from my fingers. As I held the food; the first reaction came from the Bluegills. They were shy at first but as the food was released the smaller bluegills overcame their shyness and started pecking at my fingertips. The Ictalurus specimen came up twice to nip at my fingers. The attack was quick and concise and gone. It resembled what a fisherman sees through the action of the rod and reel as a catfish takes the bait. He comes in to feed, concisely targeting the bait, taking it and trying to swim away. The outside filter was disengaged and the rest of the food was introduced. All of the specimens that were taken out for the field day have recovered nicely and were participating in the feeding frenzy. The Striped Raphael that had his barbels removed is still alive as it was swimming in the front corner towards the surface Once the food was added; this specimen did come down and it looked like it was feeding. It remains in the right hand corner of the tank a few inches below the surface. It seems to be propped up by resting on the Anacharis. Went fishing this evening and brought back a couple of specimens. The additions to the tank was another Ameiurus specimen and a Drum specimen. As I put them into the tank; the Drum looked like he had been in a fight as the posterior portion of his body was reddish like it was bleeding from inside. The Ameiurus was fat and quite muscular. He didn't tear up the tank like I expected, but his coloration is lighter green than the other one. Tomorrow the two largest Synodontis specimens will be transferred to the larger specimen tank in the hopes that they will cease from annoying the Ameiurus specimen. It didn't take long for the Synodontis to pinpoint the new Ameiurus specimen as he was being bothered from the introduction.


This morning as I looked into the tank; the Drum and Ameiurus that was introduced last night seems to be adapting quite well into their new home. Last night the Drum had some red on its body, but it has now gone. It is also been noted that the Synodontis also likes to annoy the Drum but not for long as the Drum is faster and shakes them off. The Ameiurus specimen that was added last night has also taken up residence nicely. He has taken up with the other one and is mostly hiding in the plants. That allows them some time away from the Synodontis as they don't go into the plants. There are also a couple of the Striped Raphaels hiding amongst the plants as well. As the food was added; the newest added Ameiurus did not move from his spot in the plants whereas the other one came out and fed. The Drum looked interested, but was not observed actually eating. Haven't seen the Clown Pleco or Bumblebee for a couple of days. The Raphaels came out to feed and the Synodontis left everyone alone to participate in the feeding. The Sorbium specimens are still buldging from their last meal of minnows.

Friday, May 15, 2015

This morning I was met with the Drum floating belly up. There were no lacerations or any outward sign of why it passed. Interestingly the large piece of driftwood that was on the bottom has now becoming a floating piece of driftwood. Both of the Ameiurus specimens were found in the plants this morning. I will go and get a large supply of these type plants and place them in bunches in the tank. That way the Ameiurus specimens as well as others can find refuge in them. Feeding the tank came late after 2200 hrs. Only the room light was on. The food was put out in the open. All the specimens came out to feed except for the newest specimen of Ameiurus. It remained motionless on top of the Bamboo type plants. The Striped Raphael without the barbels was participating in the feeding as well as the Bumblebee made an appearance. Both of the Spotted Raphaels came from the other end of the tank to feed. The Sorbiums even looked interested in the food. The Horabagrus is still confusing as a single specimen is lighter in color than the other two. There are still small crayfish ambling around throughout the tank.


As I sat down at the desk watching the catfish swimming frantically around wanting to be fed; my thoughts were about the specimens that I haven't seen lately. The Clown Pleco seems to want to stay by the air stones at the back of the tank. Throughout the tank there are supposed to be 5 Otocinclus specimens, but I haven't seen them. In an effort to find any of the Otocinclus specimens; I created a big bunch of Anacharis from 5 smaller bunches and planted them, but there is still no sign of the Otocinclus. Both specimens of Ameiurus are surprisingly active with the tank light on. The tank was fed with the light on. The food was placed in the opposite end of the tank than where the specimens were mostly gathered. There was a momentary pause and then the food was found and devoured in the normal frenzy state that they normally do except the non siluriforms. The Sorbium specimens seemed interested in the activity, but did not observe them partaking of the food. Both Ameiurus specimens came out to feed, but it wasn't in a frenzied state, but more of a relaxed state like ok the food is here and so I will eat a little. All the Raphaels came out except the one without barbels. He didn't react at all . The Plecos were in the back, but eventually a larger Plecostomus came out front to eat. The Horabagrus, Ictalurus, Synodontis, and Pictus specimens were all participating in the frenzy. I have learned from this experience that to purchase or obtain all of the specimens around the same time so that they can get used to each other, whereas the way that the introductions were done in this project was that several catfish were devoured quickly after the introduction.


The planted Anacharis has become uprooted and floating on the surface. Didn't observe the tank much as all during the day. Instead went on a specimen collecting expedition to a new location call the Three Springs Lake. Not much to report there as I caught a pan sized Crappie, and my wife caught a 12 inch Ictalurus punctatus and a small Bluegill all of which was unacceptable for any of the tanks that I have. Fixed the outside filtration system on the larger specimen tank so that a proper filtration can occur. Fed the specimens late last night and as usual there was a frenzy for the most part. The larger Ameiurus seemed interested, but did not eat as well as the Sorbiums. All the others except Mr. Bumblebee came out for the foodfest.


The Ameiurus were swimming around the tank alongwith the others this morning. As I approached the tank both Ameiurus specimens went to hide in the plant growth. Went to the local waterway (Drake's Creek) and picked up quite a bit of driftwood to furnish the tank some enhancements. Washed and introduced most of it to the tank. Obviously it is floating at present, but will sink as it takes on water. Also planted the Anacharis bunch again placing them under some flat rocks to keep them down. Activated the outside filter as it was left off after feeding last night. I did observe an Ictalrus specimen taking a crayfish on as a meal. Pretty sure the crayfish lost. The Ictalurus specimen that was cut and most likely blind in the left eye as you are looking at it seems to of healed up from the wounds. The eye looks like it has a milky covering over it, but seems to be getting along fine. I have not observed the Synodontis specimens aggravating the Ameiurus specimens for a few days now, but since that one has an open wound it definately is not out of the woods yet. Need to get some small minnows for the Sorbiums though. The Ameiurus specimen with the open wounds came to the front right corner by the desk and just sat there. It looked as though a crayfish had gotten into its gullet as well since the abdominal region was distended and misshapened. The Horabagrus seems to taken a liking to the driftwood that was placed inside the tank as they are hanging around it as well as the Bluegills are hanging around the branches. Feeding tonight took place with the tank light one. None of the Ameiurus specimens came out to eat. The larger Spotted Raphael came out quickly, but the rest of the Raphaels took some time to start feeding. The Ictalurus and Horabagrus alongwith the Synodontis did not hesitate to feed. The Sorbium specimens looked interested, but they seemed to be hunting for something to move before they ate it. Never did see the Striped Raphael with no barbels or Bumblebee make an appearance. The Pictus Cats were right in the midst of the frenzy feeding .


The driftwood that I introduced yesterday is still floating, but that is to be expected. Went to bait shop to purchase some minnows for the tank. They were accepted quite eagerly. The Ictalurus and especially the Sorbium specimens devoured a number of them immediantly. The Ameiurus specimens will probably get their fair share once the lights go out. Today was really specimen collection day. While fishing in Bowling Green, Ky I managed to capture a juvenile specimen of a softshell turtle. It came to the bank where I was sitting and after looking at me he dived, but didn't go very far. I knelt down and was able to capture him with my hand. I decided that he will make a fine addition to the Catfish Project tank, but will be introduced tomorrow so that I can keep an eye on it. Continued fishing but in a total different state. Traveled to Hendersonville, Tn where I normally have been able to capture Ameiurus specimens that have been small enough to put into the tank for the project. Tonight was no different, but the introductions will wait until tomorrow as well. Today was also tank maintenance day. I filled the larger specimen tank, cleaned the inside, and sprayed out the filters. After letting it set for a bit the water has clearned up considerably. The other maintenance was done on the tropical tank which consisted of cleaning the filters and filling it up.


Pretty active tank this morning. The Ameiurus specimens are both near the surface. One was swimming towards the back right corner at the surface and then went over to the other one. All of the Ictalurus specimens have distended abdominal regions as do the Sorbium specimens from the feast of minnows that they had last night. The Pictus cats looks like they partook as well. The larger of the Spotted Raphaels was observed swimming about the tank especially around the sunken driftwood. Introduced the Softshell turtle and the Ameiurus specimen. The Turtle went down to back corner immediantly, but has since rose to the surface. Staying at the surface around the driftwood. The Ameiurus specimen went straight to the bottom in the front right corner of the tank. It has been pretty active, but part of that is the fact of the Synodontis constantly bothering her. The other Ameiurus specimens are not paying her any mind at all. Turned on the tank light to see the reaction and there wasn't one. The Ameiurus specimen just sat on the bottom. There wasn't any panic like one would expect from a wild specimen being introduced into captured tank. The turtle has been at the surface for the most part . He is perched up on the floating pieces of driftwood, as I come into the room he is down into the tank. The Ameiurus specimens are having a perching spot of their own on the piece of driftwood. Interestingly the Synodontis has been an annoyance for the Ameiurus, as I catch them doing it I can point my finger at them and they quit. It's almost like they have learned that when I point my finger at them that means trouble for them. The inhabitants of the tank have gorged themselves with minnows from last night that only one minnow remains.


All of the Ameiurus specimens were up towards the surface this morning. One was perched on a piece of driftwood and the others were in the Bamboo type plants. Feed the tank the fish food and shrimp pellets mixture. Only one specimen came down for the feeding. Everyone else were feeding as normal in a frenzied state. Turned the light on and not much reaction from the specimens at all. The Ameiurus stayed where they were. The wounds on the newest Ameiurus specimen are interesting as they have a white slime type substance over them. I finally separated the larger of the Synodontis specimens from the rest of the tank. They were constantly scraping the Ameiurus specimens to the point of having major lacerations. The newest Ameiurus specimen now has a piece of flesh where the adipose fin was. Of course the tank water is extremely dirty and murky, but it had to be done for the sake of the attacked specimens. At first the actions were just an annoyance, but since it has gotten so serious that it is more an act of aggression. None of the other specimens are being affected so that poses the question as to why just the Ameiurus specimens. I posed the question on Researchgate, but the only one that has answered so far favors the problem being the fright reaction pheromones. It definately needs further study. The newest Ameiurus specimen has been the hardest hit in respect to the aggression of the Synodontis. He doesn't look like he is going to make it. Still breathing, but laying limp on the bottom of the tank. Added more minnows in hopes that he would start eating, but he doesn't seem interested. I suspect that it will be deceased by morning.


This morning as I approached the tank; I was confronted with a deceased Ameiurus specimen. As I suspected during the previous entry; it didn't make it through the night. The Synodontis specimens that I segregated were seen this morning aggravating each other. Now the Ameiurus specimens that I have now can heal as long as the smaller Synodontis specimens that were left in the tank with them do not continue aggravating them. The Ictalurus specimens have grown since their inclusion. The Sorbium specimens are making quick meals out of the minnow population. Softy the turtle has been on the surface among the driftwood more than I have ever seen one do before. It appears as though harmony has been restored to the tank when the larger Synodontis specimens were segregated. The Ameiurus specimens are again on the bottom resting. The tube to the outside filter was clogged due to having some plant leaves surrounding it. I put a net into the tank and lifted the tube up so that the debris would not remain in the tank. As I brought the net up I was surprised to find the small Clown Pleco in it. I was able to release him without releasing the debris. The Ameiurus specimens remain on the bottom by the Anacharis bunch. Haven't seen any of the Synodontis around them, but I did just scare away a Plecostomus that decided the visit. Mr Softie as I have named the Softshell Turtle is among the pieces of driftwood that has sunk. Most of the specimens that I can see are lazily swimming around the tank. The fish do not seem to pay Mr. Softie any mind at all as they are swimming around him like he wasn't there. Since the larger Synodontis were taken out of the picture; The Plecostomus has started antagonizing the Ameiurus. I was able to frighten them away a couple of times.


This morning came as no shock . The light was left on all night and the morning sunshine was coming in. All the normal specimens were swimming about the tank such as Ictalurus, Horabagrus, Sorbium, and Pictus. The Ameiurus swims around and then rests on the bottom with one being in the bunch of Anacharis plants. When feeding the tank it was noticed that the Striped Raphael without barbels was feeding and acting like he still had them. There is some regeneration noticed on the bottom. None of the Ameiurus specimens were noted for feeding. No sign of Bumblebee either. Introduced 4 big bunches of bamboo type plants this afternoon. It initially made the water very dirty and cloudy as one would expect from digging up wild plants at the lake for inclusion into an aquarium. The bluegills were the first to investigate the new plants. As for now that seems to be the only inhabitants of the tank that are staying amongst them. The Ictalurus and Horabagrus specimens have casually investigated, but didn't want to stay. These plants were introduced mostly for the Ameiurus specimens to hide in from the advances of the Synodontis and Plecostomus specimens. The larger specimen tank has cleared up considerably since I fixed the outside filtration. There is a scum on the inside class that needs daily attention, but the Ictalurus and the Ameiurus specimens that are in that tank do not do as much since they are the only ones in there except a Golden Shiner.


Came into the room this morning to find that the specimens were exhibiting their pattern of being hungry which is the rapid movement at the front of the tank back and forth. I also found that the Ameiurus specimens were into the plants that were introduced yesterday. The food was introduced and the frenzy started. Everyone participated in the frenzy except for Bumblebee. Both of the Ameiurus specimens were seen eating. Mr. Softie seems to be content in his new surroundings. Rearranged the bamboo type plants in a more logical order, but of course the tank was stirred up. I put them zip tied around a straight piece of wood and then weighted it down with decorative rocks. It gives it more of a forest type look rather than a man made clump of plants. There is quite a bit of debris for the Plecostomus and Synodontis to munch on as was a suggestion from Researchgate. I posed the question as to what does the Ameiurus and Pylodictis have on the body that would prompt a Synodontis and Plecostomus to contantly scrap their bodies raw. The suggestion that came back was to have detritus for the specimens to munch on.


The Ameiurus have taken advantage of the new foliage by hiding amongst it and right below. The Synodontis seems to light it as well as they were seen chewing the leaves. This new found forest has attracted others to it as well. One of the larger Bluegills has taken up residence in the alcove and has actually became darker in color. The smaller Bluegills are finding refuge among the leaves as well as the minnows are attempting to escape from being consumed. Turned the tank light on this morning to find the Ameiurus specimens nestled among the leaves of the forest. All the other inhabitants are swimming back and forth in the front of the tank wanting food. In the larger specimen tank the Golden Shiner died and half of the body was consumed before he could be removed. The water in that tank not on only has an odor, but also very murky. Instead of just dumping food into the tank; a control measure was initiated to prevent over feeding and less waste. Although the specimens have been very good about cleaning up the mess; it is good to have some control measures in place. The Ameiurus specimen came down out of the leaves to partake whereas the other one didn't. The Clown Pleco is making more and more appearances. Noticed this morning that the Synodontis specimens were not showing signs of aggression towards the Ameiurus specimen. Mr. Softie is up among the floating plants The Horabagrus and Pictus specimens are both showing phenomenal growth. The Sorbiums are mostly staying towards the rear of the tank. Haven't seen Bumblebee in a while, but that is not uncommon. Tried to get Mr. Softie to eat so he was taken out of the tank and put him into a container with a worm. It didn't even interest him so after a while he went back into the tank.


Came into the room by the tank and I was surprised at the actions of a couple of the catfish. The larger of the Striped Raphaels was running with the group in front of the tank in their normal actions for food by swimming back and forth in front of the tank. The Corydoras has been very active for the last couple of days. Now a Sorbium specimen was joined the act of presenting himself for food by swimming up and down on the side of the tank. The normal combination of Tropical flake food and shrimp pellets were put in and the normal frenzied activity proceeded. The Striped Raphael that had it's barbels removed was joining in. The only one that I didn't see partaking was Bumbleebee. The Sorbium specimens looked interested, but I didn't actually see them eating. The Ameiurus specimens didn't come out of hiding within the plants to eat as well. The Ameiurus specimens are hiding. One was in the shadows created by a combination of driftwood, rocks, and plants. The other one is in the plants themselves. the Clown Pleco is at the back of the tank all by himself. Everybody else is out and looking for leftover food. The Sorbiums remain at the rear of the tank. Plans for today is fishing with nets by the dam. The umbrella net will be baited with chicken dog food and lowered at the dam while the cast net will be thrown out. Hopefully I can retrieve some small catfish by using the same methods that I used years ago when I first started studying catfish. Well the expedition was a total flop. The umbrella net didn't yield any results as when I pulled it up there was no fish and no bait. All I caught with the cast net was water.


This morning as I entered the room the inhabitants of the tank greeting me with swimming back and forth as they normally do. The Striped Raphael showed positive signs of detecting the food as it was placed in the opposite end of the tank that the majority of the specimens were. It does have one white barbel under the chin that has regenerated. The Synodontis specimens have not been observed aggravating the Ameiurus. The wounds on the Ameiurus specimens are still open, but appear to have some healing as they are not bright red, but more of a dull red color. Feeding time was awesome. Not only did nearly all of the specimens partake (exception being the Sorbium and Ameiurus), but Bumblebee made an appearance. Feeding was not hindered by turning on the tank light. The plants that dug up from the Portland Lake has made a positive difference in the tank, both appearance, but also in the activity of the specimens. Starting on June 1 the experiments will initiate. The first being the olfactory experiment, but more on that later.


Today was the day for acquiring more specimens. This morning I acquired a Farlowella catfish, some Otocinclus, an Albino Ancistrus, and some pretty good size Bumblebee catfish. After floating them for a while; I feed the specimens already in the tank. I put the new arrivals into a 1000 ml Erlenmeyer Flask to better introduce them to the rest of the tank. Actually so that they wouldn't be attacked before they had a chance for survival. The evening I acquired 3 new species which was Kryptopterus bicirrhis, Tiger Shovelnose and 4 Albino Iridescent Sharks. Taking another approach to introducing the new arrivals; some small minnows were purchased. The Plan is to release the minnows so that the inhabitants would not look at the new arrivals. When I got home this evening with more specimens; it was noticied that the Farlowella and a Bumblebee had remained in the flask. After I dumped the minnows into the tank; I poured the flask out with the inhabitants as well. The Bumblebee went into hiding immediantly. The Farlowella has settled on the bottom and earns it's name of Twiggy. The newer ones ones are a varied lot. The K. bicirrhis has taken to the surface stayng close to the plants. The Sharks are just trying to stay out of the way and keep from being targeted. Now the Tiger Shovelnose group has split up. One is towards the surface resting on a plant's leaf while the other one is being shy and


This mornings observations revealed that somehow an Albino Iridescent Shark had gotten into the sectioned off part of the tank with the larger Synodontis and was in dire difficulties. I also found a couple of the Otocinclus that had went through the holes in the partition and are attached to the plexiglass. I found both of the Tiger Shovelnose specimens which were both in the plants, but in different locations. I only spy 3 of the Kryptopterus specimens. Two are among the leaves of the plants and 1 is outside of the plants under a piece of driftwood. The Farlowella is attached to the Plexiglass No sign of the Bumblebees as of yet. The Ictalurus, Pictus, Horabagrus, and Plecostomus are all out in the open. The Raphaels are all on the bottom in somewhat of a hiding position. The regular inhabitants of the tank came out feeding, but non of the newcomers appeared to be interested. This afternoon as I looked at the tank; both of the Plecostomus specimens were atagonizing an Ameiurus specimen that was trying to get away from them by hiding among the leaves. I knocked on the glass to get them away. The Farlowella specimen has sinced attached himself to the plexiglass divider. I have only been able to locate 2 specimens of the Kryptopterus and Iridescent Shark. The Tigers have been staying for the most part among the plants although I did see one out in the open part of the tank earlier. Another Kryptopterus and Iridescent shark behind the plexiglass divider as well as an Otocinclus specimen. No sign of any of the Bumblebee specimens as of yet, but they usually stay hidden most of the time. An Ameiurus specimen passed away today as a result of the wounds inflicted upon it by not only the Synodontis, also of the Plecostomus specimens. The other Ameiurus is staying hidden in the weeds so haven't seen much problem with him.


Not much went on during the day as I wasn't around the tank to observe. Later in the evening as I was looking in on the tank; I couldn't find the Tiger Shovelnose, Ameiurus, or Bumblebee. Finally found the Tiger and Ameiurus, but the Bumblebee still is in hiding as the other Tiger is. Water is getting somewhat yellowish so planning on doing a 50% water change on it soon. Also there is debris on the bottom that the specimens have not picked up so I will vaccum the gravel and reposition the tank's furniture alongwith the plants.


This morning the specimens were acting very hungry so I fed them right off. Have only seen 2 of the Kryptopterus and Iridescent sharks as of now. One of the Tigers is among the plants by the plexiglass divider alongwith the Farlowella. A Horagrus specimen has made it into the plants and seems to resting nicely. The Pictus, Ictalurus are nochalantly swimming around the tank with some resting on the bottom. The Raphaels are all in a hiding mode. The Pictus seems to of picked a place to call their own and seems to be guarding its territory as when others come around they get chased off. It doesn't seem to aggressive in the chasing, but more of defending it's territory. There is a single crayfish in the tank. Mr. Softie has been noticed just swimming around and doesn't seem to be bothering anyone right now. No sign of any of the Otocinclus that was introduced. Purchased a pound of minnows for both catfish tanks. I introduced them into the project tank and as they say the crowd went wild. The specimens of Ictalurus look as though they have balloons for stomachs as they are so bloated. Both of the Showlnose have feasted and the only Tiger specimen that I can find has as well. Mr. Softie has gotten into the act as he is eating one as I am typing. Found both specomens of the Tiger Shovelnose. The one that has not fed was among the plants at the rear of the tank. Finally saw a single Otocinclus and the two specimens of Kryptopterus. Tried to use bleach on the Ameiurus specimen that passed earlier. It was successful, but I allowed it to sit in the bleach to long as the connective tissue was disintergrating as well. I did however managed to preserve the top of the skull and the weberian apparatus to observe later. Lights going off and the outside filter coming on. Picked up the distilled water for the water change tomorrow.

