Catfish self mutilation

[Scrup]

So, I got a pictus from a friend of mine who didn't have room for it. Turns out its not a pictus, its a relative, the Pantaneiro. Pretty big guy, almost a foot long.
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Anyone have any experience with Pantaneiro?

He seems to insist on cramming himself, or attempting to cram himself into tight spaces. Not a big surprise, catfish do that.

The problem is, he is getting into such tight spaces that his pectoral spines have peeled the skin off of his sides.

Anyone ever have this happen before?

I've rearranged all the rocks so he can't wedge himself anywhere, and he seems to have taken up residence in a pvc cave for now. The cuts are just superficial, Hoping they heal up ok, as my QT tanks are all occupied at the moment.

[cer]

You should add some Melafix in the tank to prevent infection.

[Lady Hobbs]

I guess the only logical thing is to make sure no really tight spaces are available for him. I gave my son my beloved featherfins that I like so much but could not keep them. He had one tiny PVC pipe for them and they'd both cram into that thing and get stuck, wounds and the whole bit.

I finally snuck into his basement and took the stupid pipe out of there and leaned some big pieces of slate up against the wall for them. I was so angry he allowed them to continue to get stuck in that thing!