asian upside-down catfish behavoir

[Kaga's Kritters]

I have an asian upside-down catfish and he hides constantly. I thought they were supposed to be active fish. I never see him come out. Even at feeding time he doesnt come out, unless I drop some shrimp pellets hear his hide. Then he will carefully sneak out and grab one and run right back in. I have had him for a good while now (6 mths maybe) and he just isnt getting braver. He is getting enough to eat somehow, cause he is growing. He has definitely grown a good bit since I got him. I think he may be the reason I have been finding my serpaes dead in the morning. Usually only one at a time, but I have lost 6 over the past 2 mths. I have also lost 2 red-eye tetras. The rest of the tankmates are bigger and faster, so they are safe, for now. Anyway, back to the main reason for this post....does anyone know why he hides so much and is so afraid to come out??? I know they hide, but I thought they were supposed to come out and swim around some too. I never even see him out when I go to turn the lights on in the morning. It's like if he does come out its only in the pitch black darkness of night.

[toddnbecka]

Sounds like typical behavior for a nocturnal catfish.