Monday, June 1, 2015

No water change for today. Was gone away from tank for the majority of the day. Not many of the minnows from yesterday are still around. All of the Shovelnose Catfish have full stomachs as indicated by the distended appearance. The Shovelnose specimens are out swimming along the back of the tank whereas the Tigers are situated among the plants life that is attached to the plexiglass divider. I was able to catch a glimpse of the larger Bumblebee when I turned on the tank light. Only 2 of the Kryptopterus specimens have been located, but have not been able to find Twiggy the Farlowella. The Ameiurus specimen is out of the weeds and among the Driftwood. Plan for tomorrow is to take down the plexiglass divider, remove all the furniture and locate all the specimens possible, complete a 25 gallon water change after using the vaccum on the gravel. Clean out the filters on the outside and come away with a healthier rearranged furniture and replanted tank.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

The water change was postponed for another day due to the cool weather. Not wanting the siphon hose out of an open window where the temperature only got to 66 degrees. The Sorbium specimens are being fed well as their stomachs can attest to. The Tigers are definately not as active as the others. They for the most part are staying out of sight. The water continues to have a yellowish coloration to it. Had to clean off the filter tube of debris that had been sucked up to it. The larger Bumblebee made an appearance tonight as the flake food was introduced as did the Ameiurus specimen. All specimens seemed to be feeding. Only 2 Kryptopterus specimens have been noted and only one Albino Iridescent Shark. Haven't been able to find the Farlowella specimen, but Mr. Softie the turtle seems to be getting along well.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Not much observing during the day, but the night time made up for it. Turned on room light and was pleased to see a larger specimen of the Bumblebees out enough to see. Twiggy the Farlowella was finally found on the gravel bottom. Started taking more pictures of the tank's inhabitants. The Tigers are not moving that much whereas the Sorbiums are swimming around the tank quite easily. Took several pictures of the Tigers and most all of them. The Pictus and Horabagrus have shown significant growth as a whole and the Raphaels on individuals.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Left the tank light on all night. This morning the specimens were fed the normal flake food diet with the usual results of the feeding frenzy by the majority of the specimens. Today was the day for the execution of the tank clean. Took out all the furniture including the rocks and the bamboo type plants. I removed the plexiglass partition as to my thoughts that it needed to go to get a complete understanding of the how all catfish get along instead of separating ones that prey on others. Took out 24 gallons of water by a siphon hose and sweeping the bottom for debris as it was being removed. In addition a vacuum was used to get as much debris including feces, plants, and uneaten food as possible. It goes without saying that the tank itself was a destruction zone. The re-introduced furniture as initially the bamboo type plants, but they were soon removed. The driftwood has become the main furniture staple in the tank. There remains a group of Anacharis plants in the middle. Increased outside filtration was accomplished by simply adding another filtration system. Deactivated the air stone to allow the filters to clear the tank before reactivating them. As for the fish. No idea where the Ancistrus went to, well pretty good idea as they don't just vanish. Found the Farlowella, Tigers, and Shovelnose, all of the Horabagrus, Raphaels, and Corydoras have been spotted. The Clown Pleco is at the back of the tank while the other Plecostomus specimens are hanging onto the driftwood. The Pictus, Synodontis, and Ictalurus specimens are rambling around the tank as well. The tank has been redesigned so that when the testing is initiated the results will be viewed clearer.

Friday, June 5, 2015

The tank looks almost bare since the extra furnishings were removed. Last night when the outside filtration systems were activated; the filter medium were not brand new. Used filters were installed primarily since the debris were going to be removed and that would clog up a new filter. This morning the siphon tubes were taken out twice and cleaned due to debris clogging them up. New filters were installed and the tank is looking better. Most of the specimens are readily available to view. Late afternoon the tank looks really good. The water is clear and the inhabitants are mostly all visible. The Synodontis have not been observed aggravating the Ameiurus specimen. Two of the Horabagrus specimens are situated under a piece of driftwood while the other larger one is out swimming around in the tank. The Bluegills that had changed to a darker color when the Bamboo type plants were introduced are now back to their original color without the plants. The Tigers are situated on the bottom without any inhabitants aggravating them. The Shovelnose specimens are both swimming around the back of the tank mostly. All of the Plecostomus specimens are clinging to the driftwood.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

This morning observations were of no special activities. The specimens were all casually swimming except the Tigers and Twiggy. The Tigers were situated on the bottom without movement. The Ameiurus specimen was swimming maintaining a position in mid strata. Deactivated the outside filters to prevent cloggiing while feeding. Introduced the flake food and shrimp pellets combination. The usual frenzy took place with the larger Spotted Raphael making an appearance. Took off in late afternoon to Hendersonville, Tn for specimen gathering (fishing). During the hours spent at the Memorial Park; I was able to catch 4 specimens of catfish and 3 of which were different species. I was able to obtain an Ameiurus natalis, Ictalurus furcatus, and 2 specimens of Ictalurus punctatus. I only keep 3 specimens and let the last Ictalurus punctatus swim away. The plans for the Ictalurus specimens is to prepare them for a possible skeletal display.

Sunday, June 7, 2015

This morning the Ictalurus furcatus was found dead in the tub that the specimens were put temporarily last night. The Ictalurus punctatus and the Ameiurus natalis were both transported to the larger specimen tank until at which time their bodies could be prepared for the skeletal image. About noon I left for another specimen gathering trip to Rochester Dam, Ky. Nothing caught to be brought home, but my rod and reel was jerked ferously into the water not to be seen since. The culprit must of been a pretty good size Flathead (Pylodictis specimen) to pull the rod and reel in so quickly. Only a single bite was all that it was as my pole slid the 10 feet away and into the water. Early evening as I came into the room by the tank; the specimens are very casually swimming around the tank and laying on the bottom. The Ameiurus specimen is swimming at the surface over top of the driftwood tree. The Ictalurus, Horabagrus, and Pictus catfish are swimming in all stratas and at the front of the tank. The Plecostomus and Synodontis specimens are mostly staying at the driftwood tree, but away from the Ameiurus. The Raphaels look quite comfortable laying on the bottom and trying to hide. The Tigers and Shovelnose specimens seem like they are actively searching for food even though there are minnows among them. Fright reaction from all the specimens from tapping on the end of the tank. It didn't last long and they were back to the normal routine. As the tank light came on there seemed to be initial panic, but it was settled quickly. The Ameiurus specimen looks blotchy, but the two wounds don't seem as it anything has been aggravating them. No sign of the Iridescent Sharks, Kryptopterus specimens, or Ancistrus specimen. Late tonight the tank was fed with some interesting results. The Bumblebees have been very elusive, but tonight as the food drifted to the bottom they were noticed poking their little heads out from under a piece of driftwood snatching a piece of food and then disappearing again. They never came fully out of hiding, but rather just enough to get the food. 3 Ictalurus specimens were observed skimming the surface for food. The Ameiurus specimen is maintaining its posture in midstrata. Doesn't appear to be actively feeding. The Plecostomus are attached to the glass and wood but coming unattached to feed off of the bottom for brief moments. The Raphaels all came out to feast. The Horabagrus and Pictus is actively feeding, but even though the Tiger Shovelnose shows interest there is no sign of them actively feeding. Minnows will be picked up tomorrow for the Shovelnose specimens. The Synodontis specimens are still showing aggressive habits aimed at the Ameiurus specimen, but not as frequent. Two more Ameiurus specimens will be added tomorrow from the larger specimen tank.


This morning observations revealed the death of the Ameiurus specimen. It was found by the undergravel filter tubes just floating. No other of the tank's inhabitants were near it. It was noticed last night that the specimen had a blotchy coloration do it, but it did not look in distress as it was swimming around, but it was not eating as the other inhabitants were. The wounds caused by the Synodontis were superficial and actually looked like they were healing. Purchased a generous amount of Rosey Red Minnows from the bait store and introduced them to the tank in bulk. The Ictalurus, Tigers, and Sorbium specimens feasted quickly giving them an outward appearance of distended abdominal regions. At introduction the minnows were all gathered at the front corner, but now they are swimming around the tank. The two Ameiurus specimens from the larger specimen tank were introduced to the test tank. One specimen is swimming around among the other specimens while the other one is staying put in a single spot until Mr. Softie started antagonizing him and then he moved, but not far. A Plecostomus was showing interest in the posterior of one of the new arrivals and he was dismissed immediantly. Not for sure how, but one of the Ameiurus specimens that I removed from the larger specimen tank and introduced into the test tank has expired.


No observations were made.


The amount of minnows has been drastically reduced and by the signs of the abdominal regions of the Ictalurus, Ameiurus, Sorbium, and Tigers they are the reason. Turned tank light on and fed the specimens after unplugging the outside filters. All the specimens were feeding except the Spotted Raphaels. The Ameiurus specimen even showed an interest. I have found and definate identification for the so-called hybrid Synodontis that I purchased at the beginning of this project. They have all the characteristics of the Synodontis eupterus or commonly called the Featherfin Synodontis. The Bumbleebees were darting from driftwood to driftwood eating. The Raphaels are normally out getting food, and the Bumbleebees are usually hiding.


The specimens are all casually swimming around. The Ameiurus specimen looks as if it has fed on the minnows that are gone and surprisingly is avoiding contact with the Synodontis. When the Synodontis comes to feed off of the Ameiurus specimen than it is shook off with definate swipes of the tail and swimming away instead of like the others would just lay and let them inflict wounds on them. There is a single Rosey Red Minnow remaining in the tank. At the feeding; The tank light was turned on, but instead of sending the specimens for cover they were actually coming out in the open expecting food. The food was placed in the middle of the tank and the regular frenzy commenced. All the Raphaels were out feeding except for the smallest Spotted Raphael. The Microglanis specimens were seen under the driftwood pieces grabbing fragments of food. The Tiger and Sorbium specimens didn't show an interest in the prepared food mixture, but the Plecostomus did. You can see the Farlowella specimen just hanging on to the front side of the tank and the Clown Pleco has decided to remain on the driftwood branch. An expedition to retrieve some moss covered stones will be initiated in the morning. The antagonizing of the Ameiurus has increased activity with the Plecostomus specimens aggravatingly harrassing it now. Several times throughout the day a knock on the aquarium would be required to separate the Plecostomus or Synodontis from the Ameiurus.


This morning the tank was clear and the Ameiurus showed minimal signs of being aggravated by the Plecostomus and Synodontis. This Ameiurus specimen actually shakes the aggressors off by swimming away with thrusts of his caudal fin. There is a small scraped area right above the ventral fins. The Ictalurus specimens are very active swimming in the front of the tank. They have learned that when I approach the tank they normally are fed. Note to self. Next project of this type all the specimens will be purchased or obtained at the same time to prevent some of the predatory nature and loss of specimens. Lesson Learned. Once the light came on; the specimens became more excited as if they knew that food was on the way. The Pictus and Horabagrus were swimming excitedly anticipating to be fed. With the lid open and introducing the food; splashing from the Bluegills and even from the Ictalurus was felt. All of the Raphaels came out to feed. The Microglanis specimens were poking their little heads out and scooping up bits and pieces. The Striped Raphael that had lost its barbels are showing signs of regeneration. One chin barbel is grown out. It was initally white, but has since turned to black. There are stubbles showing slow growth from the others as well. The Sorbium specimens are active and swimming mostly on the left side of the tank from front to back whereas the Tigers are mostly staying at the back of the tank inactive on the floor of the tank by the air stone bubbles. Mr. Softie is very active , but it is not harming or being aggressive to the other specimens. Today is the day for obtaining the moss covered rocks and some more minnows. Went to the bait shop and purchased regular minnows and crayfish. Stopped by a small out of the way creek and picked up some moss covered rocks. Introduced the minnows and crayfish into the tank with immediate interest from the shovelnose catfishes as well as the Ictalurus. Rinsed the rocks off and placed them carefully into the tank. It sure brightened up the tank with color.


This morning it was noticed that the population of minnows had decreased significantly. Maintenance wise the filters were replaced with new ones. When the tank was fed everyone in the tank was out actively feeding except for the Bumblebees. Softie(soft shell turtle) was seen eating from the moss. Twiggy (Farlowella) and Bozo (Clown Pleco) were out grazing as well. The water is very cloudy possibly from the introduction of the moss covered rocks, but in an effort to clear it up; a water clarifier was introduced.


Turned the tank light on this morning and to my dismay; the Ameiurus specimen was found in a very weak condition from the constant onslaught from the Plecostomus and Synodontis. There were increased wounds from yesterday. The water had cleared up quite a bit from yesterday, but still somewhat cloudy. Removed the Ameiurus and relocated him to the larger specimen tank. The Tigers finally came out of hiding, but none worse for wear as the abdominal region is distended as if it had eating of the minnows regularily. As I looked in at the tank this afternoon; the specimens were gathered together in the front right hand corner as they do when they are wanting food. Twiggy is on the front glass and Softie was swimming up and down in the front corner away from me. The Tiger that I could see readily was just laying on the bottom at the back by the air stones. This gathering in front consisted of Horabagrus, Ictalurus, and Pictus. The Synodontis were handing around the driftwood by the Plecostomus and one was hiding at the rear of the tank. The Sorbiums were swimming around the siphon tube at the far end of the tank. I put food in on left side of the tank and when they went to that side, I introduced some on the right side. The Raphaels all came out to feed as did the Synodontis. The Plecostomus was also very active. Bozo was seen in the far left back corner adhering onto the glass, but active. I removed the Ameiurus from the tank, but as I am preparing for the testing I realized that I can do it on both tanks. Instead of having the all of the specimens in one tank; it will still be possible to get test data by utilizing the larger specimen tank as well.


Nothing extraordinary going on within the tank this morning. The Ictalurus and Pictus are crowding the front of the tank closest to me with Horabagrus and a couple of the Synodontis accompaning them as is their ritual wanting food. Introduced the food at one end and the Spotted Raphaels were out and active as I was dropping the prepared food. The BumbleBees were actively eating as is the smallest of the Spotted Raphaels. Bozo and Twiggy are not as active, but the Plecostomus specimens are very actively feeding. There are one single minnow left from the last batch of live prey that was introduced. Haven't seen any sign of the crayfish that was introduced at the same time though. I am still in awe and wonder concerning the aggressiveness of the Synodontis and Plecostomus towards only the Ameiurus specimens. I need to get in touch with someone with more experience in the Ameiurus species possibly a fish and wildlife biologists. Sent an email to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service asking the question as to why the Synodondtis and Plecostomus specimens attack the Ameiurus and Pylodictis and not the Ictalurus.


Today was an interesting day for the tank. The tank light was left off until after 2000, but the curtain behind the tank was raised to let the outside light shine through. The specimens were frightened by the initial blast of light, but they remained hidden for the majority of the day. The Ameiurus specimen that was removed from the project tank passed away today while residing in the larger specimen tank. It appeared to have blood showing up on the underbelly. The tank light was turned on after 2000 hrs. A Bluegill specimen was found floating, but interestingly enough the specimens did not frantically swim back and forth in the tank wanting food. They have all gathered by the right sign and seems to be patiently awaiting the time to feed. As the food was introduced there wasn't the usual frenzy. Tonight's feeding was more controlled. All the specimens came out to feed except for the Shovelnose varieties as they didn't show interest in the prepared food. Twiggy was clinging onto the front glass and Softie was scurrying around like normal. At least one crayfish was seen coming out from under a rock. The Plecostomus specimens are down on the bottom foraging as is the Corydoras. I was going to go fishing in an attempt to capture more Ameiurus specimens for the larger specimen tank, but called it off at the last minute. Thought for the day. The Synodontis and Plecostomus specimens


This morning continues from yesterday in the way that the specimens are acting. As dawn broke and the light started coming in through the window; the specimens have been somewhat benign with what seems to be only necessary activity. There is a couple outside of this norm, but they are off to themselves in another part of the tank. Twiggy is plastered to the front glass whereas the Plecostomus are at the back of the tank and Bozo has yet to make an appearance. The Sorbium specimens on the other hand are actively patrolling the left side of the tank. All the Raphaels are static. There is only a single Horabagrus active with the others hiding. The Pictus are moving, but somewhat casually. The Tigers are stable in the rear of the tank and Cory is present at front seemingly waiting for something to happen.


This morning the curtain was lifted so that the outside light could shine through which it did for a bit. The skies turn dark and a storm started moving in. The specimens for the most part were keeping to a subdued state by the right courner of the tank. Held some prepared food in my fingers and even though the Bluegills remained very interested they also remained very distant. There was a single Ictalurus that took the food from my fingers. The others were then afforded the opportunity to eat as the prepared food was put in. The frenzies have become less volatile and ending faster. It is my belief that as the specimens age the tendency to act in a frenzy manner disipates. Even the Bumblebees were seen darting between the driftwood getting what food they could. Softie has been staying on the surface for the majority of the time resting on the driftwood. Twiggy and Bozo are out, but Twiggy has remained out front for most of the day. The Plecostomus specimens have been out grazing the bottom and the Shovelnose specimens are staying at the rear of the tank with the exception of one making quick visits to the front. The Ictalurus specimens are starting to lose their spots with a couple individuals already gone.


The curtain behind the tank remains up to allow the light from outside to shine through. The specimens were not doing anything out of the ordinary as I sat down to observe, but it seemed like I was not noticed until I got right in front of the tank up close. They started swimming excitedly in the manner that they usually do while waiting on their daily feeding. As I backed away without giving them food they went back to their nochalant swimming pattern. This pattern was repeated two more times with the same result each time. It is like they recognize if I am watching them or just in the room. The tank was fed a different diet this morning. Several nightcrawlers were cut up and introduced to the back of the tank. There was an immediant reaction. There was an obvious frenzy from the Ictalurus, Synodontis, Horabagrus, and Pictus specimens converging and eating. The Sorbiums and Tigers actually got out of the way and did not participate in the food. The Raphaels as well did not come out or the Bumblebees. This tells me that the Shovelnose and Tiger Shovelnose specimens need to hunt their food. Obviously they need live prey mostly in the form of minnows or possibly small crayfish. Supplemented the tank with prepared food for the ones that did not come out for the wormfest. The Raphaels, Bumblebees, and Plecostomus specimens did partake of the prepared food as well as the Ictalurus, Horabagrus, Synodontis, and Pictus specimens. It became obvious that a Tiger Shovelnose had eaten something very recent as the abdominal region was bloated. So even though I did not see him eating the cut up worms he may have. Added some Rosey Red minnows to both tanks so that the Shovelnose specimens would eat pretty good. The larger specimen tank has 3 Ictalurus specimens in it has quite a bit of a minnow population. The two largest Horabagrus which happens to be darker than the other one has eaten pretty good as their abdominal regions are bloated out like the Ictalurus.


This morning as I came into the room and up to the tank; it was a surprise to note that the specimens did not come excitedly to the front. The Sorbium specimens had been eating as their abdominal regions indicated. A couple of Horabagrus still have extended abdominal regions as do the Ictalurus. Twiggy is out front attached to the front glass. The Tigers can be seen even though they are at the back of the tank. They have been partaking of the minnow population as well as indicated by their abdominal regions. In the larger specimen tank the Ictalurus has eaten good, but there are dead minnows on the bottom. Those minnows will be transferred to the test tank for the scavengers and Softie the turtle.


This morning offered a couple new observations. The Tiger Shovelnose were out where they could be seen more readily. Their stomachs still full. The larger of the Horabagrus was hidden into the Anacharis plants and the larger Striped Raphael was partially hiding under an arch of the driftwood. Twiggy is still out front and Bozo has made its way to the front as well on the bottom. The specimens acted in their normal manner as I got to the tank by swimming excitedly at the front from one end to the other. There was an immediate reaction when the prepared food was introduced. The Bumblebees were out feeding as well as the rest of the specimens. The Tigers are lurking in the backgroung. A trio of Ictalurus specimens are skimming the surface. The Sorbium specimens continue to swim in the background. Noticed that a Horabagrus specimen has apparantly partaken of the minnow population indicated by the abdominal region. With the tank light out and the only light coming from the outside; the Sorbium specimens are out in front of the tank. As I approached the tank, even with the light off, the specimens especially the Pictus, Ictalurus, Horabagrus, and Synodontis all came to the front excitedly as if waiting on food.


Today I transferred minnows from the larger specimen tank to the project tank. I also tranferred the larger Synodontis to the larger specimen tank. The reason behind the transfer was to demonstrate that the specimens that had been caught with hook and line were somehow more susceptible to the Synodontis advances. This challenge involves the Ictalurus specimens. The ones that are in the project tank were purchased and the ones in the larger specimen tank were caught by hook and line. An Ictalurus specimen from the project tank died today, but not for sure what the cause was. Maintenance needs to be done on the project tank by cleaning the filters and adding water to it. Twiggy has been staying out front except for today he has been on the bottom of the tank. Softie has been perched on the driftwood sticking up out of the water. Spotted a small crayfish hiding among the driftwood. All the Raphaels were out feeding along with the Pictus, Ictalurus, Horabagrus. A Tiger made a rare appearance out swimming around the tank especially with the light on. The Synodontis specimen that was transferred to the larger specimen tank is hiding as of right now.


Checked on the tanks this morning to find only a single minnow left out of the net full that was transferred yesterday. Twiggy is still out front and Softie is remaining at the surface with just its nose stuck up above the surface. The Synodontis that was transferred to the larger specimen tank is in hiding. No marks on the Ictalurus specimens as of yet. The Sorbium specimens are swimming throughout the tank with full bellys of minnows. The two larger Horabagrus have been hanging out together without the company of the smaller and lightly colored specimen. The Pictus cats are swimming around the tank but staying still in the front.


