10c. Catfishes: remaining catfish from South America

10c. Catfishes: remaining catfish from South America (114)

Myoglanis koepckei

20. September 2023

This small catfish, unique in its combination of characteristics, originates from Peru. There it was collected (scientifically) for the first time in 1984 in a small tributary of the Rio Nanay, which had sandy bottom covered with debris (probably dead wood, dead leaves etc). The scientific description was then in 1999 as Myoglanis koepckei. In the ornamental fish trade this species is offered only very sporadically in small numbers. For us these are the first specimen at all, which we could import.

The largest specimen that has been scientifically measured so far was 5.9 cm long (without caudal fin). The specimen photographed for this post is about that size, rather slightly larger, and measures (with caudal fin) about 7.5 cm. Noticeable are the numerous and large pores in the head area and on the forebody, which strangely are not mentioned at all in the scientific description. These pores are highly sensitive sensory organs. Body shape and just these pores (they are electroreceptors, with which extremely weak electric currents are perceived, as they arise, for example, during the muscle movement of a small worm) strongly remind of the conditions in Gymnallabes (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/gymnallabes-typus-2/). Although Myoglanis and Gymnallabes are not related; they probably have a similar lifestyle.

For our customers: the animals have code 271223 on our stock list. Please note that we supply only wholesale. Only available in very small quantities!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Brachyplatystoma capapretum

16. August 2023

The genus Brachyplatystoma is called “Goliath Catfishes” in English, because some of its species belong to the largest freshwater fishes at all: up to 3.6 m length are given in literature! In South America they are ubiquitous and important food fish, of which more than 30,000 tons are consumed annually. Nevertheless, distinguishing the species is almost impossible in some cases, and the species we present here was even scientifically recorded and named only in 2005! In fact, there is no one in the entire world who could confidently distinguish Brachyplatystoma capapretum and B. filamentosum from live specimens or photographs. The difference lies in the dentition. Since both species can occur in the same habitat, also the knowledge of the origin is of no use for identification attempts. The specimens shown here are from Colombia. Our decision in favor of B. capapretum in the present case is based on the upper jaw dentition, which seems to us more similar to B. capapretum than to B. filamentosum. But of course we cannot be really sure either. The relatively small spots on the body speak rather for B. filamentosum, in B. capapretum they are often larger. But since very small juveniles (up to about 3 cm body length) of both species have no spots at all, this characteristic is very unreliable.

No matter which species it is exactly: both become huge! So they are only suitable for really large aquariums and zoological gardens. Although the maximum length of B. capapretum is stated to be “only” 120 cm (that of B. filamentosum three times as long), this is probably based simply on the fact that before 2005 all large goliath catfishes were assigned to B. filamentosum. Due to massive (and threatening!) fishing pressure, even specimens of B. filamentosum over 120 cm long have been downright rarities in the wild since the 1990s.

The extremely long maxillary barbels of our fish are tremendously impressive, reaching a good 13-14 cm in length at about 7-8 cm body length (about 9-10 cm with caudal fin without caudal fin filament). What these long barbels are for is unknown. In any case they are very sensitive to touch and it seems important to us to point out to interested people that you should offer these animals aquariums with as large a surface area as possible (length and depth, the height is not so essential) without significant furnishings. However, a sandy bottom is vital, otherwise sooner or later bacterial infections will set in on the belly of the fish. The aquarium should be only dimly lit, if necessary this can be achieved by a floating plant cover. Brachyplatystoma are fish eaters from an early age. After acclimation they will accept almost any coarse frozen food in the aquarium, but for the beginning well kept, healthy (!) food fish are the best choice. Among themselves our animals are peaceful.

For our customers: the animals have code 211052 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply only wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Cetopsorhamdia molinae

12. May 2023

For the first time we could import this cute dwarf catfish from Peru. In the scientific literature the maximum size is given as 3,6 cm (without caudal fin). It is absolutely incomprehensible, why this attractively striped fish (however, there are numerous individual colour morphs from banded to almost completely black, some animals are also of reddish brown basic coloration) has never appeared aquaristically (at least as far as we know).

