Page 137 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

CATFISH/BAGRIDS 135

Bathybagrus stappersii Chrysichthys ornatus Notoglanidium macrostoma
Stappers’ Catfish Mottled Catfish Flatnose Catfish

ORIGINS East Africa, found in Lake Tanganyika, within ORIGINS West Africa, with its distribution centered on ORIGINS Found in West Africa, where it is restricted to
Zairean territory. the Congo and Zaire. Niger and Upper Volta.
SIZE 8 in (20 cm). SIZE 8 in (20 cm). SIZE 10 in (25 cm).
DIET Prepared catfish foods, algae, and live foods. DIET Prepared catfish foods and live foods. DIET Prepared catfish foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 72–75°F (22–24°C); hard WATER Temperature 68–77°F (20–25°C); soft to hard WATER Temperature 73–81°F (23–27°C); soft to hard
(150–300 mg/l) and alkaline (pH 8.0–9.0). (50–150 mg/l) and acidic to alkaline (pH 6.5–7.5). (50–150 mg/l) and acidic to alkaline (pH 6.5–7.5).
TEMPERAMENT Not to be trusted with small fish. TEMPERAMENT Predatory, solitary as adults. TEMPERAMENT Predatory and solitary.
These catfish display a combination of blackish and
silvery coloration, although these areas are not Spiny dorsal fin
well defined, creating obvious mottling over much
of the body. There are sharp spines on the dorsal
and pectoral fins. Young Mottled Catfish are
reasonably social and are also active during the
day, but as they become adults, they develop into
more solitary, nocturnal predators. Part of the area
of the substrate should consist of sand, in which
these catfish can dig. Little is known about the The background of the Flatnose Catfish is
breeding habits of this bagrid. pinkish in color, but brown spots, often
This silver-bodied catfish has large eyes, which are overlapping, cover the entire body, including the
especially prominent in juveniles of the species. Mottling extends fins. The sexes are similar in appearance. Shy by
to the fins
Like many other African catfish, Stappers’ Catfish nature, the Flatnose Catfish requires a secluded
is only occasionally available, but it makes an environment, with the surface of the water
interesting addition to an aquarium housing larger covered by floating plants. Adequate retreats
Lake Tanganyika cichlids, with which it is often must be provided, and tank furniture should
imported. The scientific name commemorates be rearranged to suit the requirements of the
the discoverer of the fish, Dr. L. Stappers. catfish as it grows.
Hyalobagrus ornatus
Ornate Bagrid transparent to allow the green eggs in the female’s
reproductive tract to be visible prior to spawning.
ORIGINS Southeast Asia, occurring in Indonesia and The eggs are scattered among fine-leaved aquatic
Malaysia, where it frequents the Muar River. vegetation such as Java Moss (Vesicularia dubyana).
SIZE 1 ⁄2 in (4 cm). These bagrids are very active swimmers, and they
1
DIET Prepared catfish foods and small live foods. should always be kept in shoals. They
WATER Temperature 68–77°F (20–25°C); hard can be housed safely with other
(100–200 mg/l) and near neutral (pH 7.0). nonaggressive species.
TEMPERAMENT Highly social by nature.
A dark streak running along each side of
the body and a slightly golden area on the
side of the head behind the eye help
to distinguish this tiny catfish. The
body is otherwise sufficiently

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