Today was a day of discovery, but not specifically for the tank. My grandson and I traveled to the nearby creek to explore and he caught an unordinary specimen. It resembled a sculpin so I took pictures of it and sent that to Dr. Larry Page in Florida for confirmation. There were other small specimens as well, but they died before I got them home. I put the specimens in a breeder net to have a place in the project tank, but unfortunately that net broke and went to the bottom. I have not been able to see any of the specimens since. Plans are being made to go back for further exploration with better netting to obtain better specimens. The Synodontis that was transferred to the larger specimen tank has been hiding in the floating driftwood since it's introduction. He was observed down on the bottom today and then again tonight. There have not been any attempts so far to antagonize the larger Ictalurus specimens. He will stay in there for a while. Maintenance was done on the project tank by cleaning filters and filling the tank up. Feeding the project tank did not reveal any surprises. All the specimens were out eating even the Bumblebees were hiding under rocks etc and getting food as it floated down .


This morning as I sat down by the tank I noticed that Bozo was upside down on the bottom. Thinking the worst I got a net and attempted to retrieve the supposedly dead fish from the tank. As I tried to retrieve the body it started moving. It then righted itself and swam away from the net. Am keeping a close eye of this little guy. I'm not quite sure what to expect from Bozo. He was turned upside down with the suckermouth stuck out and seemed as though his fins were twitching, but then he was seen right side up with fins erect and moved about 12 inches away. Bozo is still moving around the tank. He has went from the front to the back. Situated an underwater camera in the front corner of the tank peeking into the their world so to speak. I then introduced the prepared food close to the camera and what do the specimens do, but go to the other end to feed. The camera has a battery life of about 3 hours so I will take it out, recharge, and put it back in at a different angle. So far the larger specimens have not had any aggressiveness from the Synodontis, but will wait a few days to catch and introduce some Ameiurus natalis specimens.


Took the camera out late last and and partially viewed it on my big tv. The footage was very interesting and anxious to watch the entire thing. This morning the camera was recharged and put back into the tank in the back corner on a tripod. When that was done the Tigers who normally reside in the back of the tank came to the front to hang out. Bozo was acting just like he was yesterday by acting like he was dead and then come back to life. Today's feeding consisted of Frozen Blood Worm cubes. The Bluegills actually spotted them first and started eating prior to the catfish did at the other end of the tank. Once the Bloodworms were noticed the catfish did eat, but without the enthusiasm and frenzy that they normally do. Bozo is hanging onto the glass as of this entry. None of the Raphaels came out to feed. Supplementing prepared food for the others to participate in. The furniture was moved around a bit by taking some of the rocks out on right side. This caused the Bumblebees to be viewed better as the driftwood was positioned differently. For whatever reason the Tigers are staying away from the video camera area. The secondary air stone got hooked up the the air line that was bubbling on the surface.


This morning the camera was placed into the tank. The lights were left off and all the filters and air stones were discontinued except for the undergravel filters at each end. The food was placed in at the back. There was not much interest at first, but as the food drifted down the specimens took notice. The Spotted Raphaels did not take notice at all. The Striped Raphaels did though. There was not the frenzy feeding, but rather a more peaceful gathering. Did not see the Bumblebees at all. Twiggy is on the front glass and Bozo is on the bottom towards the back. He is really at the base of the tripod legs. Twiggy was doing something abnormal as he was pushing himself up at the surface many times and then drifted back down towards the bottom. A couple of Ictalurus are seen skimming the surface. Turned on the tank light. No changes in the behaviour of the specimens. Not for sure about Bozo though. I don't know if he is really sick or acting like its name. He was at the back of the tank this morning and then he was on the front glass, but then as I was observing he like feel to the side. An Ictalurus specimen came around hem, but he is still attached to the glass but somewhat lethargic. Maintenance project for today is to clean the inside of the glass as it is has a buildup on it as well as the outside to complete the job.


Yesterday the camera was placed into the project tank, but nothing was recorded. Reason was that the memory card was full so this morning all the videos on the card were copied and deleted off of the card. The camera was placed back into the tank at the same angle as it was yesterday. Cleaned out the tadpole tank on the back porch and placed all of the tadpoles that were recovered into the project tank. Unfortunately there was a fair amount of debris that went along with them. After only a few moments there was not a tadpole in sight. Twiggy is stuck to the side glass. Took out the air stones from the back as it appeared as though the water was being agitated to much with them in. Set up a small tank (30 gal) in the hallway and put those air stones in that one as the specimens that are planned for that tank will be taken from a running stream. I retrieved the big piece of driftwood from the larger specimen tank and put it into the small tank with big enough rocks on top to weight it down. I have constructed a new net or seine out of the backing of carpet. The holes are smaller than a traditional seine which will be helpful in obtaining the smaller specimens from the stream. The wrong memory card was placed into the camera this morning so no video was extracted. The debris from the tadpole tank is slowly being cleared up as the undergravel filters were turned off to allow total filtration from the outside filters. Strange observation of an Ictalurus of digging into the gravel for food. It wasn't on the surface of the gravel but he actually used his mouth to excavate below the gravel's surface and move some gravel and then it spat out the gravel presumably after the food was taken off much like the goldfish does. It is usual for a Corydoras, or Plecostomus to go over the gravel and root around in it, but I have not seen an Ictalurus do it before.


Today was a day of obtaining new types of specimens such as Sculpins alongwith baby crayfish. Also several minnow types and a couple of specimens that has of yet to be identified. These specimens were obtained from the nearby creek and placed into the 30 gallon tank that was set up yesterday. These fish are very colorful and interesting. The larger specimen tank remains unchanged in the health of the Ictalurus specimens. The Synodontis continues to avoid them so that lends some credibility to the theory that Pylodictis and Ameiurus specimens emit a different type of mucus than the Ictalurus does. The Project tank has been relatively calm since all filters and air stones have been removed except for the outside filters. The only light coming in for the majority of the day was what filtered in through the open curtain. The tank light was plugged in, and the activity commenced. Where before was specimens casually swimming now was activity by coming to the front of the tank. Bozo has been pretty active by going all over the tank. Twiggy has been staying at the far end of the tank on the bottom. The Tigers came to my end of the tank to show up and say hi and then casually went back to behind the submerged driftwood. Prepared food was introduced and there was an immediant reaction from the Bluegills and Goldie the Goldfish as they came to the surface to feed. The Horabagrus, Pictus, and Ictalurus all feasted as the food drifted to the bottom. The Striped Raphaels came out of hiding to feed,but the Spotted ones stayed hidden. The Bumblebees continued to be undercover, but were observed feeding as the food drifted into where they were. A Plecostomus has come a calling by attaching itself to the tank glass at the opposite end that he normally habits. The Sorubims are out and about, but only a single one ventures to the front of the tank. Water is still somewhat cloudy even after I administered some clear water chemicals yesterday. Today it was noticed that the Striped Raphael that the barbels were bitten off are regenerating. As you would be looking at it; there are 3 barbels on the left side of the mouth.


Went back down to creek with Grandson today. Captured several specimens both fish and crayfish. Several very small crayfish were netted. By using a minnow seine in a small pool there was several minnow types taken alongwith some Bluegills and others specimens that as of yet unknown. Left a baited minnow trap in another creek and it apparantly has some fish in it according to my grandson on his way home. All of the caught specimens were deposited into the creek tank for further observations. The Project tank hasn't revealed much of anything new. Bozo seems to be playing his name sake out as he appears dead, but when I attempt to capture him he comes alive again. The Tigers are settled on the bottom on this end of the tank. The other inhabitants are casually swimming around the tank. The lighter Horabagrus is resting amongst the Anacharis and the others are swimming around. Twiggy is at the back of the tank on the bottom. The Raphaels are all in their hiding spots as are the Bumblebees. The Sorubims are swimming around the tank possibly looking for minnows to eat. When the food was introduced; most of the specimens came out to feed. The Spotted Raphaels remained in their hiding spot even though the smaller one seemed interested. No sign of the Bumblebees. Testing on the tank will commence on Monday, July 6, 2015. The feeding is not as frenzied as it had been.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

This morning started off with the checking of the minnow trap that was set last evening at the local creek. There were several minnow type specimens in the net and a crayfish. The minnows were interesting cause they have yellow fins.. They were extracted from the trap, placed into a bucket with an air supply and reset the trap. After lunch a visit to the local bait stand was in order to purchase regular minnows for the catfish to consume. It was decided not to stop there again as the price was higher than what is normally paid. Placed those minnows into the project tank as well as the larger specimen tank. As observations took place later on towards midnight; it was noticed that the minnow population had noticeably decreased and the abdominal regions of most of the catfish specimens had increased. The Tigers and Sorubims seemed very pleased as they refuse to consume and prepared food. The Pictus and even the Horabagrus looked well fed. Feeding the tank tonight would seem rather pointless. Twiggy is on the bottom gravel and Corydoras is actively foraging. All the Raphaels are hiding and Bozo doesn't seem to be moving. Softie is scavenging off of minnow remains off of the bottom. All the Synodontis specimens have really remained off to themselves ever since the larger one was removed. The stream fishes tank has grown in population over the last few days as more and more specimens are caught and introduced. The larger specimen tank remains the same with the Synodontis basically hiding in a corner. The Ictalurus specimens continue to remain unharmed and so the test continues to await the arrival of an Ameiurus specimen. Rain has delayed that capture for the past few days.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Today nothing much happened within the project tank. The tank is extremely dirty due the amount of minnows that didn't get eaten and died. Fed the tank this morning and turned off the filters. When I came into the room later on all the minnows and some catfish were skimming the surface for air. I realized that the filters had been off for quite a while. Immediantly turned them back on and filtration is active again. Printed out a booklet from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife about what fish were in Kentucky to help identify the specimens in the stream tank in the hallway. There are several different species in that tank from the local stream. The larger specimen tank is about the same with no aggression shown from the Synodontis towards the Ictalurus. Added some clear water chemicals to the project tank to aid in the clearing of the water. Purchased an outside filter for the stream fish tank. Also installed new filter media in the project tank.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Last night after I had put the observations up; there was aggression towards the Ictalurus in the larger specimen tank by the Synodontis. It seemed more of a passive aggression, but the Synodontis was definitely trying to scrap the skin of the Ictalurus. As far as today; the water in the Project tank continues to be very cloudy even after the administration of the water clear chemical. The specimens do not appear to be in distress over the water situation and it has cleared somewhat. The minnow population has dwindled as expected and when food was introduced tonight; it wasn't like the normal frenzy, but rather a casual dining. The Ictalurus, Pictus, Horabagrus, Sorubims, and Tigers are still puffed out as they have been feeding on the minnows. Did see the larger of the Bumblebee specimens out during feeding. The Synodontis do not seem as anxious to come out of the corner as they used to. Purchased a new complete filter system for the stream fishes tank. The tank lost about half a dozen of the prettiest fishes caught as of yet. The Red Bellied Dace among others were seen floating around so they were removed as the new filter was being installed. Twiggy is nowhere to be seen, but Bozo is still playing the tricks of an oppussum by seemingly dead and perk back up as I attempt to capture him. Plans for trying to capture small Ameiurus specimens are still active and for Sunday or Monday evening.

Saturday, July 4, 2015

All the minnows are depleted. The tank has been without any lighting for the majority of the day. Turned the tank light on prior to feeding them this evening. Bozo is over in the left corner on its back, but still breathing. The Synodontis are all out and about the tank. The Raphaels came out in force to eat, but quickly returned to their places to hide. Found several more specimens dead in the stream fish tank throughout today. Conclusion is that the Northern Studfish which happens to be the prettiest fish in the tank is actually very aggressive towards the Daces. We have had so much rain in the last few days that the stream is flooded, but when it goes back down additional specimens will be added. The Synodontis in the larger specimen tank has not been observed being aggressive except for that one instance. Specimen collection excursion has been planned for tomorrow night in an attempt to get some Ameiurus specimens suitable for the project tank. The morning will see the project tank being cleaned and re-set as even though the water quality is showing improvement; the undergravel filters will be removed, the gravel being cleaned and then re-set with clean gravel and new water. Haven't seen Twiggy for a couple of days come to think about it.

Sunday, July 5, 2015

The project tank water continues to improve so won't do the total cleanup as was planned. Twiggy is still a no show, so if he doesn't show up by tomorrow than I will do a search for him. Bozo is in the front corner, not moving, but still breathing. Not for sure on how to take him. Haven't found very much information on his behavior so far. There are no minnows remaining, so will make a trip to purchase some this afternoon. All the other specimens in the tank seem to be doing well. The stream fish tank continues on the mortality downfall. There again there has not been much information as to the behavior aspect of the Studfish. Fishbase has it posted that it is not an aquarium fish. The larger specimen tank doesn't have much happening. There are no minnows in that one as well. The Synodontis has not been observed being aggressive towards the Ictalurus since that first encounter. Feeding time did not show any surprises. The non-siluriformes specimens were patiently awaiting me to put the prepared food in. They were the first to eat, but the siluriformes specimens were right there. All the Raphaels were out eating and Ictalurus, Horabagrus, Synodontis, and Pictus joined in the feast. Softie is just swimming around in all stratas of the tank willing to eat what is available. The excursion to possibly obtain some Ameiurus specimens has been posponed until Monday evening as it had stormed most of the night and morning. The Tigers are out casually swimming among the backdrop and the Sorubims are as well. Still no sign of Twiggy and the Plectostomus specimens remain for the most part attached to the sunken driftwood branches. Bozo finally passed away as the body was removed tonight. The mortality rate rises again as 3 more specimens were taken out today. The Studfish seems to have problems of its own. As I looked into the tank; I did not see but one of the Johnny Darters and no Sculpins. A body that appeared to be a Sculpin was laying on the bottom. The Bumbleebees seemed to be buzzing away in the Project tank as they came out of the hiding spots momentarily to feed. The big piece of Driftwood needs to be removed tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow a plan was made to go to what the locals call the Spillway by Lake Malone tomorrow for fishing activities. I purchased the products to assemble a makeshift minnow trap for the trip alongwith all of my cast nets, and umbrella net.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Not much in the way of observations was done today. The Ictalurus in the larger specimen tank has eaten all the minnows provided for them, but the Synodontis seems scared of them. Removed the rocks from the stream fishes tank late this evening and allowed the driftwood to float. Seems as though there is only a single Johnny Darter left with no sign of the Sculpins. The Studfish passed today and all of the Daces are gone. Went on a specimen collection expedition tonight and brought back a small Ictalurus and small Ameiurus specimen. Originally they were placed in the stream fishes tank somewhat like a quarentine, but knowing how much both of the specimens like to eat crayfish; they were soon placed in the Project tank. The Ictalurus specimen caught tonight has a different coloration as compared to the ones previously purchased. The newest Ictalurus is very light silver on the sides with a tinge of yellow. This specimen has all of the spots associated with and Ictalurus punctatus as compared to the purchased ones which have lost most of their spots. The Ameiurus specimen is light green dorsally with a yellow underbelly. Fed the tank with the lights off, but that didn't make any difference with who came out to feed which was just about everyone. The newest Ictalurus seems to be checking out the new environment going all over the tank and in all stratas. When the tank light came on there was a scramble, but soon calmed down. The water has definately cleared with both filters going on. The Ameiurus specimen went instantly to hiding behind the moss covered rock, but he was forced out to the open. It was very excited so the tank light was turned off and he settled back down out in front. The other specimens approached both of the new specimens like they were curious, but not aggressive. So far the Synodontis doesn't seem interested in the Ameiurus, but it will be interesting later on tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

This morning as I started observing the tank it was noticed that the Ictalurus specimen that was placed into the tank last night seems to be adapting well to the confines of the aquarium. It is still a sharp contrast to the previous inhabitants, but it is not behaving erratic. It really is just sitting on the bottom. Granted the hook was left in the Ictalurus and Ameiurus specimens so not for sure on how that is going to work out. A lot of times the hook is dislodged and spat out. The Ameiurus on the other hand is hiding amongst the Synodontis, Plecostmus specimens under the branches of the driftwood. The Ameiurus specimen has been probed out of the hiding spot on a couple of occassion just to view its progress and to see if the Synodontis were antagonizing it or not. Both Tigers are out literally on top of each other in the back of the tank. Just laying there while the Sorubims are actively swimming along the length of the rear of the tank. Twiggy was found floating. Looked like it had been dead for a while as the abdominal region had been eaten possibly by Softie. Anyways it does provide an excellant opportunity to observe the skeleton of the it as the vertebrae is exposed. So far the Synodontis specimens are ignoring the Ameiurus specimen. The Synodontis are swimming around Ameiurus without stopping to investigate. Several dozens of minnows were purchased and divided between the two tanks. The bellies are already being distended indicating that the specimens are already eating. The light has been on, but will be shut off so that the more nocturnal specimens will not be afraid to partake of the bounty. After looking in on the Project tank there were several minnows that were floating. Some of which had been bitten presumeably by Softie, but they are floating none the less. The Tigers have feasted as well as most specimens of the Ictalurus group. It doesn't look like the Sorubim specimens have partraken as of yet. The Pictus seems to have had some as well. Fed the tank a small portion of prepared food and all of the Raphaels came out to feed. The Synodontis were seen feeding from the prepared food and the Bumblebees were even out eating.


With the lights out on the tank doesn't seem like much going on. The specimens are all casually swimming around. There are a couple of Ictalurus that are going from top to bottom. A Horabagrus is swimming near the surface. The population of minnows is still strong with several dead ones floating. As the curtain was raised to allow outside light into the tank, the school of minnows tightened up. The Ictalurus continued to swim around after the initial shock of light to the tank. The larger Striped Raphael is out and about. The Sorubim specimens are swimming throughout the left side of the tank. Softie is down on the bottom scavenging.


This morning as I turned on the tank light; the Ameiurus specimen could not be found. After probing it was chased out in the open when it was noticed to have scrapings on the caudal peduncle and sides. Cannot be for sure how the scrapings got there as the act was not witnessed. This evening the Ameiurus specimen was out front in the corner. The specimen had several wounds, but the culprits were unknown as the specimens that created those wounds were not about. The conclusion so far as to this project anyways is that the Ameiurus emits a substance that attracts the Synodontis. So if the Ameiurus is to be used in a project this type of behaviour warrants that a Synodontis not be in the same project. It does give one some questions as to the makeup of the substance that attracts the Synodontis.


No observations done today due to family emergency

Saturday, July, 11, 2015

This afternoon's observation was simple. The identification of specimens and number were the primary focus. Turned off the outside filtration systems and fed the tank. There are multiple lacerations on the body of the Ameiurus specimen, but not on the newly caught Ictalurus that was caught at the same time as the Ameiurus. There was a Horabagrus that was swimming very slowly at the surface. Somewhat lethargic. The population of the minnows is greatly reduced as the Sorubims and Tigers abdominal regions indicated that they had been feeding. A Horabagrus and Pictus specimens were also indicating that they were fed with minnows. Softie was seen at the surface.


Last night a new minnow trap was constructed and put into the nearby small creek baited. This morning it was checked and found several specimens in the trap, but most got out of the trap before it was raised out of the water. A dace was recovered and the trap was again lowered into the creek. Placed the dace into the stream fishes tank. There had been a Sculpin in the tank but hadn't been seen until last night. It sure was a plesant surprise to see it still in the tank. Apparantly it is hiding in the gravel as the small crayfish was found to do. This afternoon as I was watching the tank; a Horabagrus was by the filter tube of the filter. When I attempted to net him he swam away, but he is very lethargic. Breathing, but just nothing else. Fed the tank and even the Bumblebees came out to feed. The Ameiurus specimen is up and around, but staying under the driftwood. No new scrapings have been observed. He was actually eating the prepared food as it drifted to him. The minnow population has dwindled down to half a dozen or so. Water is very murky, but the filter media has already been changed, so that will no doubt help the water clearing up. Non of the Synodontis or Plecostomus specimens have been observed antagonizing the Ameiurus specimen. The Horabagrus looks to far gone to come back so he was removed from the tank and is being allowed to dry up . As he was being removed he came back to life and was flipping around so he was released to the tank. It didn't take long before he was belly up again, so he was brought out and placed on a filter media pad to dry out to keep as a dry specimen. The minnow trap that had been constructed had a single flaw. The holes were to big so the smaller fishes escaped before they could be recovered. In order to rectify the issue; the minnow trap was placed inside of the umbrella net. This worked well on the second checking of the day, so it was baited again with old bread balled up and placed on the opposite side of the street. After dark the trap/net combination was checked for the last time today and there were several fish and crayfish in it. All the fish specimens were placed into stream fishes tank and the crayfish were introduced to the larger specimen tank. Speaking of which; none of the larger channel catfish specimens have been attacked at all even though they were captured using the hook and line method.


It was this evening before I had the opportunity to observe the tank for any length. Water still extremely murky so the tank will undergo a complete overhaul in the morning. Turned the tank light on and it scared the specimens. There was rapid movement from all the specimens. There are no more minnows in the tank for the specimens to feast on. The Ictalurus specimen that I caught a few days ago continues to be shiny silver with multiple spots instead of changing to the dull gray as the others that was purchased has done. The Sorubim continue to swim in the background and the Tigers seem to be thriving. The only visible act of aggression through this entire project so far has been the Synodontis and Plecostomus against the Ameiurus specimens. The most recent Ameiurus specimen that has been caught continues to hide, but does make an appearance when the food is entered. The remaining Horabragrus seems to be healthy and the Ictalurus and Pictus specimens are growing.


