pictus catfish stuck in the net

Question
My pictus catfish got stuck in a net.  He was in distress, so I netted him, but had completely forgotten that they get stuck.  I cut the netting off around his fins, but now he has netting stuck to him.  Is there an easy way to get it off without hurting him? I don't want to pull on it.
Also, do they do better in pairs? I only have one and he hangs out with my koi, but I read somewhere that they need companions.  He has two small koi and a pleco in his tank.  They seem to get along just fine, but I had to ask.

Answer
Hi Elaine
The only way I can think to remove the netting, would be to get a bucket with some tank water, get a washcloth or small hand towel.  Dampen the towel, scoop the fish out of the tank and put him in the bucket.  When you're ready, use the towel to take him out of the  bucket(I know easier said then done), and use the towel to gently hold him.  I would try using some tweezers to work the netting off.  Maybe some nail clipper or something else not sharp to try to cut it off as well.  Be sure to frequently dip him back into the bucket to "breathe".  Or even better, if you can work on it while he's in the bucket, but I think that'll be difficult. But, the towel may be an issue like the net with the small loops in it, but that's the only thing I can think of off hand to hold onto it.  When you're done, let him be to rest a bit in the bucket.  Then after a few minutes put him back in the main tank, you could add a bit of MelaFix or StressCoat as well, it won't hurt him or the other fish.

It's my understanding when pictus cats are younger, they like to be in groups or schools.  But as they get older, tend to get more territorial with each other.  I did have 2 together years ago, and I didn't have any issues with them, but one was always slightly larger and got more of the food at feeding time.  
Now, without knowing your tank size, the size of your current fish, and knowing that other info about pictus cats, I would say no, don't add another.

Hope that helps, and good luck with the pictus cat!

Christy