Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They exhibit a peaceful but incredibly active and boisterous temperament in the community aquarium. While they do not intentionally harm other fish, their energetic swimming can sometimes be disruptive. They are social creatures and display the most interesting behaviors when kept in small groups.

Diet

Omnivore

These fish are omnivorous scavengers that will accept almost any sinking food offered to them. Their diet should consist of high-quality sinking pellets, wafers, and a variety of frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Vegetable matter should also be provided periodically to ensure balanced nutrition.

Sex ratio

Group

Males can be distinguished by their significantly thicker, recurved pectoral fin spines, which they use during combat and breeding. Females are generally plumper, especially when conditioned with eggs, and lack the enlarged pectoral spines. A group of mixed sexes can be kept together in a sufficiently large aquarium.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

They should be fed once or twice daily with an amount they can consume within a few minutes. Because they are active mostly during twilight and night, evening feedings are often the most successful. Ensure that enough food reaches the bottom before being consumed by mid-water fish.

Bioload

This armored catfish produces a moderate to high bioload relative to its size due to its constant foraging. They are vigorous eaters and actively sift through the substrate, which can stir up detritus into the water column. Good mechanical and biological filtration is necessary to keep the water clear.

Flow

Stagnant

They are highly adaptable but generally prefer sluggish to moderate water flow environments. Coming from swamps and slow-moving rivers, they do not require torrential currents. Regular aeration is helpful, though they possess the ability to breathe atmospheric air if necessary.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Breeding is fascinating as males build a large bubble nest at the water surface, often utilizing floating plant debris. The male becomes highly territorial during this time and will aggressively defend the nest against intruders. Once the eggs hatch, the fry require immediate access to small foods like infusoria or micro-worms.

Compatibility & tankmates

They are generally peaceful and make excellent additions to large community aquariums with similarly sized fish. However, their active nature may stress out very small, timid, or delicate bottom-dwelling species. They do best with robust characins, cichlids, and other medium to large peaceful fish.

Tank level

Bottom

They are strict bottom dwellers that spend the vast majority of their time rooting around in the substrate. They will, however, make sudden and rapid dashes to the surface to swallow atmospheric air. Providing plenty of open sandy areas is important for their natural foraging behavior.