Left the tank light on all night. Came in this morning find the Ameiurus specimen in the front corner of the tank. He did not move so I could observe his wounds. The wounds seems to be healing as there are what could be referred to as scabs over the wounds. There are no fresh wounds so wondering if they have decided to leave him alone. Several crayfish were added to the tank after last night's collection from the nearby creek. Water continues to be murky so the plan for this afternoon to totally redo the tank is still in effect. The larger specimen tank is the same being murky and dirty so that tank will be done tomorrow. Placed several crayfish into that tank as well. There are several minnows still remaining in that tank so will transfer the remaining minnows into the actual project tank after the cleaning. I switched the tank cleaning schedule as the larger specimen tank was done today and since there was only 3 minnows left they remained in the larger specimen tank. Very interesting observation as I observed the tank this afternoon. The Ameiurus specimen came back out so that he could be seen. He seems to be doing pretty good and there were none of the normal antogonists around him. Found the larger Bumblebee catfish laying beside a piece of driftwood. He has grown significantly since his introduction to the tank. Upon feeding the tank this evening the feeding frenzy had


Started on doing a total tank cleanup this morning. Took out the undergravel filters and most of the furniture. It wasn't until late this evening when the tank was ready for the inhabitants. Slowly the Ictalurus was added first as well as Bluegills, and Golden Shiners. After a fair amount of time the Shovelnose specimens, Pictus and Synodontis specimens were allowed into the new home. Lastly was the Raphaels, Bumblebees, Corydoras, Plecostomus, etc. Water is clear and after a few hours the specimens are none worse for wear even though 3 nets were sacrificed to keep from harming the Pictus, Shovelnose, etc. The furniture has been skimmed down to include 3 moss covered rocks on top of a big piece of driftwood with branches. The glass covers will be cleaned tomorrow and the light will be replaced on top of the tank.


This morning as the tank was observed; it was noticeably quiet. Most of the specimens are congregated around the driftwood with the Sorubims being out swimming in the open. Most of the Ictalurus specimens are staying around the left side of the tank. Even the Goldfish is staying amongst the congregation. The Bluegills and Golden Shiners are staying opposite of the main congregation. Only a small amount of food was put in this morning and it was placed at the opposite end of the tank from the main congregation. Of course the non siluriform specimens were the first to partake, but it wasn't long before the siluriforms were interested. The Raphaels, Corydoras, and Ictalurus was all excited drawing them away from the driftwood. The Horabagrus and the Pictus were cautious. All of the specimens made it through the transition from the cleaning of the tank, but it was not without some difficulties. The fins of some of the specimens were entangled in the nets and thusly the nets were cut to avoid damage to the specimens. So the lost of 3 nets was the cost of the tank cleaning. The larger specimen tank has 3 Ictalurus and a single large Synodontis, but the Ictalurus specimens are not being antagonized by the Synodontis. The Ameiurus specimen in the project tank was wounded, but the wounds seems to be healing. It doesn't seem to be in distress and the Synodontis and Plecostomus specimens don't seem to be interested in him anymore. For obvious reasons a small piece of floating driftwood has been introduced so that Softie can rest on it. The Stream fishes tank is very active. The Johnny Darter is scurrying around on the bottom, but the Sculpin only comes out once in a while. The other specimens are very active. The tank received two new additions this afternoon. The first was several rosey red minnows which was purchased specifically for the Sorubims and Tigers and the other was a several Anacharis and Hornwort plants from a private vendor. These plants were taken straight from the established plant growth and were pretty cheap compared to the same amount that are from pet stores. Definately will go back and purchase a lot more for the rest of the tank. The bits and pieces of these plants were put into the stream fishes tank as floating. They are whirling due to the current caused by the bubble screen. Went specimen collecting tonight, but only caught a single Ameiurus specimen that was appropiate to bring home, but he swallowed the hook and passed away before the trip home. Checked the minnow trap on the way home as there are usually a few crayfish and daces in it, but to my surprise there was a huge Alligator Snapping Turtle in the net. The net now needs to be repaired as this specimens claws cut holes in it. It was an adventure getting this big specimen out of the net without being bitten. Got back to the project tank itself. Turned on the room light and the tank came alive with erratic movements, but the tank light was then activated and initially the specimens were extremely scared and quickly found cover. They soon settled down. The Tigers are both out in the open with full bellies as are the Sorubims. The Ictalurus for the most part were out with a couple of them still attempting to hide. Softie finally caught him a minnow meal and was seen on the bottom wrestling with it. The Ameiurus specimen is surprisingly good given the past history of Ameiurus specimens in the tank. The Horabagrus is staying close to the driftwood. The larger Golden Shiner has several lacerations mostly on the caudal peduncle, but from unknown sources as the smaller Golden Shiner doesn't have those marks.


This afternoon as I came in the to project tank it was noticed that the Tigers were situated towards the front of the tank. That is odd since there have been at the back of the tank. The Plecostomus specimen has been attached to a branch of driftwood upside down since yesterday. The Pictus Cats are still sporting a piece of the net that I had to cut away from his pectoral fins when they were transferred to the tank from the holding tank. Most of the specimens are active. A few individuals have found a resting spot underneath the branchs of the driftwood. The larger Golden Shiner has died. Not for sure why he was losing his scales and lacerations were on the body. Interesting note on the Ameiurus specimen. All of the Ameiurus specimens that have been caught has swallowed the hook. As they were brought back and put into the larger specimen tank there wasn't any problems, but as soon as they were placed into the project tank they were attacked and antagonized literally to death. This Ameiurus that is in the tank now started out in the same manner. By a stroke of luck the hook that he swallowed was dislodged and regurgitated. Since that time he hasn't had any type of aggression to him. Preparations are being made to travel to a place by Lake Malone that is supposed to have in the waters an abundance of fingerling catfish. Probably in a couple of weeks will be the expedition. Removed the Golden Shiner from the tank. Maintenance on the tank consisted of clearing out the siphon tubes to the filters as they were clogged. Went down to the creek in an attempt to procure additional Johnny Darters and Sculpins, but unable to. All three tanks remain clear. The specimens in the project tank has carved out a somewhat hiding spot under a branch of the driftwood. They all have been seen in it from time to time, but that is where the Ameiurus specimen stays.


The specimens are relatively active this afternoon. The underwater camera has been set on the bottom to record the area of the tank where the majority of the catfish hang out under the driftwood branches. The lighter Horabagrus has been staying in the bunch of plants. The Pictus specimens have been staying on the bottom by the plants. The piece of driftwood that usually had the smaller Spotted Raphael is vacant except for a single Striped Raphael underneath of it. The Tigers for the most part have been docile meaning that they mostly sit on the bottom with the occassional venture out. The larger Horabagrus has been intermingling with the Ameiurus and Ictalurus under the driftwood. The Synodontis specimens are off to themselves as are the Plecostomus specimens. Corydoras is just all over the tank foraging on the bottom. The Sorubims have been swimming around the far left side of the tank in the vincinity of the filters siphon tube. The Ictalurus specimen that was caught on hook and line continues to sport a bright shiny coloration.


Just casual viewing was done today. The underwater video camera was lowered to the gravel level and recorded 3 hours of video which has yet to go through. Notice of the bunch of plants that was recently put in has floated to the surface.


This morning the observations were accomplished without any lighting source except for the light coming through a different window. The specimens are casually swimming around the tank without any specific purpose noted. The Tigers are in separate areas of the tank with one closer to the desk area while the other is actively swimming in the far left of the tank. The Plectostomus specimens are in the same area, but one is on the bottom while the other one is still hanging upside down on the driftwood. The Ameiurus specimen is mostly under the driftwood, but has occassionally come out in the open. No sign of the Bumblebees. The Pictus cats and Synodontis are out and about. The wounds on the Ameiurus seems to be healing. Sorubims are both at the rear of the tank swimming up and down. There is a definate decline in the minnow population. The larger Synodontis was observed antagonizing the Ameiurus specimen, but soon quit as the Ameiurus swam away. Have not seen the Bumblebees since the tank was restructured. When food was introduced the Ameiurus specimen seemed interested, but didn't come out from undercover. Maintenance needs to be done in the morning as the filters are starting to clog up and not filter. Late evening showed the Ictalurus specimens out and about with the Tigers at the back of the tank together. The larger of the Horabagrus has been hiding underneath the large moss covered rock. It was sporting a big belly even with not eating, It finally made an appearance tonight still sporting the big belly. The Synodontis are all separate with two at front and the larger of the three at the rear of the tank.


This morning the Tigers were out front showing off on how much they have grown as they have. The majority of the specimens are still hiding under the driftwood. The Ameiurus specimen is hiding under the driftwood as well. The water appears to be yellowish and the plants need to be re-planted. Since the light was turned on there has been increased activity. There are a few specimens staying in the shadows of the floating plants. The Synodontis specimens are all separated throughout the tank. There is only a single minnow prevailing in the tank. Placed my minnow trap in a different part of the creek. Checked it about 2230 last night and found a couple good sized crayfish in the net supporting the trap and only a couple of red bellied daces in the trap itself. This morning as the trap was checked there were a multitude of Daces and Bluegills which was promptly brought to the stream fishes tank. This tank is getting to full of specimens so most likely the rest of the specimens trapped will go into the larger specimen tank or the project tank. Surprisingly the Ameiurus made an appearance out in the full view with the light on. The Ictalurus specimen that was captured alongwith the Ameiurus specimen continues retain the same coloration as when he was captured. The Synodntis seeing that the Ameiurus was out attempted to aggravate him, but the Ameiurus quickly swam off and The Synodontis retreated to where he came from. Feeding brought a positive response from almost all of the specimens. The Striped Raphaels came out to feed but no sign of the Spotted or the Bumblebees. Softie the turtle started foraging as well. All of the Ictalurus specimens came out feeding as did the Pictus. The smaller and lighter Horabagrus was out and about, but the Larger and Darker Horabagrus only emerged for a very short time. Tonight as we checked the minnow trap several dace specimens were retrieved. As the stream fishes tank was overpopulated they were put into the larger specimen tank.


Went to the creek this morning to check the minnow trap and retrieved several specimens. Placed them into the project tank. There is a couple specimens larger than the daces. These daces are about the size of the minnows that have been used as food, so I suspect that will be their fate. Retrieved several dead specimens from the stream fishes tank this morning. Cleaned filter tube and filter pads. The water seems somewhat murky though. An interesting event took place in the stream tank yesterday that I didn't note. I saw a larger minnow type that I had procured with the caudal fin of a smaller specimen hanging out of it's mouth. The peculiar thing about it was that it looked like it was chewing on it, but he was only moving his mouth to breathe. The Daces that were introduced into the larger specimen tank have been reduced in number which is no surprise. One of the larger minnows passed away, but Softie didn't waste any time getting to it. Check the trap again tonight and retrieved some specimens, but stopped by the little creek at the end of our road as I had saw some interesting fishes there a few nights ago. They were tough to catch as they were quick. Did manage to capture a good size Sculpin. Promptly returned to the house and introduced them to the project tank.


Water in tank is extremely murky. Found the Sculpin that I caught last night dead this morning. Nothing much else going on with the tank. Giving it until the morning before I clean it out again. Noticed that the Daces that was introduced are all swimming at the surface like they would if there was not enough oxygen for them to breath. Noticeably since they originated from a creek than maybe the project tank temp would be to high for them. There has been several deaths in the stream fishes tank, but the ones that was introduced into the larger specimen tank has been consumed.


The water in the tank continues to be very murky. A semi-complete cleaning and restructuring of the furniture and plants will be completed on Saturday, July 25, 2015. In addition there will be additional aeration ports as the filtration systems are unable to maintain adequate aeration. The minnow trap and net was checked and contained several larger specimens which were promptly retrieved and added to the project tank. There were several specimens that had expired in the tank which aided in the clouding of the water.


Today was maintenance day for the tank. All of the water was taken out of the tank and replaced. An undergravel filter was installed and the plant bunch was replanted better. All of the furniture was removed with only the driftwood branches and a single piece of driftwood was replaced. As with all other cleanings the specimens were taken out and relocated to a holding bucket until the tank was completed and warmed. The largest Ictalurus specimen was relocated to the larger specimen tank and a single larger Bluegill expired during the exercise. The purpose for the tank cleaning was that the stream fishes that was introduced to the tank had passed and had contaminated the tank itself. The outside filters were cleaned out and new filter media was installed. All of the catfish specimens survived the cleaning. Feeding tonight was the prepared food of flake food and shrimp pellets. I am questioning the identifications of the Ameiurus specimen in the tank. The reason being is that the normal Ameiurus natalis has white chin whiskers and this specimen has black ones giving one the supposition that it is an Ameiurus melas. It is interesting though as this species has never been caught by this researcher prior. The food did not provide the normal feeding frenzy reaction, but rather casual dining. When the specimens were initially added; the high majority of them attempted to hide around the driftwood. The illumination was discontinued to allow the specimen a settling in period. The outside filters were reactivated which caused an immediate dispersal of the floating flake food, but it also caused a suction which caused some of the food to adhere to the siphon tubes. The light was turned on and the immediate reaction of all of the specimens were of panic. They soon settled down and went out swimming around the tank. The Ameiurus specimen was swimming around the tank presumeably attempting to find a place to hide. Note on the growth of the Tiger Shovelnose. Their growth has been extraordinary especially the heads and mouths. The Sorubims have also experienced growth, but not to the extent of that of the Tigers. Softie also survived the transition and is being viewed resting on the upper most branch of the driftwood. The wounds on the Ameiurus are superficial and the Synodontis show very little signs of aggression towards that specimen or even the Ictalurus specimen caught at the same time. The two specimens spat out the hooks that was lodged when they were caught. This subject needs further study to understand it better, but since the prior specimens of Ameiurus still had the hooks in their bodies could that of triggered a reaction in the phernmones to attract the Synodontis and Plecostomus specimens. The Striped Raphael that had all of it's barbels removed continues to show regeneration. It now has two barbels grown and stubs of others. The Ictalurus specimen that had an injury to it's eye seems to of made a recovery without much effect on the feeding or swimming abilities. In less than a week additional plants will be purchased so that the entire end of the tank will be planted which in turn means that more gravel will be purchased to plant the Anacharis and Hornwort in.


This morning as I checked in on the various tanks it was noticed that the Ictalurus specimen that was introduced into the larger specimen tank has acclimatized to that tank. It is congregating with the other Ictalurus specimens that was already in that tank. As for the stream fishes tank; the population has decreased immensely. There are only a few specimens left in that tank and they are the larger ones, crayfish, and bluegills. The Project Tank continues to be clear. The smallest Bumblebee made an appearance this morning. A small crayfish is constructing his home by moving gravel out from under a single piece of driftwood. Almost all of the specimens are active and swimming around the tank. This evening not much has changed. The water is clear and the plants remain planted. Softie is down in the corner next to the desk actually looks like he is breathing. That is news to me as I presumed that it being a reptile it must have air and thusly having to surface once in a while. Maybe that is why that out in the wild you don't see that many Soft-Shelled Turtles on the surface. All of the normally swimming specimens are doing just that in a casual manner. The small crayfish looks like he gave up on pushing the rocks away from his hiding place. The Pictus and Tigers for the most part staying sedentary with only spurts of movements. The tank light has been off all day so now it will be turned on to see what happens. Not much a reaction really. There were no quick erratic movements attempting to get under cover. The plant bunch has the smaller Bumblebee and a crayfish as inhabitants at the present. The Bullhead is on the bottom facing me at the base of the plants. the larger Striped Raphael headed for cover over by the Spotted Raphaels. Mostly the inhabitants went about their activities as they normally would.


This morning first thing was the removal of the video camera from where it had been recording. The specimens are swimming around casually. The Bullhead is out in the open. The specimens were fed a flake food and shrimp pellet mixture. The Ictalurus specimens were reacting normally by grazing the gravel for food. The feeding started slowly, but soon heightened. The Tigers and Sorubim specimens did not take notice of the food. The Bullhead on the other hand seemed to take notice, but did not partake of the food. The Raphaels both types came out and were actively grazing as did the Pictus, Synodontis, and Horabagrus specimens. A couple of Ictalurus specimens were observed skimming the surface taking in food as they went. They only do this momentarily. Purchased a quantity of minnows from the bait store and instroduced quite a number of them to the tank. It was not long at all before the Tigers and Sorubims partook of the bounty as the abdominal regions attested to. It is very interesting that the specimens will readily consume minnows and crayfish, but no harm has come to the small Bumblebee catfish. Turned off the tank light.


No observations were done this morning, but the evening revealed some pretty interesting events. It finally quit raining so I was able to go to the nearby creek to try to get specimens that are not normally out during the day. As soon as we (My grandson Zoltan and I) entered the creek there were multitudes of small crayfish that were caught. There was even a small water snake that we managed to scare away. Once darkness was upon us we saw Darters and Sculpins. We managed to catch a few of each. It ended up with a single larger Sculpin and a trio of Darters that was introduced into the Stream Fishes tank. Another note of interest was that the larger specimens have been very active most of the day. Most likely due to the weather. The minnow population in the Project tank is down considerably. The Ictalurus specimen that was captured with the Ameiurus continues to exhibit the silvery coloration with the spots. Feeding time for the tank was not without instance. All the Raphaels came out to feed alongwith the rest of the specimens except that there was no sign of the Bumblebee catfish. The Ameiurus specimen was not observed actually eating, but he was seen being active during the feeding.


The specimens have been pretty active all day. With the light on the hiding spots for the majority of the specimens are limited. The Ameiurus specimen has been hanging out around the plants mostly with occasional trips to the driftwood. Major development with the larger of the Bumblebee specimens. Where the smaller Spotted Raphael had taken up residence inside the crevice of a single piece of driftwood now houses the Bumbleebee. It is a development since these specimens are seldom seen without it being feeding time. The Tigers are resting at the rear of the tank as are most of the specimens at present. The minnow population has decreased significantly suggesting that the specimens are eating including the Ameiurus. In the Stream fishes tank; the specimens caught the other evening seem to be doing well. The Sculpin remains visible as do the darters of which number 2 different species. The specimens in the larger specimen tank are pretty active.


This afternoon the Synodontis specimens were noticed harrassing the Ameiurus specimen. After several attempts by the Ameiurus to rid itself of the nuisance I tapped on the tank to frighten them away. The plants broke loose from the gravel planting to float to the surface. Acting upon the presumption of being hundry; several cubes of frozen bloodworms were introduced. There was quite a reaction from the specimens. The Synodontis were one of the first on the scene to partake. The floating cubes quickly thawed and were submerged by the filters incoming current. Most of the specimens reacted in some way, but only the Horabagrus, Ictalurus, Synodontis, and Pictus was even close to a frenzied state. Softie the turtle also partook of the food. The small crayfish what was collected from the nearby creek are busily moving gravel and trying to set up hiding spaces. The stream fishes tank was maintained by cleaning the filters today. The specimens in that tank seem to be aclimitizing quite well to a caputured existence. The Sculpin and Darters are both swimming around the tank on the bottom. Obviously the quest for minnows will be dealt with by using my minnow trap and umbrella net. I can then harvest those specimens and provide live prey for the Tigers and Shovelnose especially. Fed the tank the normal prepared food which caused a stir in the community. All of the specimens came out including Raphaels and Bumblebees. It also ceased the activity of the Synodontis on the Ameiurus. The evening produced interesting events for specimen collecting. Deployed my minnow trap inside of the umbrella net prior to dark. My grandson and myself went on the other side of the bridge to start our collecting. It started off with multitudes of crayfish of various sizes, but as darkness fell on the creek there were other surprises. There were many Sculpins that we were able to capture and for the most part of significant size. One was about 3 inches long. Alongwith those specimens were a few specimens of darters. The minnow trap was checked prior to departure and it gave the collection some orange finned minnows, additional crayfish, and a couple Bluegills. Brought all of the specimens home and just simply poured the fish and creek water into the Stream Fishes tank. The crayfish were separated by size and the 3 smallest were introduced into the Stream Fishes tank. The others were placed into the larger specimen tank for the purpose of live prey.


This evening was the only viewing done today, but it was one to remember. The filter medium is clogged so changed the filters to clean ones. The light had been off all day so whatever light was from the outside shining in. Have not seen the Ameiurus being aggravated by the Synodontis probably since they ceased their activity after food was introduced yesterday than a short conclusion thus far is that the Synodontis aggravates the Ameiurus when they are hungry. Additional testing is being done to substantiate that presumption. I feed the tank their normal diet of prepared flake food and shrimp pellets. All of the specimens were seen eating except the Ameiurus. The specimens were invading the crayfish space and it was quite hilarious to watch these small crustaceans with their tiny claws trying to fend off specimens several times bigger than themselves. There were claws of the crayfish seen littering the gravel to suspect that at least a couple of them had met the fate of being eaten. The Stream fishes seem to be doing well except for the one that died. That small Sculpin was attacked at the collection site by the multitudes of crayfish snapping their claws at it. The biggers ones seem to be handling captivity well as no erratic movements have been noticed. The Darters in the tank are about the same. One Darter was observed on the side of the floating log, but he quickly swam off when the tank lid

Saturday, August 1, 2015

No observations have been done for today as I was away from all of the tanks for a short trip out of state

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Came back home late last night and only did some minor observations on the tanks. Mostly to make sure that the specimens were all ok. The larger specimen tank has an issue with the the water quality. It is cloudy and foaming. The Ictalurus and Synodontis specimens are constantly on the move, but seem to be doing fine. The crayfish in that tank however have been exiting the tank by climing up the air line for the air stone. The Stream Fishes tank seems to be doing just fine. The Sculpins and Darters remain the stars of that tank. I counted 5 Sculpins still there tonight. One of the Sculpins was situated inside a crevice of the floating driftwood. As far as the actual Project tank; all seems well. The specimens congregated together when the room light was turned on. The specimens eargerly ate the prepared food that was put in the tank. Need to get some minnows tomorrow for them.