Originally the species was described from the upper Rio Cauca in Colombia, our animals are from Peru (surroundings of Pucallpa), scientific collections exist also from the Rio Tocantins in Brazil. These are completely different river systems, each of these rivers has a high proportion of endemic species (i.e. species that only occur there). It seems more likely then that there is a whole species complex of dwarf catfishes that merely look similar, rather than all of them being the same.

Anyway: this tiny catfish is an absolute enrichment for the aquarium science and we are very proud that we succeeded in such an interesting import.

For our customers: the animals have code 214712 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Batrochoglanis villosus

20. March 2023

From the Rio Xingu in Brazil we have received frog catfishes, which are assigned to the species Batrochoglanis villosus. Batrochoglanis was previously placed with Pseudopimelodus. More recent work has divided the frog catfishes into a whole series of genera, which makes it difficult to see through, especially since many species from different genera look darn similar purely in color.

But in this case we are sure – at least concerning the genus. Batrochoglanis can be easily distinguished from Cephalosilurus, which contains very similar species, by the structure of their mouths. In Cephalosiliurus the lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw, so it is clearly protruding, and in Batrochoglanis it is just the opposite.

Admittedly, one cannot be completely certain about the species identification, because B. villosus, as the species is currently understood, is supposed to have a vast distribution range in the Amazonian, Orinoco, and Guyanese lands (Demera and Essequibo). Almost all fish species with such a large range, when looked at more closely, have turned out to be different species that only resemble each other. That is why it is so special that we have these catfishes with locality.

Batrochoglanis villosus is a small one among the big catfishes. It probably does not grow longer than 15 cm, at least no larger specimens have been deposited in scientific collections. Grant writes in his book “Pims” (2021) about a 20 cm long specimen, which he raised from a 3 cm long juvenile. The animal was very peaceful, he said, but ate any fish that would fit in its mouth.

For our customers: the fish have code 209983 on our stock list. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hassar orestis

10. March 2023

From Venezuela we could import this pretty and lively thorny catfish. The species is widespread in South America and reaches a length of about 18 cm. In behavior these diurnal catfishes resemble the Corydoras species; however, they are much more active swimmers and constantly on the move in the aquarium.

They are peaceful, sociable animals. In the beginning they can be a bit shy, but after acclimation this will disappear.

For our customers: the animals have code 255711 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hemidoras boulengeri

10. March 2023

For a long time there were very different ideas among ichthyologists about the generic classification of the thorny catfishes. Aquaristically mainly the genera Doras, Hassar, Hemidoras, Leptodoras, Tenellus and Anduzedoras cause classification problems due to their similar appearance and relatively few useful color characteristics. Fortunately, this has little practical impact because they are all fairly similar in their care habits and rarely grow over 20 cm in length. They are peaceful schooling fish that seem like overgrown, stream-loving armored catfish, but are much livelier than one is commonly accustomed to with Corydoras.

One of the easily identifiable species is Hassar orestis, which we recently imported from Venezuela. Only by a hint of a customer we realized that some bycatch were with the H. orestis. Because of the intensive group behavior of the Hassar we had not noticed the deviant colored animals in the shoal. Of course we sorted the fish immediately and it turned out that there were still a few specimens of the second species, in which we believe to recognize the species Hemidoras boulengeri. Four to five species of Hemidoras are distinguished: H. boulengeri, H. morrisi (there is doubt about the validity of this species), H. morei, H. stenopeltis, and H. stuebeli. All are eligible from a geographic point of view, but H. morrisi and H. stuebelii seem too long-nosed compared to our animals, and H. stenopeltis has a strong black spot on the dorsal fin tip. H. morrisi is much darker in coloration (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/extraordinary_rare_thorny_catfish_from_peru_en/). In contrast, H. boulengeri (illustrated in Steindachner, 1917) matches our fish quite well.

Hemidoras boulengeri grows to about 20 cm in length and, like Hassar orestis, is very gregarious. It is hardly possible to take a photo of a single animal, body contact to conspecifics is always sought immediately!

For our customers: the fish have code 257702 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Pimelodus pictus

9. January 2023

Among the large antenna catfishes (Pimelodidae) Pimelodus pictus belongs to the dwarfs. Scientifically proven are 11-12 cm length, but in the aquarium, where these fish can become very old, also 25 cm are said to have occurred. In nature these fishes probably do not live longer than 2-3 years, the keeping record in the aquarium is 18 years.

