Page 134 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

132 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Microglanis iheringi Hemisorubim platyrhynchos
DIFFERING LIFESTYLES
Bumblebee Catfish Spotted Catfish
Many pimelodid catfish are solitary by
nature. They are predatory and grow to a ORIGINS Northwest South America, where it is found in ORIGINS South America, from Venezuela southward as
large size, demanding an extensive area in parts of Colombia and Venezuela. far as Paraguay.
which to hunt. However, a number of smaller SIZE 4 in (10 cm). SIZE 15 in (40 cm).
species, including the Pictus Catfish DIET Prepared foods and live foods. DIET Prefers live foods of various types.
(Pimelodus pictus) shown here, will associate WATER Temperature 70–77°F (21–25°C); soft to hard WATER Temperature 72–77°F (22–25°C); soft to hard
in groups and can be kept together more (50–200 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0). (50–250 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
easily in the home aquarium. Like various TEMPERAMENT Will prey on smaller companions. TEMPERAMENT Will prey on smaller companions.
other pimelodids, Pictus Catfish are largely
nocturnal. A special light that mimics the The size of this catfish means that it requires
qualities of moonlight must be placed over suitably spacious accommodation from the outset.
the tank if the fascinating behavior of these The Spotted Catfish has a large, rather bill-like
fish is to be observed. mouth, with prominent barbels and an elongated
body shape. Its blotched appearance includes a
variable pattern of dark spots on its sides.
Spotted Catfish naturally frequent cooler,
deeper waters and will rest on a bed of pebbles
or a similar raised area during the day, becoming
active as darkness falls.
The orange and brownish-black bands on this fish
resemble the markings of a bumblebee. It is often
confused with two similar-looking species with the
same common name, Pseudomystus siamensis from
Asia and Microglanis poecilus from South America.
Nocturnal by nature, this catfish can be kept
safely with other nonaggressive species of
a similar size, but it will prey on smaller
companions, especially the fry of livebearing fish.

Platystomatichthys sturio
Sturgeon Catfish

ORIGINS South America, where it is present throughout
the entire Amazon region.
SIZE 24 in (60 cm).
DIET Worms and other live foods.
WATER Temperature 72–81°F (22–27°C); soft to hard
(50–200 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
TEMPERAMENT Predatory.
The name of this fish comes
from its snout, which curves slightly
upward, rather like that of a sturgeon
(Acipenser species). This adaptation enables it to
dig in the substrate for its favorite food, which is
worms of various types, although older individuals
will also prey on other fish. A sandy floor covering
in the aquarium and good filtration are essential,
especially for bigger specimens. The maxillary
barbels of the Sturgeon Catfish are remarkably
long, extending in some cases not just along the
length of the entire body but beyond the end of the
caudal fin as well. The presence of a red spot
roughly midway along the barbels is quite normal,
and not a cause for concern. It is very important,
however, that Sturgeon Catfish are able to extend
their barbels fully, so the home aquarium must
be more than twice as wide as the length of the
individual barbels.

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