Monday, August 3, 2015

The Project tank went the entire day without the tank light being on. The only light source was from what came in through the window. The Ameiurus specimen is getting out from hiding some more and staying out in the open. Knowingly it has been attempting to stay mixed in with the plants. The other specimens have been out and about today. The larger Horabagrus seems to be doing good, but the smaller one seems thin like it isn't getting enough to eat. The prepared food was introduced this evening with only the room light being on. With the exception of the Bumblebee all the specimens were out eating and since the food was settling around the crayfish; the crayfish were all defensive when the fish came around to eat. The Shovelnose specimens seemed excited, but did not participate in the prepared food. Baited the minnow trap and lowered it into the creek resting inside of the umbrella net in the hopes of getting some small fishes so that the Shovelnose will have live prey to eat. The Stream Fishes tank seems to be getting along ok. Took several pictures of the inhabitants especially the Sculpins and Darters. They have learned to follow me around the tank to be able to obtain food. The larger specimens have been restless as the splashing has indicated. The Ameiurus specimen seems to have new wounds on its sides. Turned on the tank light and all the specimens darted for the safety of the driftwood, but quickly came back out. Checked the minnow trap to only find a single minnow specimen in it. On the other hand there were several crayfish with one specimen being extremely larger than the specimens that have be captured prior. Saw several Sculpin specimens. Went to the creek's edge and captured a couple, but then decided to continue. Captured a total of 10 Sculpins of descent size alongwith a very small crayfish, and a Darter that is extremely pretty. Put all the specimens in the tank for the Stream Fishes.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Nothing much to report for any of the tanks until this afternoon. Purchased a quantity of Rosey Red Minnows from a nearby bait shop as prey for the catfish. Placed them directly into the tank and the Shovelnose and Tigers started eating right away. In addition; I observed the Ameiurus specimen eating of the minnows. That is a valuable step in the tank so that the planned testing could be accomplished. A test of mixing fish from entirely different enviornments was initiated. Took two of the Sculpins that was captured from the creek and introduced them into the tropical temperature of the Project tank by way of a plastic bag. Put them into the bag and tied it off so that it would float so that the temperature would slowly rise in the bag without causing the Sculpins to go into shock. After 30 minutes after releasing the Sculpins they seem to be doing well. These new specimens will be continously checked throughout the evening.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Checked on the Project tank this morning to find an enormous reduction in the minnow population which indicates that the Tigers and Sorubims are all partaking in the opportunity to eat. As far as the Sculpin introduction; it has been successful. A duo of Sculpins were introduced last evening using the floating bag method and then released 20 minutes later. These specimens have been observed this morning in seemingly good health. They are periodically moving throughout the tank without signs of distress. All of the fins do not show signs of being nipped. Both individuals are approximately 3 inches in length. The Siluriform specimens are casually swimming around them with apparently not taking any notice. The water is clear and the specimens are swimming normally. The Ameiurus specimen has some superficial marks on the sides, but nothing that would life threatening. He is swimming out in the open with not Synodontis around him being aggressive or antagonizing. Keeping the tank from any artificial light so that the introduction of the Sculpins will make them settle in to the surroundings better. They have been roaming throughout the tank mostly away from the driftwood where all the other specimens hang out at. Softie the turtle was observed eating on a crayfish. Unsure if he had killed it, but soon afterwards it was swallowed by a catfish. Fed the tank this evening the prepared food mixture of flakes and shrimp pellets. All the Striped Raphaels came out for the feeding. The larger Spotted Raphael did, but more importantly was that the Ameiurus specimen started feeding off of the prepared food. The Sculpins became more active, but did not actually see them feeding. The food was taken quickly with only the foraging going on after only a couple of minutes.

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Turned on the Tank light on this morning to the specimens going into a panic. The light has been off since the introduction of the Sculpins. The Ameiurus specimen has been observed eating of the prepared food mixture of flakes and shrimp pellets. A single Sculpin was seen on one of the driftwood's branches. All the Specimens came out of hiding to each except for the Bumblebee remained hidden. The Tigers seem to be growing every day. The Plecostomus specimens were foraging around on the bottom. The Sorubim specimens seem as though they are eating the minnows as indicated by their abdominal regions. The Ictalurus, Pictus, and Synodontis specimens were all observed feeding well. A fair amount of small crayfish remain in the tank. The Ameiurus specimen is coming out in the open when the tank light is one. No specimens were added to the tank from the fishing expedition tonight. Plans have been made to go on another fishing expedition tomorrow to a place that has been rumored to have small Ameiurus specimens. Deploying all the specimen capture nets and traps will be deployed as well as the normal hook and line method. Since all of the specimens are eating properly; plans for administering the tests for the tank are to commence on Monday afternoon.

Friday, August 7, 2015

Not many surprises in the observations for this morning. Last night went on a specimen collecting trip, but came back with nothing to account for. The Sculpins are looking good and have not seen anything pestering or antagonizing them. The larger Horabagrus has some marks on him. All are superfificial. The specimens are all casually swimming about the tank. The Ameiurus specimen has been coming out more and venturing to other parts of the tank. It is impressive when it yawns which gives one an appreciation for the size of the mouth. The Tigers are coming out more as well. They have been observed swimming around the tank giving the air of superiority like he is the boss. Both of these specimens are growing pretty good. Marked decline in the minnow population. When fed the prepared food mixture, just about all the specimens came out that would. The larger Spotted Raphael was not see eating, but the smaller one was. The smaller Horabagrus seems lethargic and unresponsive although breathing. Didn't see it eating and he looks thin. The Striped Raphaels were all eating and growing. Went on a specimen collection trip to a new place called the Spillway by Lake Malone, Ky. The only thing that was caught was a small Bluegill and a lot of bugs. Went looking around the shore after packing up and noticed several tadpoles so they were caught with a handheld net. On the way to the house; stopped by Drakes Creek off of Gold City Rd right out of Franklin, Ky. Set my minnow trap inside the umbrella net and put it right off of the bridge in the hopes of catching some small catfish specimens. Talked to two individuals that were fishing off of the old boat dock. I was informed that they had been catching small catfish, so after they were asked I left them with a bucket and my card to call me when they are done and if they had any specimens for me. Got a call from those individuals that I left the bucket with to come down and get some fish. There were 5 Ameiurus natalis specimens in the bucket for me. 2 of the 5 went into the larger specimen tank, but the other 3 were able to be introduced into the Project tank. Not for sure if they still have the hook in them or not. The tank light being off the specimens are swimming out in the open, but mostly towards the surface. So far the new arrivals have not been acquired the company of the Synodontis or Plecostomus specimens. This recent addition to the tank will probably postpone the testing until they get alclimatized and start eating.


This morning the new Ameiurus specimens in both tanks have not been pestered or antagonized by the Synodontis or Plecostomus specimens. There are no marks on them at all. In the Project tank the three Natalis individuals were casually swimming about the tank. Turned on the tank light, but there was not the normal paniced erratic swimming around, but relatively calm. The smaller Horabagrus seems to be on it's last fin so to speak. It is very light and was even caught up in the suction of the siphon tube. It stayed there for several minutes. Both Sculpin specimens have been messed with but don't know who. The caudal fins seemed to of been nipped. The little Horabagrus finally gave up and was seen floating so took him out of the tank to prep for observation at a later date. The new Ameiurus specimens seem to be settling in pretty good with them venturing out in the open on occassion. The Synodontis and Plecostomus specimens have only given the Ameiurus specimens a once over, but so far nothing more than that. Noticed that when one of the new arrivals were caught on the hook it must of punctured around the eye socket as it is pronounced and ruptured.


This mornings starts with the larger specimen tank. The Ictalurus and Synodontis specimens are on the bottom, but the Ameiurus specimens are slowly swimming at the surface even though daylight is filtering through the window and shining into the tank. The Synodontis specimen in the larger specimen tank was observed very briefly being a nuisance to the Ameiurus. It seemed more of a curiosity going over than really aggressive. The minnow population has dwindled down to 3 specimens. The project tank was fed this morning and the Ictalurus mostly were in the characristic frenzy scouring the bottom for food. The Raphaels were out and feeding and even the Plecostomus and Synodontis specimens were foraging. The Ameiurus melas was observed feeding off of the bottom, but the Ameiurus natalis specimens seemed interested, but did not outwardly feed. There doesn't seem to have any marks or wounds on any of the Ameiurus specimens as of now which still brings the question up as to why they were attacked before by the Synodontis. Went on a specimen collecting expedition tonight (aka fishing trip). It was quite rewarding as seven Ameiurus natalis specimens were captured. Introduced four of the smaller ones into the Project tank and the rest into the larger specimen tank. Now these specimens have the hooks still in them, so this little test will determine if the swallowed hooks is what is causing the attraction of the Synodontis and Plecostomus to basically eat the skin of the Ameiurus specimens. These specimens were caught in shallow water among underwater plants. It was fortunate that I was able to bring some of the plants back to be introduced into the project tank after being cleaned off. Plans are to weight them down with rocks in bunches. That will allow the specimens plenty of hiding spots as they are partial to that and it will give the tank a better view of a natural habitat. One of the Ameiurus natalis specimens shows signs of wounds being inflicted on the caudal peduncle, but so far it is only that single specimen. The larger of the Sculpins has died as I noticed as I was introducing the Ameiurus specimens from tonight's expedition. The other one is still alive somewhat hiding next to a small piece of driftwood. The Sculpin that passed was noticed earlier today as it was swimming towards the surface several different times. No apparant reason for it to behave in such a manner and it didn't appear outwardly to be in distress or sick. Lost the smaller Horabagrus yesterday and the larger Horabagrus is sluggish and not moving around very much. There are marks on it's head like it was scraped.


This morning two of the Ameiurus specimens caught last night were found dead in the tank this morning. No marks on them like the Synodontis had been aggressive towards them and no other outward causes. Cleaned out the filters in the Project tank and replaced them with dried filters. All the specimens are hiding this morning among the driftwood branches. It looked like a mass of bodies. Turned on the tank light and of course the normal scurrying about kicking up debris that has not been filtered out occurred. The single specimen of Sculpin seems to be doing good. He stays on the right side of the tank as you look at it. Most likely it is because the catfish stay on the other end. The crayfish in the tank are interesting. They have burrowed down un driftwood, rocks, and have even been seen near the surface on the floating plants and air tubes. The crayfish in the Larger Specimen tank are finding ways to escape and are found crawling across the floor. Introduced and planted the multiple plants that was retrieved from last night's expedition after washing them 3 different times and banding bunches together with zip ties. Very interesting first inhabitants were the Bluegills followed very quickly by a multitude of crayfish. Washed off additional gravel and spread it across the top of the plants to weight them down. The first catfish to investigate the plants was the Ameiurus melas, but he didn't stay


Found Sculpin dead this morning among the weeds that was planted yesterday. One possible reason is that the tank is warmer than the creek that they came from. The ones in the Stream fishes tank seem to be doing fine, but there is not a heater in that one. As expected there are a couple of Ameiurus specimens that are among the plants. The bunches of plants were planted using gravel as weights. They were somewhat smashed down, but this morning the plants are full and vibrant. All the specimens seem to be pretty active when the prepared food mixture was introduced. It was interesting that the Tigers seemed like they were interested in the prepared food. The Horabagrus has found it's way into the plants. It seems to be having labored breathing. A couple of Ameiurus natalis specimens have been taking advantage of the new plants. Found a Plecostomus behind them this afternoon munching on the dead Sculpin. Another Ameiurus specimen from the larger specimen tank was in the process of dying so he was removed. That makes about 5o% of the ones that was captured a couple of days ago died. The first 2 are hanging outside to dry so they can be prepped for further observation. Tonight was another specimen collection evening. Returned to the boat dock that was so productive a couple of days back and it didn't disappoint. I managed to catch 8 Ameiurus natalis specimens of various sizes alongwith a good size Ictalurus that was released. Released the larger of the Ameiurus specimens into the larger specimen tank, but the smaller ones were released into the Project Tank. These individuals went straight for the plants to hide in. There was a specimen that was deceased in the tank that I threw out into the woods. Turned off the tank light so that the specimens could get better aclimated. I was able to retrieve several pieces of plant growth as the specimens were being reeled in which will be cleaned and planted into the Project Tank in the morning.


As of this morning all the specimens that were introduced last night are still alive. There were 3 special specimens that are the right size for the Project tank. When observed this morning there were several of the new specimens attempting to hide in the plants. As the morning grew brighter from the light coming in through the window they retreated to the other end of the tank where it is darker. Surprisingly a Tiger is seen hiding in the plants. The other Tiger is not. The plants were grouped into bunches for planting purposes and one bunch has broken free and is floating. I obtained several more strands of these plants last night and will plant them today. The reason being is that the Ameiurus specimens likes to hide in them and also for a filtration type medium as well as adding some beautification to the tank. This evening resulted in several specimens attempting to hide in the plants. There are 5 Ameiurus specimens and the Tiger from earlier today. One of the Ameiurus specimens have some small wounds on the side and the one that had injuries to the eye is now missing the entire eye. The rest of the Ameiurus specimens doesn't seem to have any wounds. The driftwood has come unhinged and is now floating. The additional plants and gravel will be added tomorrow to account for it. The larger specimen tank has had a few new arrivals and none of them seem to be suffering from


Not much has taken place as of today due to new equipment being installed to facilitate further research opportunities. Carryover from yesterday is washing and making bunches of the newest plants. Additional gravel is needed to allow for proper planting as well as re-planting existing plants. The filter medium needs to be cleaned and the driftwood needs to be situated to keep it from floating. As for the specimens; the Ameiurus specimens were mostly in the plants. The other specimens were all out and about. The larger specimens have spent the majority of the day on the bottom with a couple of the Ameiurus specimens swimming towards the surface during the evening. The Sculpins and Darters in the Stream Fishes tank seem to be doing fine. Mostly staying on the bottom while the bluegills and daces are constantly swimming.


This morning required that the computer/library needed to be cleaned and straightened. Completed in relatively short amount of time. Cleaned the newest plants and placed them into two different bunches for planting in the project tank. Cleaned some more gravel to place into the tank for planting. Placed the 5 bunches of plants into the tank with a rock placed up against the bunches of plants to keep them in place. Prior to this there were several Ameiurus specimens hiding into the plants. Turned on the tank light and fed them. The light didn't cause the specimens to panic and swim erratic. There were several Ameiurus specimens eating the prepared food that was introduced. The remaining of the plant material was placed into the larger specimen tank. Due to the current in the tank the plants were twirling around and around. Took the grandkids to Drake's Creek for a fishing expedition. Two Ameiurus natalis specimens were caught which were brought back and placed in the larger specimen tank. Replaced the filter media with cleaned ones and re-situated the driftwood so that it would stay submerged. Once the plants were planted; several Ameiurus specimens immediantly attempted to hide inside the the plants. Later this evening; there are a few Ameiurus specimen situated into the plants as well as the crayfish. Softie continues to play in the plants. The larger Horabagrus


Found an Ameiurus specimen dead this morning, so retrieved and discarded the carcass. Situated the driftwood so that it won't float, but the majority of the specimens are under the driftwood. Left the tank light on all night, but there were not many Ameiurus specimens in the plants. A single Tiger was situated at the base of the plants. Filled tanks up today. Fed the specimens the prepared food mixture, and just about all of the Ameiurus specimens were seen eating. Additional gravel has been added directly over the plants in an effort to weight them down significantly so that the big rock can be removed. Still a great amount of debris in the tank causing it to look cloudy, so a water clear chemical will be introduced tonight. Surprisingly there are very few wound type marks on the Ameiurus specimens, which indicates that the Plecostomus and Synodontis specimens are slacking off of the antagonizing and aggravating. Cleaned the siphon tube on the larger specimen tank due to the blockage was significant enough that the filter was ineffective. The electricity went off for about an hour today, but the the tanks were supplied with battery operated aerators to accomodate.


The clear water chemical did little to actually clear up the tank. There are a couple of Ameiurus natalis specimens that show signs of multiple abrasions that are circular in nature which leaves no doubt as to the Synodontis specimen as the culprit. Obtained a fair amount of minnows from the local bait shop. Split the amount between the two catfish tanks. The small Ameiurus specimens are showing signs of hiding in the plants. The Tigers are hiding at the base of these plants. As the prepared food was introduced into the tank; the Ameiurus specimens were all observed actually eating it. So now that there is sufficient number of specimens and all are eating; the testing can commence. Ventured to the small creek this evening in the hopes of capturing additional minnows for the catfish specimens to eat. Did two sweeps with minnow seines, but there were very little if any minnow type specimens caught. Caught several very small crayfish throughout the evening. After dark the nocturnal specimens started appearing. Caught a few Sculpins of various sizes alongwith several Darters of various sizes. Added the crayfish to the Project tank with the Teleosts being added to the stream fishes tank. Took several pictures of the larger Ameiurus specimens that have been wounded.


The water in the all the tanks are very cloudy most likely due to debris from the plant growth that was introduced. The Ameiurus specimens are hiding within the plants. There were up to 5 specimens visible within the plants. When feeding the prepared food all the specimens were out feeding except the Shovelnose specimens (both types). The specimens in the larger specimen tank that have been wounded are still alive and swimming. Since all the specimens are eating on a regular basis then hopefully the project testing can begin soon. Cleaned out the filters once again due to heavy debris being filtered out. Plans for the tank due to the water situation are to drain and refill. Add another bag of pea gravel as additional layer to aid in planting the bunches of plants. When refilled turned down the temperature to 70* to aid in the addition of the Sculpins and Darters from the stream fishes tank. Change out the charcoal cartridges on the undergravel filters to aid in filtration and odor suppression.


Water quality in all the tank have not improved. All specimens are acting normally. The wounded Ameiurus specimen in the larger specimen tank are continueing to surprise me. The wounds are not showing any infection. The specimens that were placed outside to dry out have shown signs of being feasted on by unknown individuals. Since the water quality did not improve a decision was made to clean out the tank. Took out all the specimens and transported them to the bathtub filled with the aquarium water. Did not spray off the gravel, but rather stirred it up while siphoning it out of the tank. Cleaned out the undergravel filter and changed the charcoal cartridges. The plants were heavily planted as new clean gravel was packed around it. The new gravel also was used to build up the rest of the bottom of the tank. Filled it up with the hose and added the dechlorinator chemical. Reduced the temperature to 70*. To cut down the brightness of the light a red window curtain was cut in half and folded. The light is subdued so that it would more nocturnal for the catfish specimens. The plants were weighted down to the point of creating a plant bulge. This method should allow the plants to take root better and rise slower. The Sculpins and Darters from the Stream fishes tank were added prior to adding any of the other specimens. A few hours of allowing the tank to settle; the catfish and crayfish were added a few at a time. These specimens were all captured by hand and transported to the Project Tank by means of a bucket with no water. The hardest to catch was the Tigers and Sorubims. All were finally caught and relocated to the tank. The larger specimen tank revealed a dead specimen. One of the ones that was injured.


All of the Siluriforms survived the tank cleanup. Did have a couple of Sculpins pass away though. The plants are slowly breaking loose from the weight of the gravel which was expected at least for the stems. The subdued lighting seems to be working as the specimens are not bunched up as they were. Introduced the underwater camera to video another round with the newly established aquarium. There were a total of 4 dead Sculpin specimens removed. For feeding tonight a combination of frozen tubiflex worms and brine shrimp was added to the tank. All of the specimems except Tigers were seen feeding on the melted food while drifting to the bottom. It wasn't a frenzy, but casual dining. A specimen that was alive and healthy earlier was found dead and had been fed on by Softie the turtle. The plant stems are successfully breaking free of the gravel and have had Ameiurus specimens among it. There are mostly crayfish and Sculpins in it mostly. It is amazing how the Ameiurus specimens yawns. The mouth opens so wide. A Tiger Shovelnose has it's abdominal region distended, so it probably has eaten a crayfish or something. The red curtain under the tank light is allowing enough light through for visiability, but the videos that were taken are darker.


The Ameiurus specimens are slowly getting over to the plants, but usually go to the darker part of the tank when I enter the room. This morning though there was a single specimen that remained in the plants. The Sculpins have found a place to perch so to speak. The driftwood branches are hosting a couple of the Sculpins while others remain on the bottom.


This morning the Ameiurus specimen that had been wounded by the Synodontis was seen floating. He had died sometime in the night. It was disposed of out in the wooded area. The situation in the Project tank is good. Haven't had any more Sculpin mortalities. They are staying mostly on the driftwood branches and close to the plants. The tank light has been on since the tank was cleaned out with no visible detriments to the specimens. They are seen swimming around casually. This morning was feeding time. The specimens are not fed on a regular basis. They are fed at different times of the day and in different areas of the tank. The plant growth continues to spring up from the gravel which entices the Ameiurus specimens to attempt to hide in it. At any given time four to six specimens are seen within the plants. When the food was introduced this morning a feeding frenzy commenced. All of the specimens reacted. The Ictalurus and Ameiurus specimens were observed foraging on the bottom and shaking their bodies. A Plecostomus specimen was observed antagonizing an Ameiurus specimen, but was quickly shaken off. While observing the tank it was noticed that an Ameiurus specimen had the hook that he had swallowed coming out. Everything was arranged, but the same specimen could not be found again. Presumably the hook had already came through and discharged, but the hook


This morning the finding of Softie, the soft shelled turtle, was very disheartening. This turtle was seen eating and swimming around the tank yesterday, so it's death came as a total surprise. He was found on the tank bottom on it's back. All of the 4 Sculpins that are still with us are perched upon a branch of the driftwood. Emptied the stream fishes tank of the Bluegills and the Bullfrog Tadpole and placed them into the project tank. A small bluegill immediantly became the prey of an Ameiurus specimen. It was somewhat laughable at the sight of the bluegill's head sticking out of the mouth of the catfish. A prepared food feeding was done at the same time as the bluegill introductions. The specimens reacted like it was expected by going into a frenzy of sorts. Even the small Raphaels accompanied the others in the frenzy. Ventured to the local creek and obtained three dozen plus small crayfish and a few specimens of Sculpins and Darters. The crayfish is mainly for food for the Tigers, Sorubims, and Ameiurus specimens. Some of the Darters will invariably become food. Had a couple bags made from freezer bags. Floated the Sculpins and Darters in the freezer bags for a while and then allowed them to swim out of the bag and into the tank itself.


Didn't do much in the way of observations. The Ameiurus specimens are into the plants up to 6 at a time. Transferred all of the remaining specimens from the Stream Fishes tank to the Project tank. Total cleanup of this tank is warranted. A few Sculpin specimens are found dead with several crayfish eating on them.


