Fish feeding

Question
Hello Karen, I have a 75 gal freshwater driftwood and artificial plants for hiding places.  2 jack dempseys (approx 5 " & 4", 1 pink convict(approx 3"). recently added 2 synodontis 1 ocillifer and 1 eupertus. No problems with aggression but having difficulty getting food to the synodontis.  If any food enters the water the jacks and convict are all over it. They start begging the moment they notice I am in the room- even though it doesn't get them food outside their feeding time.  I tried sinking a small glass and putting food in it for the catfish but the jacks tumbled it till the food came out and gobbled it up. tried pouring some food into a PVC tube to sink the food to the bottom hoping the group wouldn't see it sinking. Again, they rooted around till they found it and gobbled it up. I know the synodontis will grow larger (approx 2.5" currently)and be able to fend for themselves. problem is now.  just worried about whether the catfish are getting enough or anything for that matter to eat. (I use cichlid pellets, flakes, frozen brine & bloodworms, algae flakes. Also have bottom feeder pellets which sink for the cats) Thinking about trying a tank divider but before I go to that extreme, thought I would check here for any other suggestions including the suggestion that I am worrying too much about it.

Answer
Hi Brenda,
Jack Dempseys are quite the characters aren't they? ;-)

While it may still be a little difficult getting food to your catfish I do know that it helps to feed the other fish on one side of the tank to distract them, while you put food near the catfish (you may have to hold it in your hand and put it in the synodontis catfish's hiding place (just make sure your hands and arms are well rinsed to prevent any contamination from soap residue, ect)  this is trouble but it does work and is something I've had to do a lot.

You'll know if your little catfish is getting enough to eat or not. His belly will be sunken if not.
Well fed catfish tend to have rounded bellies.

Definitely try the suggestion I mentioned above. I really hope it works!

Karen~