Quick Questions About Spotted Raphaels...

I was out with friend the other day and was looking through the fish section of the pet store (naturally). I saw this little dinosaur looking fish being picked on in the cichlid tank. After asking three different people what he was, I finally got an answer. I did a quick search on Spotted Raphael cats and decided to get him. Partly to save him, partly because I just loved his look. He's now safely in my 55 gallon community tank happy as can be.
I looked up that he's nocturnal? But I see him actively swimming at all hours of the day?
How big is he going to get? Some websites said 5 inches some said 10? Either is fine, just want to know
Should I try to get him a friend? I know most catfish like to have a buddy? I have an Ocellated catfish in the tank and I see them swim together sometimes. The Ocellated is quadruple his size, it's really cute.
And any tips in general? He seems happy and his little spines aren't out, so I don't think he's stressed.

 

Hello Bry, the spotted raphael catfish (agamyxis pectinifrons) grows to a max size of 5.9 inches. They prefer to be kept with others of their own kind. You are correct about it being a nocturnal species, it may be just trying to explore the aquarium.

As far as tips I would just suggest to make sure food gets to the bottom so it can eat. And make sure that their are no caves that it can get stuck between , make sure any hiding spot is large enough for it to not get stuck.

 

He's been in the tank for over a week now, I may just have a super active one? I looked up that they were pretty lethargic and I'd never see him.
I do have some sinking algae pellets and sinking shrimp pellets that I put in the tank for both him and the Ocellated.
I will try to hunt down at least one more Raphael for him. He was the only one in the tank when I got him

 

Maybe he is just a healthy and active individual.

I would definetely recommend an extra 1 or 2 more if your tank won't be overstocked.

 

Thanks for the input! I will try to find him a buddy. I'd never seen them in my area until I just happened to see him trying to hide in the corner.

 

I think they need a hideout like a cave or similar.

My LFS owner has a full grown one over 15 years old and he says he never sees it and it ate his Corydoras at night. Apparently they can bite a Cory in half.

 

Well I have four hideaway caves and such. That's what I read! But I sit and watch my tank and he swims around just as active as my other fishies.
Maybe that's why my Corys are suddenly passing. I had three and they're mysteriously been dying, one left. But not quite like that. My little Raphael is MAYBE an inch and a half, he be a baby. But he may have picked them to death.

 

Maybe the behaviour of juvenile fish differs from adults.