Changed out filters this morning. Took the filters from the larger specimen tank and Stream Fishes tank, cleaned the debris from them and replaced the filters from the Project tank with those of the other tanks. Proceeded to clean those Project Tank filters off and allowing them to drain and dry. Removed all of the dead Sculpins from the tank. There are an abundance of crayfish specimens throughout the tank. The tank is a little cloudy at present due to the work that has been done on it. The tank light has now been on for several days. The specimens are getting used to the subdued lighting. Opened the curtain to allow sunlight in. The specimens didn't react much. They didn't swim erratic or act frightened. They casually moved over to a darker part of the tank. Today will get some chicken liver blood to start my testing with. The first test of course is olfaction. To see how much chicken liver blood needs to be in the water before the specimens react to it. It is a controlled experiment using a white bottle with a tube in it and a syringe administering the blood. Noticed today, but also earlier that a Plecostomus has been antagonizing the Ameiurus specimens. When feeding the tank; it was amazing how all the specimens came out and was feeding. Found a couple more Sculpins dead with the crayfish tending to them. Went fishing for a couple of hours to the best spot for Ameiurus specimens. Prior to the actual fishing; a cast net was employed to catch some minnows or small fishes. I caught a very interesting specimen thought to be a grass pickerel. I died before I could get it back home. After researching it in the Kentucky Fishes Booklet; it seems to of been a Logperch. Very interesting. Caught 5 Ameiurus specimens, but one died due to swallowing both of the hooks on the line. Brought all the specimens back and just put them into the larger specimen tank.


Had an Ameiurus specimen floating belly up this morning. Took it out as well as the Sculpins. Took several pictures of the Ameiurus as there were many wounds on it. Round type wounds that would indicate that the Plecostomus specimen was the culprit. As have a Spotted Raphael acting very strange. He was towards the surface, but when handled he was talking and thrashing about so he was put back in. Acting very lethargic and sluggish. Where he would normally hide he isn't. I am afraid that I am going to loose him as well to unknown causes. Cleaned out siphon tubes, but in the process disturbed the driftwood causing it to float. removed a very intersting set of bones from the tank has some vertebrae and the top of the skull. Presumably it is the bones of a Sculpin that the crayfish picked clean. Found the identity of the specimen that was captured last night. Instead of being a pikerel it turned out to be a Logperch of the Darter family. Cleaned out the stream fishes tank and moved it to the kids room. Plans for it is to take out 75% of the gravel and put coarse sand into it so that the Sculpins, Darters, etc. that is put into it can bury during the day like they would in the wild. The Spotted Raphael finally gave in late tonight. Took it out to have it dried and prepared for further observations.


Finished cleaning the larger specimen tank out and re-introduced the specimens late last night. Today as they were looked in on; they were gathered in a huddle. All of them (Ictalurus, Ameiurus, and Synodontis). Three of the Ameiurus specimens had small wounds indicating that the Synodontis had caused them. Most of the small Bluegills that were gathered the other night had died and their carcasses were removed today. On the Project Tank it is interesting to note that the Ictalurus specimens are swimming casually about the tank, but avoiding the planted area whereas the Ameiurus specimens are entangled into the plant growth. The Pictus, Tigers, and Stripped Raphaels are all on the bottom not really doing much of anything. There is a small colony of crayfish attempting to hide under the piece of sunken driftwood.


Nothing much going on in either one of the tanks. Fed the Project tank prepared food. All the specimens came out and feasted. Last night fed the larger specimen tank. The reaction was not like the Project Tank. Plans for tomorrow include starting the olfaction testing for the Project tank with chicken liver blood both out in the open and within a closed container. Tomorrow night will be collection night for the specimens in the larger specimen tank food wise anyway. If any Sculpins, or Darters are captured then setting up the stream fishes tank will be attempted using some course sand so that the specimens can bury themselves during the day as they do in the wild.


This mornings observations prior to olfaction testing are. Most of the Ameiurus specimens are into the plant growth whereas a couple are out in the open. The Ictalurus specimens are mostly settled on the bottom with a couple swimming. The Tigers, Raphaels and Pictus are all on the bottom. The Synodontis is divided between the driftwood and the bottom. The non-siluriform specimens are all over the tank. This primary test will be placing certain volumes of blood into the water utilizing a syringe with cc/ml amounts printed on them. Temperature will be checked with a lab thermometer even though the internal heater is set for 70*F. The thermometer itself was dangling by use of a fishing line about the middle of the tank both length and height. The Bluegills and Goldfish were initially attracted to it as they know that when I approach the tank food usually comes. As I let the thermometer dangle the Bluegills disperse since no food was given. 1 ml of chicken liver blood was entered as 1038. The specimens had a definate reaction as in searching for food. All but 2 Ameiurus specimens reacted positive as did the Raphaels, Pictus, Ictalurus. Synodontis and Plecostomus was no reaction as was with the Sorubims. The Tigers seems interested, but to the point of actively searching for food. When the test was run again, but in an entirely different area of the tank; it took 2 ml to elicit a response even from the specimens that were in that area. Corydoras showed up alongwith 2 small Ameiurus specimens and an Ictalurus specimen. Next test is after their regular diet is introduced and they have fed. The prepared food was given and it was a very short time span that all the specimens were eating. The Tigers and Sorubims were observed acting like they were actually eating the prepared food. The larger Striped Raphael was seen roaming all over the tank foraging for food. The Plecostomus specimens came down from their area and was observed foraging along the bottom throughout the tank. The feeding frenzy was over in a couple of minutes, but the specimens continued to forage independently. When the blood test was administered to the larger specimen tank; there were different results. Where the Project tank is planted and has subdued lighting the larger specimen tank doesn't. There are no plants and the sunshine shines directly into the tank from the window. 3 ml of blood was administered 1 ml at a time. There were an Ameiurus specimen and 2 Ictalurus that appeared to be interested, but the Ictalurus did not go all the way to the administration point whereas the Ameiurus did as it was actually looking for food. After feeding 1ml of blood was administered at the point where there were responses previously. There was responses by Ameiurus, Ictalurus, Raphaels, and Corydoras, but not as they were before meaning that after being fed they are less responses to stimuli than before. This means 2 things. 1. A ml of blood put into a 75gal tank elicits a positive response, and 2. that after a rain and the water is all stirred up and the specimens have eaten there is less of a chance to elicit a response from the Siluriformes specimens. Temperature remained constant throughout the testing at 25*C.


The Ameiurus and Ictalurus specimens are mostly gathered around the plants today. Some of the plant bunches have came uprooted and floating. The majority of the crayfish are situated on the driftwood guessing that it would keep them from the predatory specimens below. Feeding time was once again a frenzy that just about everyone participated in. The Bluegills and Goldfish have learned to come to where I am in reference to the position at the tank as that is where the food usually comes from. Some of the Ameiurus specimens are sporting round wounds and damaged fins as the Plecostomus has actively been antagonizing them. Plans for today in reference to the tank is to use my cast net at Drakes Creek to capture small minnows etc for food for the specimens. Sand will be shoveled from the nearby creek areas to be put into the stream fishes tank to get it back in operation. A multitude of specimens were captured by means of a cast net to be used as food for the catfish. These specimens were to big for the catfish to each whole so they were chopped up into bite size morsels. The first test was the large specimen tank. A substantial amount was placed into the tank and the reaction was immediant. It wasn't the frenzied action, but that has to be attributed to the openness of the tank. All the specimens were observed taking bites even the Synodontis. The process was


The chopped up fish that was put into the larger specimen tank last night apparantly was not appetizing enough as most of it remains causing the water to foul. The Project tank however consumed all of the food that was put into it and the water remains clear. The Stream Fishes tank is still murky and dirty, so probably will have to remove that water and refill with fresh. Accomplished cleaning the aforementioned tanks and replacing the water. On the Stream fishes tank; a small container was placed inside the tank and the water was ran directly into it causing it to run over into the tank causing less of a disturbance keeping the water clearer. On the larger specimen tank the water was drained up to having about 3 inches of water left. Turned on the bubble screen and filled the tank with the garden hose allowing the dechlorinator chemical to mix as it was being filled. No ill effects from using this technique has been exhibited by the specimens. Activated both tank's filtration systems. Found an Ictalurus specimen dead in the Project tank from unknown causes. Took several pictures of the specimen. Took some pictures of the Stream Fishes tank. Need to take a trip down to the creek for some crayfish as I have only seen a few left. The Stream Fishes tank got stirred up again when the bubble screen was activated, so turned it off and only kept on the filtration. The water is clearing up so. Should


Most of the plants are now unplanted in the Project Tank. Not much movement from the Ameiurus specimens. The Bluegills and Goldfish are all in the upper strata and the rest are causually swimming mostly situated in the middle of the tank. Sysnodontis specimens are varied as 2 are swimming at the bottom and the other is swimming upside down at the driftwood. The Plecostomus specimens are the same situation as one at the front glass and the other at the back glass. The front glass specimen is active moving and feeding whereas the specimen at the rear is maintaining a static position behind the siphon tube. The Stream fishes collection went quite well. The collection resulted in a Studfish, Sculpin, Johnny Darter and some minnows. Another collection expedition is scheduled for later this evening. This evening's expedition to another creek was very rewarding in that there were several darters, minnow types, very small crayfish, and a few more Sculpins collected. The tank that was set up for these types of fishes has been situated very nicely. The water is clear, and several pieces of driftwood are slowly sinking giving the tank an appearance of where to specimens came from. Next step is to obtain some plants for it.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Extremely early this morning extra filters were procured to be changed out from all the tanks. Nothing much of interest happened for the most of the day. Went to the bait store and purchase an enormous quantity of minnows for the Project tank and Larger Specimen tank. When introduced; it was like a mass hysteria happened. The Tigers, Sorubims, Ictalurus, and Ameiurus specimens were swimming around erraticly eating the prey that was just put in. The hilarity of the situation is that all of these specimens having their greedy stomachs satisfied now look as if they are expecting to spawn. Their abdominal regions are very much bloated. The plants that are now floating are covering the light so an even more subdued atmosphere is apparent. There are a few minnow carcasses that will probably need to be removed in the morning.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Due to personal illness, not much observing was accomplished. The Stream fishes tank is doing good. Moved a couple of the sunken driftwood pieces around. No detectable issues within the tank. Had to remove a couple of the larger minnows due to be damaged when netted. The Studfish, Darters, and Sculpins all seem to be acclimitizing well. The Project tank is likewise doing good. All the specimens including Ameiurus were out swimming around the tank. The larger specimens do not seem as nervous when I approach the tank as before.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Came back to the office after being gone all day running errands to find an Ameiurus specimen dead. He was blotchy and floating. Replaced the filters as the others were very clogged and quite nasty looking. Changing the filters did cause somewhat of a cloudy issue in the water due to the debris coming from the filter pump itself. There are still several dozen of minnows mostly staying in amongst the plants. When fed prepared food all of the specimens took part. Even though the minnows are available the prepared food was readily consumed.

Friday, September 4, 2015

The project tank lighting has been subdued substantially since the red curtain was installed under the light. The specimens have been casually going about the tank without much activity. Today the window curtain was raised allowing sunshine to come through which caused some excitement in the tank. There was erratic swimming around disturbing the gravel and debris. Where before there had been several Ameiurus specimens gathered around by the plants; the number has decreased significantly once the sun shone through. They are mostly accumulating towards the darker end of the tank. Obviously the minnow population in both tank has decreased due to feeding which is what is supposed to happen. There have been several pieces of driftwood sink to the bottom of the Stream Fishes tank, but they have all accumulated around the siphon tube for the filter. The small crayfish have dug out some hiding spots and the darters are situated throughout the tank as are the Sculpins. The Larger specimn tank inside glass needs cleaned and the filters need to be changed. Another test of olfaction is being planned but this time it will be beef blood instead of chicken blood. Cleaned the glass on the larger specimen tank and replaced the filters on the two remaining tanks. Took several pictures of the Darters, Crayfish, and Sculpins.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

This morning did not start off good with the tanks. All of the electricity went off in the wee hours of the morning and stayed off for a couple of hours at least. Hooked up battery powered air pumps to the Project Tank and my wife's tropical tank. The other two didn't have the emergency air. When the electric resumed and when all was said and done the larger specimen tank had lost 2 Ictalurus specimens. The Project tank was suffering miserably as all the specimens were starving for air indicated by the specimens trying to break the surface to breath. All of the specimens in the Project recovered once the electric came back on and the normal aeration and filtration had resumed. The Tropical tank also recovered with no casualties of the situation. The Stream fishes tank did the same. The curtain remained up on the Project tank allowing sunshine to filter through which caused the majority of the Siluriform specimens to seek shelter in the dark corners of the tank.

Sunday, September 6, 2015

This evening started the observations for today. The Ameiurus specimens are mostly out of the plants casually swimming about, but the small minnows and Bluegills remain within the protection of the plants. The Pictus, Raphaels, and Corydoras are doing very little except staying towards the front of the tank. A expired Ameiurus specimen has provided the Plecostomus specimens a continual eating platform. These specimens are actually acting like they are taking turns scraping the carcass moving it around by the front right corner of the tank. Took the subdued lighting away by removing the red curtain. Where the specimens were casually swimming around while in subdued lighting; their activity picked up significantly after the removal of the subdued lighting. The Tigers were swimming around like the predators that they are expelling very little energy, but now they are swiftly swimming along the back glass. A number of Ameiurus specimens darted into the remaining plants attempting to hide. Feeding time brought all the specimens out regardless of the lighting conditions. The filter medium was clogged up even though it was only replaced a few days ago. Plans for tomorrow is to remove all the remaining plants as they are just breaking down and clogging the filters. It will be replaced with new plants that will be obtained from the local big creek. By utilizing the battery powered aquarium vaccum the gravel will be cleaned and the charcoal cartridges will be replaced tomorrow. The Stream Fishes tank is actually doing excellent in the water quality department. It is clear and the specimens seem to be alive and well. The Larger Specimen tank on the other hand remains cloudy even after the water clear chemical was administered last night. A new inhabitant was added yesterday in the form of a Redear Sunfish that my granddaughter caught and wanted to keep.

Monday, September 7, 2015

This morning as I was looking in on the Project Tank it was apparent that the minnow population had dimished down to maybe six individuals. The Plecostomus specimens have been relentless in their pursuit of the Ameiurus specimens. These individuals have to avoid the advances of the Plecostomus by swimming constantly which is realistically against their nature so far that I have noticed. They normally rest on the bottom preferring to seclusion among the plants than to be out among the rest of the tank. Even though there is an abundance of debris on the bottom the Plecostomus actively search out the Ameiurus specimens leaving all the others alone. Rays of sunshine are coming into the tank giving it small areas of light. The majority of the the specimens are casually swimming mostly along the bottom as are the Pictus and Raphaels. There is a certain Ameiurus specimen that I have noticed has an issue with his mouth. It almost looks like he has a cleft palate. While the other specimens mouths close as they intake his doesn't. On closer inspection of the pictures it appears as though his bottom lip is broke. Cleaned the filters out for the Larger Specimen tank in hopes of the water in it to clear up. The Stream Fishes tank only had the filter as the aeration, so an attempt was made to activate the air stones that was installed under the sand and gravel. The air stones worked, but the bubbles stirred up dirt and made the tank look dirty, so they were quickly shut down. Fed this tank and it was amazing at the activity. The small minnow types were swimming excitedly, and the darters were quickly moving to catch a piece of flake food. The multitude of small crayfish in the tank is causing multiple skirmishes among these individuals and it is so amusing to watch. There have been several burrows that these crayfish have constructed. Multiple pieces of driftwood has settled on the bottom, but due to the current of the filter, they have settled by the siphon tube. Scattered them around the tank with 3 more pieces waiting to get saturated enough to sink.


This morning tragedy has come to the larger specimen tank. The Redear Sunfish that was caught the other night was found dead. The water is extremely dirty and will probably be replaced. None of the cleaning that was planned was accomplished. Went on a specimen collecting trip last night and was rewarded with a very small Ameiurus natalis specimen. Brought it back and placed it into the Project tank. Seems to be doing well this morning.


This evening as I am sitting beside the Project tank; a few thoughts came to me. The Ameiurus specimens change color from when they are caught. It happens over a period of time, but the coloration changes from the greenish-yellow that is prevalent to a very dark green on the sides and dorsal and white underneath. Presumably this coloration change is due to the diet that they have in the different environments. In the wild the specimens eat whatever that can be found in the polluted waters that they inhabit to being fed a cleaner diet with a cleaner atmosphere. The characteristic white chin barbels don't change though. There are specimens of varying degress of coloration in the project tank. The Ictalurus specimens as they mature undergo a coloration change as well. For the specimens that was purchased the characteristic spots faded quickly, whereas the specimen that was captured from the wild retained the spots for a greater length of time. The majority of the plants are now floating, but the Ameiurus specimen continue to congregate among the remains and even going closer to the light to rest in the floating plants. After these many months on this project a few thoughts have occurred to me. The first being is that all the specicmens should be gathered at around the same time. Not only do they grow together, but it would hypothetically cause less predation. The only specimen that has survived being smaller than the rest is the Corydoras and a Spotted Raphael. There have been several types of catfish introduced periodically, but most did not last very long especially from the fast growing specimens such as the Tigers. The Plecostomus specimens have been staying on the bottom, but as soon as I am noticed they retreat to the sides of the tank. The other specimens in the tank retreat to the other end of the tank, but they return to their positions quickly. Have not observed the Synodontis antagonizing the Ameiurus specimens lately and no marks or wounds have shown up. That goes for the other antagonizing Plecostomus specimens as well. Gave a few of the Stream Fishes away this afternoon such as a couple of darters, small sculpin, small crayfish, and a couple of minnows so that they could be stocked in my Grandson's small tank. The Larger specimen tank water seems to be clearing somewhat, but still hazy. The Stream Fishes tank is clear. Object of note. In my tropical tank there are four different species of catfish; one of which is Striped Raphaels. These specimens have been in this tank for a few years and have grown considerably. Out of the five Raphaels; one is of particular interest as this one is malformed. The skull and vertebrae seems to of shifted out of alignment with the rest of the body. It doesn't seem to be in distress and eats when fed. This malformation has not seemingly affected any aspect of its life so far.


Went specimen collecting this evening. Acquired a total of 7 Ameiurus specimens, but one expired by the time I got them back to the tanks. The bigger ones were introduced to the larger specimen tank and the 3 smaller ones were put into the Project tank. Not much else going on with the tanks. Plans for tomorrow is to clean the filters on the Project tank and the larger specimen tank and to prepare for the next section of the olfaction tests using beef liver blood as a stimulus.


The specimens introduced from last night appears to of settled in nicely. Without much light going into the Project tank; the specimens are casually swimming around the tank. They are not excited or swimming erratic. When the tank was fed; the frenzy started. It was extremely interesting to see this mass of turning bodies together with one purpose in mind. Even the little Spotted Raphael was out of hiding for this feast. The Plecostomus specimens came from the other end of the tank to partake. Growth wise; the Striped Raphael has grown 5 times faster than the Spotted Raphael. These specimens were the same size when purchased, but the Striped Raphael (all 3 specimens) have surpassed the Spotted Raphael in growth. Possibly because the Striped Raphaels are bolder and came out of hiding more than what the Spotted Raphael is as it spends all of its time in hiding and not foraging for food. The Corydoras hasn't grown at all. The Tigers and Sorubims are growing, but the Tigers have surpassed the Sorubims exponentially. Possible reason is that the Tigers are more aggressive at feeding and the Sorubims have smaller stomachs. The Tigers have been observed eating several minnows whereas the Sorubims are only eating one at a time. The Ictalurus specimens have grown significantly since they were purchased, but the Ameiurus specimens do not have enough data as they have been obtained


As I came in by the Project tank I noticed that the sun was shining brightly through the window and the catfishes were all in the darker part of the tank except a single Ameiurus specimen and the nonsiluriform specimens. Not much activity at first, but slowly more and more specimens were escaping the mass and venturing towards the lighter side of the tank. Prior to feeding there was a single Ameiurus specimen what was the lighter side until the cloud cover from outside covered the sun. The Corydoras came over as did a couple more of Ameiurus. The Pictus and Striped Raphael stayed on the edge between light and dark. An Ameiurus and Ictalurus specimen was observed skimming the surface. Interestingly prior to the actual feeding; the can of food was placed in front of the tank with the food in full view. The catfishes just swam by it with noticing, but the Bluegills and Goldfish actually followed the can around the tank. It shed light on how the different fishes locate prey/food. The Catfishes did not recognize the food as food by just looking at it, but the non-siluriform specimens did. Once I placed the food in the water; the non-siluriform specimens, who were following the food on the outside of the tank contacted the food first, but once the food made contact with the water the Catfishes came into the light to feed. It was a mass frenzy as almost every catfish specimen came for the


Discovered that an Ictalurus specimen in the Larger Specimen tank had died. The Stream Fishes tank is situated directly beside the Larger Specimen tank. As I looked in on them this morning after discovering the obvious was that there were a few of the larger specimens looking at the Stream Fishes tank which has minnows in it. I dumped a significant amount of dry food into the Larger specimen tank which aroused the specimens. I then took the dead specimen out and as the old timers call it, gutted it, meaning that I removed all of the specimens organs. I dumped those organs back into the Larger specimens tank and they were fed upon. I then fed these larger specimens clumps of chicken liver. All the specimens were getting the liver and fighting over it pulling the liver apart. Now the dead specimen afforded me the opportunity to prepare a skeletal specimen. By dipping the carcass into a beaker of bleach briefly I came out with a useable skeleton specimen to look at. It has already amazed me as I have been unable to actually see the pectoral fin locking mechanism in person before. The Weberian apparatus pronounced, so that was worthy of taking pictures. Took several of different angles of the specimen. There remains some flesh on the specimen, but not enough to be bothersome. Cleaned out all the filters from all the tanks. It seems as though the Sorubims have come out to eat some


Since yesterday, the liver that was put into the larger specimen tank has fouled that tank significantly. Apparantly the specimens decided not to consume most of it and it fouled the tank to the point that the specimens were coming to the surface for air. The filters were clogged to the point of only a trickle of water was coming through. This morning the filters were cleaned, but that in itself did not solve the issue. Decided to siphon all the water off and add fresh with the appropiate dechlorinator solution. Removed the Synodontis and re-introduced it into the Project Tank. Due to the foulness of the tank a single Ictalurus had died. Cleaned out the entire filtration system and reactivated it. I had a lot of trouble siphoning off the water due to the tube getting clogged with pieces of liver which caused problems getting it re-started. Plans for future are to hook up the old pool pump and utilize it with the hoses to facilitate water removal from the tanks. When looked in on the Project tank this evening it was astonishing to see that an Ameiurus specimen was resting on top of a Plecostomus specimen. There have not been no immediant effects from re-introducing the Synodontis from the larger specimen tank back into the Project tank. At feeding time; all the specimens were out feeding except for the Tigers and Sorubims. Interestingly during the latter part of the feeding activity; the tank light was turned on without the subdued covering and there was no reaction from the specimens at all. They continued to feed and even a couple of the Ameiurus was still going to the surface. There was no erratic movements and no tearing up the tank so to speak.


Nothing much in the way of activity going on with any of the three tanks. The fishes of the Project tank went into their normal frenzy when the prepared food was introduced. The light was off when the food was put in, but when the light was turned on, not much of a reaction was noted. The Larger Specimen tank is clearing up, but the filter and siphon tube needs to be cleaned again. The Stream Fishes tank continues to amaze me. As I looked in on it today there were not that many darters showing, but tonight the number increased. A larger Sculpin is attached to a floating piece of driftwood. Tomorrow will bring collection opportunities for whatever as the method of capture will be umbrella net, cast net, and hand held net in a few different locations. Noticed tonight that the Synodontis specimen was hovering over an Ameiurus specimen that had excess mucous patches on it.


NOT MUCH IN THE WAY OF OBSERVATIONS. MOST OF THE PLANTS ARE NOW FLOATING. IN THE AFTERNOON WENT TO DRAKE'S CREEK ATTEMPTING TO CATCH SMALL MINNOWS TO BE FEEDERS. CAUGHT MOSTLY PLANTS. WAS ABLE TO CATCH A FINGERLING LARGE MOUTH BASS. SLIPPED AND FELL INTO THE WATER GETTING SOME WATER INTO THE BUCKET IN A HURRY TO KEEP THE LITTLE BASS ALIVE. BROUGHT CAUGHT SPECIMENS HOME AND ADDED THE BASS TO THE PROJECT TANK. HAVEN'T SEEN IT SINCE. WENT TO ER LATE TO FIND OUT THAT WHEN I FELL I BROKE MY WRIST.

HAVEN'T DONE MUCH OF ANYTHING EXCEPT FEED THE FISH DURING THIS TIME PERIOD. WORKING AND TYPING WITH ONE HAND. ON SATURDAY EVENING AN AMEIURUS SPECIMEN WAS SEEN FLOATING OBVIOSLY INDICATING THAT IWAS DEAD. WHEN IT WAS PULLED OUT OF THE TANK IT WAS NOTICED THAT BEYOND THE ANAL FINS WAS GONE. IT HAD BITE MARKS ON THE FLESH BUT ONLY POSTERIORLY. THE REST OF THE BODY WAS UNHARMED. TOOK SEVERAL PICTURES OF THE CARCASS. INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH THE SUSPECTS ARE OF THE SAME SPECIES AS INDICATED BY THEIR SWOLLEN ABDOMINAL REGIONS. NO OTHER SPECIMEN APPEARS TO OF EATEN A SIGNIFICENT AMOUNT. MADE GOOD USE OF THE DECEASED SPECIMEN BY SUBMERGING THE CARCASS IN A BLEACH SOLUTION TO EXPOSE THE BONE STRUCTURE. AFTER SEVERAL DIPS AND SCRAPING FLESH AWAY FROM THE BONES RINSE AND REPEAT; THE CARCASS WAS MOSTLY GONE REVEALING THE BONE STRUCTURE FROM THE THURSDAY, SEPT 16-SATURDAY, SEPT 19, MOUTH 2015 BACK TO THE CAUDAL PEDUNCAL. SEVERAL PICTURES WERE TAKEN AT THIS POINT.


Continued preparing the Ameiurus natalis skeleton for study. Not much else going on. Fed the tank twice in one day with the same results each time of a frenzy for the food.


Noticed this morning that the Corydoras has had the dorsal and caudal fin nipped at. The larger Synodontis is continueing to swim upside down by the driftwood. Plans are made to go to the creek this evening to collect crayfish and minnows to put into the Project tank for food. There are a couple of the specimens that have fresh wounds on them. Have figured out a couple of things. During the day there is no evidence of excess mucous on the bodies of the specimens, but when the light goes on in the evening there are patches of what is presumed to be excess mucous caused by the fright reactions. This in turns causes the Plecostomus and Synodontis to feed off of that. Very interesting. Collected several specimens of crayfish, darters, and sculpins, but the ultimate specimen was a frog. When I the frog into the Project tank, it was quickly grasped by an Ameiurus specimen and consumed. There are several crayfish still remaining, but have not seen any of the fish. The specimens almost all anyway appear to of eaten something using the expanded abdominal regions as an indicator.


Today was maintenance oriented. Cleaned the filters and filled all the tanks. There are crayfish remaining in the Project tank. Situated the driftwood so that it is not floating. All of this cleaning and moving the furniture around caused the debris to be stirred up and thus the water is cloudy.


Got up to see an Ameiurus specimen floating on top. The water has cleared significantly from what it was yesterday. Fed the tank and the specimens was obliged to do their feeding frenzy act. All of the specimens came to the feeding. Plants are all floating now with some crayfish clinging to it. This evening I noticed that the first Ictalurus specimen to be attacked by the Plecostomus and/or Synodontis wasn't doing very well. As it was laying in the back corner of the tank still breathing; both of the Plecostomus specimens were attacking it. Now the Corydoras has had its dorsal fin nipped, but what specimen did it is unknown. Only a couple of crayfish is still visible. Cleaned additional plants and placed them into all 3 research tanks. Of course that made the water somewhat murky in the Project tank even though it was washed several times. The beef liver blood has been draining from the package for a couple of days so it is highly possible that I can resume another facet of the Olfactory testing tomorrow. With the new plants comes some maintenance issues such as murky water and clogged siphon tubes. Also need to change out the charcoal cartridges in the Project tank alongwith my tropical tank.


Not much going on in the way of observations. The Ictalurus specimen died and the Plecostomus specimens did not waste time attacking the carcass. Both were on it at once giving the carcasss look like chunks were taken out. An unusual appearance on the Striped Raphael has been made evident. The abdominal region is swollen giving it the appearance of being pregnant. Replaced the filters in one of the filtration systems. Cleaned out the siphon tubes from all of the tanks as they were clogged by debris from the new plants that were placed into the tanks.


Today was another relaxed observations day. The filter media that was just washed out is clogged up most likely from plant debris. Did not change out the carbon cartridges in the project tank due to the supply was limited to only being able to change out one set and that was on the tropical tank. The blood remains in the test tube as the testing was not accomplished. The Ictalurus carcass has been feasted upon. The body is almost gone leaving the head yet to be eaten.


Today was a major testing day for the Project tank, but through some kind of error the information was not saved correctly. The testing will have to take place again in a few days.


Haven't been around the tank that much. Water is still murky. The siphon tubes are clogged preventing proper filtration and the filters are clogged on the left side filter system. Turned the light on after it had been off all day, but there was not a mad dash for cover. Haven't seen any crayfish lingering around. The Larger specimen tank has a couple of specimens that have broken away from the pack from the mass in the corner. The stream fishes tank water is clear, but the siphon tube and the filters are clogged. There was mass hysteria when the tank was fed the prepared food diet. Interestingly 4 Ameiurus specimens (3 natalis 1 melas) were swimming at the surface feeding despite the light being on. The Ictalurus specimens made a few short visits but did not stay for more than a quick bite whereas the Ameiurus specimens sustained a prescence.


No maintenance was accomplished today as was at Dr. Appt all day. The water hasn't gotten any better, but also hasn't gotten any worse either. Noticed this morning that I have a very special Ameiurus specimen. It seems as though a barbel is growing out and then branches off and grows downward. When the tank was fed this evening it was like a free for all fight for the food. The only specimens not actively feeding were the Shovelnose specimens. Even the small Spotted Raphael came out to feed. Both of the Plecostomus specimens came out of hiding to forage on the gravel. Tomorrow morning will be maintenance tasks for sure. The Larger specimen tank and the Stream Fishes tank need maintenance tasks as well. The Stream fishes tank water remains clear, but the darter population has dwindled down to only a couple of specimens.


No observations


The water continues to be murky. The new filters are already clogged. The siphon tubes are clogged so maintenance is a high priority. Managed to obtain a multitude of minnows for the tank. The reaction was immediant. The specimens were seen gorging themselves and hunting the minnows very aggressively.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

There are no more minnows in sight. The specimens especially the Tigers, Ameiurus, and Sorubims are exhibiting bloated abdominable reagions giving rise to the supposition that the minnows were eaten . It is quite funny to see these small catfish with overly bloated stomach areas. The water continues to be murky. All the filters were changed and the siphon tubes were cleaned. Prior to lights out for the tank; a water clarifying chemical will be added to the tank. Amazingly; the very specimens that had gorged themselves on the minnows and continue to show signs of that continued to feed when the prepared food was added to the tank. The Striped Raphaels or at least the 2 larger ones have developed this distended abdominal region that is continuous. It doesn't seem to of affected them other than causing difficulty when attempting to lay flat on the bottom. The matter of why the Synodontis and Plecostomus specimens seem to be aggressive to the Ameiurus specimens for no apparant reason has come to a conclusion. The catfish in general give off pheromones in a situation called a fright reaction. These pheromones normally repel other species of fish allowing the catfish ample time to flee. Now these pheromones while designed to be a repellant sometimes act in reverse causing other species to be attracted. Theoretically the attraction to the spot is such that the catfish is long gone before other

Friday, October 2, 2015

The water is still murky even after treating it with a half of bottle of chemical to clear it up. Doesn't seem to of affected the specimens especially as it relates to feeding. Filters are still flowing as they should be and the siphon tubes are clear. Even after 2 days without minnows to eat the Tigers are still sporting a full belly. Another set of minnows need to be procured for continous feeding. New canisters of the chicken liver and beef liver was purchased as the test tubes for the blood spilled over. The olfaction tests with the blood from the liver will be accomplished again, but with an actual timer to time the reaction for each test. Urine was collected and will be used to assess the olfaction reaction with that working on the supposition of the Candiru following the urine stream up to the genital area. Fresh and aged urine will be used for those tests. A battery for the digital scale is being purchased. The testing of the height vs weight vs mouth size will be done at that time. Saliva is another form of olfaction testing to be done. Working on the supposition that there are food particles suspended in the saliva solution testing out the old fishermen telling that you need to spit on the worm to catch a catfish. Completed construction of the new pump to facilitate water removal from the tanks, but it needs to have additional testing.

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Got a message back from Dr. Peter Sorenson concerning the Synodontis and Hypostomus specimens attacking the Ameiurus specimens. Referred me to contact a certain Jelle Atema from Boston, Mass. Sent Dr. Atema a brief message and then went onto ResearchGate and found the papers that he had posted. Downloaded what I could and requested the ones especially for the Ameiurus natalis. Found a few more minnows in the bucket. Placed them into the Project tank, but it was a very short time before they were gobbled up.

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Observations for today are very casual. The filters and siphon tubes for the project tank remain clear. The water has cleared up considerably. The glass needs to be cleaned inside and out. Once the light was turned on; the population became very active. The Ameiurus specimens were swimming around as were the Ictalurus, whereas the Pictus, Raphaels, and Synodontis were mostly on the bottom. All the plants are floating now and the specimens look as though they are anticipating another rounds of live prey to be put in. Dr. Atema who a sent a message to yesterday concerning the issue of the Synodontis and Hypostomus aggravating the Ameiurus specimens answered back with some information that I should of already of thought of. It seems as though since the Synodontis and Hypostomus normally live continents away from the Ameiurus that it is a possibility that the biochemical signals that the Ameiurus specimens are sending out is basically being misinterpreted by the Synodontis and Hypostomus. Basically while the Ameiurus specimens are sending signals to keep away; the others are receiving a signal to eat. Tomorrow start draining the chicken and beef blood from the livers into individual beakers for testing. A battery for the digital scale is also a necessity to carry out the height vs weight vs mouth size where each specimen is weighed measured for total length and then measure

Monday, October 5, 2015

Not much to report as the specimens are casually swimming around the tank. Fed the tank with the prepared food with the usual frenzy developing as the specimens detected the food.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Actions for the tank today were purchasing items for the testing, etc.. Got the battery for the digital scale, big thermometer for better reading of the tank temperature, container to weigh the specimens in, some razor knives for dissection purposes alongwith a tray to put the specimen on. Plans for tomorrow is to drain the liver and place the blood into flasks for storage. The urine that was collected a few days ago needs to be stored as well. Initiate saliva collection for additional olfaction testing . The specimens in the project tank continue to behave in the usual way, but an Ameiurus specimen in the larger specimen tank has been staying at the surface for the last couple of days. The last time that minnows were placed into the tank. the tank water was fouled due to the minnows that were regurgitated.. The stream fiishes tank seems like it is doing good. The water is clear, but the Darters have dwiindled to a single specimen. The small minnows and the Sculpins are surviving being fed a prepared food diet. The Crayfish are thriving as well.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

No direct observations were done today. Fed the Project tank late tonight. The specimens recreated the frenzy with the late off.


Water level low, but relatively clear. Several noticeable pieces of debris littering the bottom. Purchased minnows at the local bait shop. While there noticed the shop was selling suckers of some sort. Substituted a half pound of minnows for a half pound of suckers. These specimens are 4 to 5 inches in length. These specimens are noted as being Northern Hog Sucker (Hypentelium nigricans). Once the new inhabitants were added to the project tank; it was not very long before the abdominal regions on the Tigers, Sorubims, Ameiurus, and Ictalurus specimens were buldging. There were only a few minnows put into the larger specimen tank. Most of those are still alive in the late evening whereas the Sucker had expired and was eaten on. There are multiple sucker specimens in the Project tank, so the process for tomorrow will be to transfer some of those specimens to the stream fishes tank.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Haven't done much with the project tank. The new specimens of Hog Suckers are remaining in the right rear corner of the tank. They are congregating tightly together. The catfish specimens have completely cleared the tank of the minnows. The larger specimen tank is of concern lately as the previous batch of minnows were consumed and then regurgitated causing the water to foul. In addition with the specimens gathering in the corner has moved the gravel away from the air stone causing it to be moved out of its original position. There is a continous foam buildup on the surface.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

The project tank remains mostly clear. The plants floating on the surface doesn't appear to of hampered the water filtration. The filters are clogged so tank maintenance tomorrow will include cleaning the filters. The specimens appear to be still full of the minnows. Fed the tank for the specimens that didn't consume minnows such as the Synodontis, Pictus, etc. The blood from the chicken liver and beef liver was drained and collected into specimen bottles. In addition the actual livers were collected into specimen bottles for additional testing.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

The larger specimen tank continues to be extremely murky with a lot of debris floating around. The specimens of the sucker variety from the project tank remain huddled together in the rear of the tank. The water itself is murky with debris floating around. Plans are to clean out the tank and remove most if not all the floating plants or maybe attempt to bury them The filters are clogged and overflowing making it necessary to clean them.

Monday, October 12, 2015

Cleaned out the larger specimen tank this evening. There is a total of 12 Ameiurus natalis specimens remaining in the tank. Tomorrow plans are to complete the olfactory testing with the beef liver blood and then the urine concentrations. Clean out the filters between each testing. Once the testing is accomplished than a thorough cleaning is warranted. While cleaning the driftwood needs to be weighted down with rocks. Once the cleaning was accomplished and filled up; the red curtains will be installed to give the tank a more of a nocturnal appearance. Installed furniture in the larger specimen tank after cleaning in the form of a big piece of driftwood weighted down with rocks.

Other projects have prevented extensive observations during this time. The suckers are dwindling as the catfish are slowly making them food. Went to some of the nearby creeks for specimen collecting. Tuesday, October 13-Friday, October 16,Was 2015 able to procure additional darters and sculpins. The minnows and crayfish that were collected found their way to the larger specimen tank where most have disappeared.

Not many observations have been accomplished during this time. The filters from the Project Tank were cleaned and reinstalled. The Hog Suckers that were placed into the tank have disappeared even though they were of significant size. It seems as though the Tigers are the ones that ate them due to the appearance of the midsections. An Ameiurus specimen from the larger specimen tank passed away. There are only 2 bluegill specimens remaining in the project tank alongwith a single goldfish (Goldie). Went down to the small creek closest to the house and captured a trio of Sculpins alongwith a couple of darters. There were several smaller crayfish caught and those were introduced into the larger specimen tank as food. The crayfish were only around for a couple of days when they disappeared. Saturday, October 17-Wednesday, October It was 21,apparant 2015 that the Ameiurus specimens found them filling. This researcher has been concentrating on finishing up a portion of another project. During the past few days quite a bit has happened with the Project tank. There has been a few deaths. A Plecostomus specimen alongwith both specimens of the Sorubim. The tank itself has an noticeable odor associated with it. The water is low and the filters are clogged. Before proceeding with the testing the tank will need to be cleaned out totally. The floating plants needs to be bunched so that it Thursday, October 22 - Tuesday, October doesn't 27, 2015 cover the entire surface. The red fabric will be replaced to create the nocturnal atmosphere.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Today was clean up day for the Project tank. Took everything out of the tank for a total clean up. Took out all of the plants and the only furniture that is left is the driftwood held down by a large rock. Found the head of the Sorubim specimen. There were an Ictalurus and Synodontis specimen that had died. A few more specimens are acting lethargic. The deaths continue to baffle as there are no apparant reason. Re-located all the filters on one end of the tank. The red cloth was once again installed under the light. Alongwith the usual dechlorinating chemical; a chemical for Ich disease was also introduced. Allowed to circulate while filtering and warming of the water is underway. The water that was taken out of the Project tank was extremely dirty with quite a bit of debris floating around.


Allowed the tank to filter through and warm up all night. Introduced the specimens this morning with the first couple getting their pectoral fins caught within the confines of the net. Instead of pulling the fins out and risk harming the specimen; the net was cut away from the fin. Fed the specimens the normal prepared food mixture, but the specimens were relunctant to feed at first. The food was eventually consumed. Finally made it to the bait stand to procure some Rosey Red Minnows. By introducing these "live prey" to the tank it allows the specimens to maintain their predatory instincts. In addition to the minnows a significant number of Northern Hog Suckers. After a few minutes the results became apparant as the abdominal regions became bloated out.

Not much activity in the tank as it was allowed to settle down after the cleaning. During this time another Synodontis died Took it out of the tank and set it up on top to dry out. The curtain behind the tank has been left open to allow regular sunshine to filter through. The tank light has been on since the clean up getting the specimens used to the light. After a few attempts to siphon off the blood from chicken and beef liver to be used in the olfaction testing; it was decided that using store bought catfish bait cubes would be appropiate. By putting a cube into a plastic bottle that is completely covered so Friday, October 30-Saturday, October 31, no2015 visual cues could be attributed to the attraction and only a few small holes in the bottle would allow the olfaction testing to be more productive.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

This morning the Project tank had multiple deaths throughout the night. The pumps had quit last night due to the electricity going out for a few hours. When they came back on there were several specimens gasping for air. The tank experienced a mortal wound to the catfish population by losing all of the Pictus cats and several Ictalurus specimens. The water remains quite cloudy and the filters are clogged so the obvious maintenance would be to rectify those situations. Purchased 3 different types of catfish baits to be used in the olfaction testing. All the filters were cleaned from all the tanks. Activated the air stones in the Stream Fishes tank. Filled the tanks up with water. Added additional dosage of water clarifier chemical due to the Project tank water continues to be murky. Put the specimens of deceased Pictus Cats and Hog Suckers into respective specimen jars and filled both with alcohol to preserve them.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Took all the specimens from the larger specimen tank and relocated them to the Project tank. The driftwood that was placed under the rock to weight it down sprung free from the rock and floated to the surface. Today as the sun shone into the tank it appears to continue to be cloudy, so an effort was made to rectify the situation. Cleaned the inside of the tank by hand with several paper towels. In addition the outside had water marks on it so it was cleaned as well with paper towels. All the specimens are really staying bunched up in the middle of the tank. The only non-siluriform left from when the lights went out the other day is the Goldfish. An expedition is planned to utilize the cast net to secure other specimens within the next few days. What started out as a very low population of Ameiurus specimens has now grown considerably. With the Drake's Creek spot several Ameiurus specimens were obtained and secured within the Project tank.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Obtained several rosey red minnows and a few Hog Suckers for the tank. The feeding was almost immediant whereas a few suckers died probably from temperature shock right after they were introduced to the tank. The stomachs on the Naked catfishes enlarged . The Tigers are actively prowling around the tank, but the Ameiurus and Ictalurus specimens are mostly confined to the middle on the bottom.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Not to much going on today. There was about 4 Hognose Suckers that died most likely from the the drastic change in the water temperature. One thing that was noticed was the nocturnal nature of the majority of the specimens. As the sun was shining through the window into the tank there was very little movement of the specimens. As the daytime moved into dusk and the sun wasn't shining as much through the window, the specimens became more active and breaking apart from the cluster of specimens from the tank bottom. Continueing to observe after the sun gave way to the darkness; the specimens became quite a bit more active. As the darkness took over the night; the specimens began swimming throughout the tank.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Once again this morning as the sun was shining into the tank; the siluroids are huddled on the bottom of the tank. They are not moving except for a couple individuals splitting off and making small ventures. The minnow population has been drastically reduced which was expected which shows that the specimens are actively feeding. Removed 3 floating Hog Suckers today with another one on the tank floor being fed upon

Friday, November 13, 2015

Put up a piece of cardboard in the window over top of the tank to block the sun except for the amount going into the tank. The specimens are coming out so to speak as it is getting darker earlier. Haven't seen the Corydoras for a bit as well as the Spotted Raphael that was found when the tank was cleaned last.

Saturday, November 14, 2015

There as an obvious reduction in the minnow population swimming around the tank which is to be expected and welcomed knowing that the specimens are feeding. As the sun is coming into the window over the tank the majority of specimens are mostly sedentary. The Goldfish and minnows are active, but the siluroids are mostly huddled in the darker recesses of the tank. The Ictalurus specimens are more active than most as the Synodontis somewhat active. The Plecostomus specimen is clinging to the front of the tank. As darkness crept into the room; the specimens became more active. The midtank huddle has split up with the siluroids swimming throughout the tank. As I made swift advances towards the tank the specimens reverted back to the huddle, but the Ameiurus must of recognized me as the food giver as they were gathering at the front of the tank in front of me. I have not been able to see the Corydoras anywhere in the tank, so he is presumed consumed. Prepared food was introduced in the front corner. The food was dropped in front of a Striped Raphael, but their reaction was minor until the Ameiurus and Ictalurus specimens came over to indulge. The Plecostomus was active over the food zone as were the Synodontis specimens.

It has been two days since I have attempted to complete the olfaction testing on the prepared catfish dough baits, but I have failed in all the attempts. The Specimens have been doing the same things for the past couple of days. The minnow populations has dwindled down to 3 specimens. During the day when the light comes in through the window; the specimens huddle in the middle of the tank, but when darkness takes over the specimens become more active and tend to be scattered throughout the tank. Filters appear to be clogged again so plans for tomorrow is perform filter maintenance on all Sunday, November 15, 2015-Monday, November operating tanks 16, 2015 and attempt to at least start the olfaction testing for the daytime part of it anyway.

Tuesday, November, 17, 2015

A major event took place this evening as I was looking at the tank. The Corydoras made itself known. It's dorsal fin looks somewhat ragged, but he did make the appearance. Water is looking somewhat murky, but still transparent enough to view the specimens. There are not any minnows left in the tank. Since today was overcast; the specimens were more active than they have been when the sun was shining in on the tank. Still no further with the Olfaction testing. The filters were cleaned out and the activated charcoal was replaced, but now the water is more murky, but hopefully it will clear up by the morning.

All the specomens are clustered together in the bottom middle of the tank. No sunshine coming into the window as skies are overcast and rain coming down. Prepared the bottle for the olfaction tests by drilling four 1/8 holes middle way up the bottle. Two holes were drilled in the lid to allow for the hanging of the bottle which consisted of 3 large zip ties latched from end to end. To weight the bottle down 3 metallic bolts were utilized. Several pictures were taken as to the general positioning of the specimens as a basis to compare. Once the test has started a cube of dough bait will be placed into the bottle and the lid secured. Upon introduction of the bottle a count will commence using the second hand on the standard clock to gauge the amount of time it will take for the specimens to notice and come to the bottle in search of food. The bottle itself will hang in the front right corner of the tank away from the cluster of catfish specimens. The first test using a single cube of the nightcrawler dough bait was not very significant. The Raphaels were the first to have any type of reaction to it, but they were closer than the rest. The Ictalurus and Ameiurus specimens showed minor interest with only a couple coming over to investigate, but then again the scent was not homed in on. Test took almost 180 seconds before termination. By adding another cube of bait and increasing the number of holes in the bottle by 3 times; the reaction time was quicker. The first real reaction was done by an Ameiurus specimen in only about 30 seconds. The duo of Ictalurus also reacted positively, but only the Ameiurus went to the source (the bottle). By increasing the amount of bait did not increase activity. End of test #1 with the Nightcrawler Dough Bait daytime test. The next bait is the chicken blood. By utilizing the previous test as a base; 3 cubes of dough bait is being used on the onset of the test. The Chicken Blood dough bait elicitated a quicker and more active of a response within the 120 seconds of the test. Up to 5 specimens were in a feeding pattern with the Ameiurus specimens being able to locate the actual source of the bait. Once they located and investigated the bait they swam off. The Chicken Blood Bait was darker than the nightcrawler bait. The Ameiurus and Ictalurus specimens are continueing to investigate the bait bottle. After quite a bit of time a single Synodontis swam over to the general area of the bait bottle, but didn't seem to be investigating the scent. The last bait in the Daytime Olfaction Testing is the Liver and Cheese. Same senario as before with 3 cubes of bait in the suspended bottle. This bait was the least attractive. Only a couple of Ictalurus specimens even attempted to investigate the bait. The Raphael and the Corydoras did not react and they were very close to the bottle. This Wednesday, November 18, 2015 (Daytime concludes Olfaction theTesting) Daytime portion of the Olfaction Testing on the Project tank.

NIGHT TIME TESTING

Darkness came over the room. The Specimens became more active and was observed casually swimming throughout the tank. The room light was turned on without much response from the specimens. The Tank lighting was turned on and again not much reaction. The first testing is the Nightcrawler test using the same senario and equipment from the day testing. Once again three cubes of bait are put into a totally white bottle that the specimens cannot see through and several holes drilled into the sides to allow for the scent to escape. Within 30 seconds of the bottle dropping down there was an Ameiurus natalis heading straight for the bottle. The specimens seemed to be interested, but no so much as to attempt to try to bite at it. On the Chicken Blood Bait I increased the amount of cubes to four. As the Ameiurus specimens were coming up to it they brushed up against it and quickly dashed away. The specimens seems to be aroused, but not to the point to active feeding. The Liver and Cheese Bait test for the bottle was forgone due to the primary tests not getting very positive results. Instead the testing was switch to using only one bait cube and dropping it directly into the corner of the tank. The specimen to take an interest in the bait cube was an Ictalurus. It was swimming around as if it could not locate the cube. The first specimen to take a bite out of it was the Goldfish. The first cube was the Nightcrawler bait. These bait cubes have not revealed a positive reaction on olfaction, but will continue to monitor throughout the evening. After a few minutes of just letting the cubes let off their scent in the tank; several Ameiurus specimens went into feeding mode and even attempting to swallow the cube whole.

Monday, November 23, 2015

I have allowed the tank to set for a few days after the last testing to allow for a substantial filtration. The specimens are all on the bottom with a small number adventuring right above the bottom, but quickly retreating back down. The middle of the tank seems to be to their liking during the daytime hours. All of the Striped Raphaels are situated close to the rock. Corydoras is slowly dying so to end the suffering he has been removed from the tank. One of the Synodontis specimens seems to like the floating driftwood for its refuge all the while swimming upside down. Water quality is good and clear with only a slight odor, but you have to be right above the tank to smell it. The Goldfish on the other hand swims all over the tank. Testing for today is dedicated to the olfactory aspects. The commercial bait cubes did cause feeding arousal in the specimens, but not a frenzy. The specimens would investigate the source, but when they could not positively address it they gave up on it. The olfaction bait for this test will be their normal diet of flake food and shrimp pellets wrapped into a netting and hidden within the white bottle. The initial attempt was not very successful at all. Its failure was attributed to my attempt at keeping the bait together, but the cheesecloth was layered to much presumeably. The second attempt was more successful with only a single layer to keep the bait together. There were a few Ameiurus specimens and a couple of Ictalurus ones that attempted to locate the food. Instead of leaving right away; the specimens made several attempts to visually locate the food to the point of hanging around the bottle. This testing was done about 1500 hrs., so the next testing will be done about 1900 hrs.cst to allow for the sun to set. By stirring the bottle; a feeding pattern soon developed. Several specimens quickly were locating the food in the bottle, but a couple of passes and some of the specimens were actually attempting to bite the bottle itself.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Over the last week; the tank has not had much activity at all. The odor is getting worse so a partial cleanup which involves siphoning off debris and cleaning filters is warranted. This morning an Ictalurus specimen was found deceased. Interestingly though it has some sort of wounds on the head area that resembles some sort of mold. Purchased minnows and obviously the population is being thinned out. The Ictalurus specimen was removed. The infected areas were scraped and placed on a slide covered by another slide and observed under the microscope. I could not identify the fungus, but several pictures were taken. During these observations an Ameiurus specimen was seen being very lethargic. It looks malnourished, but something has made it other than not having food available as they are fed prepared food each night, plus having minnows available so he most likely died shortly. To end the suffering it is being taken out. Plans for the driftwood are to drill small holes into the wood at various spots to see if it will sink. The rock that was being used unsuccessfully to hold the driftwood submerged is being removed as well.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

The results from doing a 25% water change, repositioning the filters and replacing the media, and replacing the filter cartridges on the undergravel filter system has been positive. This morning the odor is gone and the water has cleared up. The driftwood is now sunken due to a process of drilling several holes into it and filling those holes with fishing weights. Removal of the Ictalurus that was dead and the Ameiurus specimen that was dying had a contributing factor in the positive results of the tank this morning. Also found a Spotted Raphael that had been hiding. The minnows continue to diminish indicating that the specimens are partaking. This morning the specimens are taking advantage of the sunken driftwood as a refuge from the sunlight.. Every once in a while it is like they get excited and cause a disturbance in the tank and stirring up debris that has not been filtered out. There are only a trio of tests remaining to be accomplished within the next month. The urine test, fishing test, and magnetic test. Finished putting on the final touches to the project tank this evening meaning that the lids were cleaned and re-installed and the red subdued lighting was situated using the shop light with the red curtains underneath to cast the light depicted in Carl Ferraris, Jr.'s book. Interestingly; during the feeding time a single Ameiurus specimen was observed acting quite strange. It was swimming around the tank acrobatically meaning that it was turning over and contorting its body. Unsure as to the cause as it did feast tonight on the prepared food that was introduced. It only does this sporatically without any pattern to the behaviour.

Monday, December 7, 2015

The tank light has been on for several days. The specimens have huddled together in the middle of the tank presumably in an attempt to hide. The driftwood has now become fully submerged, but still moves as the specimens make it. The Ameiurus specimen that was swimming erratically has since settled down in the back corner of the tank upside down. It continues to live, but it is not moving other than the gills and caudal fin.


This morning a gruesome sight presented itself to me as I came in to look at the tank. The Ameiurus specimen that was having difficulty had been eaten off of until on the head and a small number of vertebrae were left. It was fished out of the tank and put up to cure. The water is clear, but the filters are clogged again. Live prey were obtained and the specimens of Ictalurus and Ameiurus have partaken of the bounty. Discontinued the light and the specimens have already ventured from the presumed safety of the driftwood.


Monday, December 21, 2015

The entries are getting further apart as there are fewer and fewer available tests to give to the tank. Yesterday several dozen Rosey Red Minnows were added to the tank, but several were already dead as the bait shop just dumped a net full which was over a pound into the receiver bucket. The inside of the tank needs to be cleaned. A multitude of dead minnows were removed this morning from the siphon tube as well as from the tank floor. Light from outside is coming in to the tank, but not sunshine as the sky is extremely overcast. The specimens have been very timid this morning which causes a great upset everytime I approach the tank. Today is the urine test day. Why urine as an attractant? A couple of reasons being that the South American Candiru Catfish has been reported as actually traveling up the urine stream of a human thusly being lodged in the genital area. Another reason is the ammonia smell that is released from Ameiurus natalis specimens when dissected. 25 ml of urine was introduced into the front right corner of the tank where none of the specimens were located. A couple of Ameiurus specimens swam to the area presumeably to investigate, as did the smaller of the Ictalurus specimens. None of the specimens that came close to the area proceeded to go into a feeding pattern. After pouring in an additional 50ml of urine the response was greater. Ictalurus specimens were the first to respond by actually swimming into the urine field. The Ameiurus specimens coming into the urine field were faster to respond, greater in numbers, and appeared to be more aggressive. The evening testing started about 1900. The tank light was turned on and the room light was turned off. The tank light is subdued with the red cloth placed under the light. Waited until the specimens had calmed down from the light switching. Poured 100 ml of urine into the front left corner. Three Ictalurus specimens were quick to respond by swimming around the area that the urine was placed. The Ameiurus specimens did not respond during the time that the observations and video was rolling. Added the prepared food mixture of flake food and shrimp pellets which they greedily reacted to.

The room is darkened due to a heavily overcast sky. The tank light is off as is the room light. The specimens are moving very little, A Synodontis is causually swimming away from the bulk of the specimens as is the smallest of the Platydoras specimens. The test today is the fishing test. It is a test to see how a specimen approaches the bait and ultimately takes the bait. By using modified hooks attached to a plastic coat hanger and being tangled close to the bottom of the tank; the method by which a catfish specimen seeks out and eats or takes a possible prey is being investigated. The hooks are standard size 2 plain shank ones, but being modified where the normal hook itself is straightened in such a manner to hold the bait on, but not actually hook the specimen causing it distress. The bait is a Canadian Night Crawler which is the bait used to catch the specimens initially. The baits were lowered into the tank and the one closest to the bottom received immediant attention. The Ameiurus specimens were the only ones to react. A short time homing in on the worm, but it was quickly took in one bite unlike perch or bluegill as they peck at the bait. The other bait did not get any attention until it was lowered more into the tank. Interestingly the Ameiurus specimens continued to attack and feed off of the hook even after no visible parts of the worm was on it. Once the other bait was lowered to the tank floor an Ameiurus specimen took it hard and fast. The bait was swallowed by the specimen and dislodged the support for the hook. Retrieved the hook after momentarily struggling with the specimen. Once the testing was completed for the day time version; the baited hook remained in the tank. When the hook was retrieved later the bait had been stripped clean. The conditions for the night time test are that the specimens are all amassed together under the driftwood after the nocturnal tank light was turned on. A Synodontis specimen its swimming in the upper strata. The Ameiurus and Ictalurus specimens are venturing out a little but they mostly stay together in a mass including the Tiger Shovelnose looking as they are the nucleus for tThe pack. The first bait was stripped immediantly after entry. The other bait has been taken several times by Ameiurus and Ictalurus specimens but has released it. The Goldfish was observed pecking at the bait and then an Ameiurus specimen swallowed the hook and all even going as far as dragging the support system into the tank. After a few minutes the hook was released stripped of the bait. ]

Sunday, December 28, 2015

Today as the tank was approached I found a couple of lifeless specimens. A Platydoras costatus specimen and a Synodontis specimen were not moving and were presumed dead until they were retrieved from the tank. The specimens started thrashing about as they were removed. The cause of their deaths are undetermined. They were immediantly immersed into a 90% alcohol solution to preserve the carcass for later study. The tank itself seems rather bare as the only furniture is the sunken driftwood. Tomorrow will be obtaining some plants from the river, washed, and attached to metal bolts to keep plants sunken in a particular spot. In addition the magnetic experiment will be accomplished tomorrow.


Last night 50 specimens of goldfish were obtained and added to the project tank, they were soon vanquished. Instead of real or plastic plants being added to the tank constantly; a planted background was purchased to give the specimens the appearance and atmosphere of having a planted tank. Changed out clogged filters as part of the maintenance for the tank. The tank water level is down and needs to be topped off. Tomorrow will be the day to fill the tank and install the background on the back and 2 sides of the tank.


Today was the day for some changes to the tank. Installed the background this afternoon by wrapping the back and both sides with the background. Removed the red cloth under the light and turned on the light without any filter. Several dozen of minnows were purchased and introduced to a group of very ravenous specimens. The group had a feast tonight. Although the majority of the Ameiurus specimens are bunched up together around the driftwood; there are both specimens of Tigers that are staying out in the open alongwith a few specimens of Ictalurus and Ameiurus.


The tank light has been shining brightly without the red curtains for 3 full days without stopping. The specimens has continued to mostly stay around the sunken driftwood, presumeably attempting to hide. A few specimens such as the Ictalurus have been actively swimming in all stratas of the tank. A few Ameiurus specimens have been lazily swimming around really looking like they were changing positions. The small amount of Ameiurus specimens have ventured away from the driftwood by laying on the bottom at the back of the tank or swimming close to the bottom. They are not swimming erratic or seem to be in any distress. The only Synodontis that still involvedin the project is staying by the driftwood. It doesn't appear to want to venture away from it. The Tigers on the other hand have ventured away from the driftwood, settling on the bottom by themselves as are the Platydoras and Spotted Raphael as well. Today is the magnetic test. Turning off the tank light making it more nocturnal with the background wrapped around the back and sides of the tank. A metal rod will be inserted first and see what kind of reaction there will be, and then the magnets will be added one at a time and the reactions will be noted. On Tue, Dec 22, 2015 at 8:12 AM, Promag Products wrote:

Hi, James- The #60001 neodymium magnets are grade N35 and have a holding strength of 4.3 lbs. with a peak surface gauss of 2200. The residual induction gauss reading is 12,064. This magnet is .100” thick. Regards, Ruth Wyckoff Retail Specialist ProMAG Products/Magnum Magnetics Corporation

T. 800-258-0991 ext. 1136 D. 740-568-3721 [email protected] www.magnummagnetics.com


Yesterday's experimentation was delayed until today due to the misplacement of the actual magnets and the associated information. The experiment at this point is being conducted with a simple metallis rod in the form of a 3/8 socket extension of 18 inches in length. The first phase is to illuminate the tank in a way as to not cause stress to the specimens. I utilized the red curtains as before to cast a subdued light into the tank. Lowered the extension into the tank by itself recording the results with a camera. The small Ictalurus specimen that was caught made a few passes at the rod. The Goldfish came by it, but nothing else. The rod was removed and an N35 magnet was placed at one end. That end was lowered back into the tank. The same Ictlaurus specimen made a few passes at the rod, but the larger Ictlaurus appeared to be interested as well. The Goldfish once again came over by it, but then swam away. Next phase is to increase the magnetic force by increasing the amount of individual magnets placed together. A second magnet was placed on top of the previous one. The increased magnets elicited a quicker response from the Goldfish and smaller Ictalurus. It is interesting to note that the specimens closest to the magnet gave no response at all. The third magnet addition will be lowered, but the tank light will be off. The addition of a third magnet did not elicite any responses even with the tank light off. The fourth magnet was installed. A larger Ictalurus edged towards the rod, but backed off. The smaller Ictalurus is somewhat a constant companion with the rod circling it. The next pair of magnets have not been graded at the time of the experiment. The information is forthcoming at a later date. By installing the 2 bigger magnets there were additional responses. The small Ictalurus as before, but also the Hypostomus had ventured over. The larger Ictalurus made several quick passes by the rod and the Goldfish hung around longer. Conclusions for the daytime magnetic force experiment is that the Ictalurus especially the wild caught smaller one readily approached the rod as well as the magnets that were attached to it. The Goldfish came in sporadically, but only stayed around when the larger magnets were lowered. During the day even the magnetic force has not enticed the Ameiurus, Synodontis, Raphaels of either type, or Tiger Shovelnose to attempt to feed.


This evening tests yielded different results. With only the room light; the metal rod (extension) was lowered into the tank. There was a Synodontis in the area, but instead of swimming away it actually investigated it. The Platydoras specimens investigated as well. The amount of magnets put into the tank were all 4 at once. The Spotted Raphael was active swimming around the rod and back into the corner. . It even went as far as approaching it and touching the rod acting like he was attempting to feed. The small Ictalurus made several visits to the rod. The smallest Platydoras costatus came to it and settled and stayed by it. An Ameiurus specimen came up to it and investigated, but when the barbels touched the rod he darted off. A new method was deployed by taking the camera and myself back away from the tank in an effort to get a more positive result. In addition I left the room but the recorder was continueing so a complete report after reviewing the video is to come at a later date. This completes the magnetic force test. The Raphaels were consistent with investigating the rod as was the Ictalurus. The Ameiurus specimen came to the rod once, but left after touching it with a barbel.


Today was the day for the large carcass feeding test. By tying two rather large pieces of chicken to a fishing line, (first piece weighed 35 grams and the second weighed 47 grams), the chicken could be lowered without fear of the specimens being harmed in the process of the test. There was almost an immediate reaction from the Ameiurus specimens. Not much investigation was happening as they honed in on the meat, taking the bait, and shaking it since they could not swallow it whole. There were several of the Ameiurus specimens involved in this feeding, but that was it. The Ictalurus specimens were aroused by swimming faster, as was the Tiger Shovelnose, but The Synodontis didn't pay the bait any mind. The Tiger Shovelnose was more active during this time, but even as I placed the bait directly on top of the Tiger Shovelnose there was no interest displayed. The Raphaels themselves did come by the meat, but did not attempt to bite at it. Not for sure if all of this was due to some kind of pecking order in which the Ameiurus had more dominance or not. They don't display that type of behaviour any other time. The tank light had been on for a few days at the time of testing, but had the red cloth under the light. The specimens were tugging at the bait so much that the bait was ripped and ultimately slipped out of the fishing line that had tied it. It is interesting that even though the Ictalurus The evening tests matched the daytime tests. The larger Ictalurus specimen did partake of the chicken, but it was only when the Ameiurus specimens were not around the bait. The Tiger Shovelnose was swimming around the bait, but did not seem to want to feed upon it. The Synodontis actually stayed close to the top swimming upside down. It did investigate the bait but it apparantly did not appeal to it. Once again the baits were pulled on so much and so hard that the knot that was tied did not keep the bait together. The amount of the bait was increased as the first set weighed in at 77 grams and the other topped the scale at 90 grams. The larger Ictalurus was observed eating, but not as voracious as the Ameiurus specimens were. Most of the bait has been devoured, but a few small pieces remain, so those pieces will remain in the tank.


Today marks the end date for the project, but not the end of the specimens involved. The literature dealing with keeping wild fishes in an aquarium talks about when you don't need or want the specimens anymore to kill them instead of releasing them back into the wild. This researcher does not believe that idea. Even though this project is over and the specimens are not being utilized for that purpose; there is no need to kill them. Although the actual project has ceased; the wonders of having these specimens will never cease. The future for this Catfish Aquarium is to reconstruct it by adding PVC pipes in an attempt to have the specimens spawn come spring.