Anyway, P. pictus is a very attractive fish, if kept correctly. This includes a lot of swimming space, because the catfish is highly active, and company of at least 5, better 10 or more conspecifics. Individually kept specimens are shy. P. pictus, also known as Angel Catfish, is a diurnal catfish. Older specimens become calmer and appreciate retreats (roots and caves). Aquaristically, the species, which was scientifically described as early as 1876 and is very widely distributed in Amazonia (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela), was not discovered until 1968. Aquaristic expeditions to Colombia led to the fish being initially imported into the United States. The fanciful name “Pimelodus angelicus” (i.e. “Angel-like Pimelodus”), which promoted sales, certainly contributed to its popularity, but also the fact that in the USA less importance was traditionally attached to planted aquariums. People preferred to keep relatively large, herbivorous, representative fish like the Silver Dollars (Metynnis and Myleus) and cichlids. There the Pimelodus pictus fitted well to it.

Pimelodus pictus leaves plants and even relatively small fish completely alone. However, to be on the safe side, by-fish should not be much smaller than about one third of the body length of the Pimelodus. No one has tried to breed these fish so far, which are free spawners without brood care, at least no breeding reports have become known.

For our customers: the fish have code 279804 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tetranematichthys wallacei

16. December 2022

At present three species of the strange genus Tetranematichthys are distinguished. None of them comes more frequently or even regularly into the trade, because their hidden way of life makes their catch a pure matter of luck. So we were particularly pleased to be able to import the species T. wallacei from Colombia. We are even more pleased that sexually mature males and females are included in the import.

As in the closely related genus Ageinosus, male Tetranematichthys develop a huge dorsal fin at breeding time. The male uses the heavily spined dorsal fin spine to clamp the female during mating. Fertilization occurs internally with a penis-like structure formed from the anteriormost rays of the anal fin. After the reproductive period, both sexual characteristics are said to regress and then become almost indistinguishable from that of the female.

T. wallacei differs from the identically colored species T. quadrifilis by the profile of the underside of the head. The cheeks of T. wallacei run almost parallel on the left and right side, while in T. quadrifilis the distance between left and right head edge increases clearly recognizable towards the abdomen.

These highly interesting and rare catfishes reach about 20 cm total length. They feed predatorily, preferred food being small fish. An aquarium for Tetranematichthys should contain a fine sandy bottom, be dimly lit and contain plenty of root wood for hiding. During the day the animals often lie on their sides sleeping, this is quite normal and need not worry the keeper. Among themselves Tetranematichthys are completely peaceful.

For our customers: the fish have code 296415 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Lexicon: Tetranematichthys: means “fish with four filaments”, referring to the barbels. wallacei: dedication name for Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913).

Suggested common name: Wallace’s root dolphin catfish.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Astroblepus from Colombia

25. November 2022

The L-catfishes or Loricariidae from South America belong to the most popular and most desired catfishes for the aquarium. However, even experienced aquarists have hardly ever had the opportunity to see a living representative of the genus Astroblepus.

It is the only genus of the family Astroblepidae, the closest relatives of the Loricariidae, distinguished from the latter by their naked body. In contrast, the Loricariidae have a bony carapace that encases the body. Nevertheless, the Astroblepidae were still listed by Regan (1904) only as a highly specialized subfamily to the Loricariidae, so strong are the other similarities of the two catfish groups.

There are currently (as of November 2022) 71 generally accepted species of the genus Astroblepus and they have not been comparatively scientifically studied for over 100 years. In the last 11 years alone, Colombian scientist C. A. Ardila Rodriguez has described 27 new species from Colombia and Peru! It is easy to see that the identification of a species is very difficult, especially since there is practically no aquaristic literature about these fishes.

The largest species of Astroblepus known so far is A. grixalvii from Colombia (Rio Magdalena basin), which can grow to about 30 cm in length. However, most species seem to remain much smaller. No matter if big or small: the flesh of the Astroblepidae is considered to be very tasty and in their areas of occurrence they are therefore eagerly pursued.

Quite recently we succeeded after 2011 (then from Peru) the second larger (thus more than one fish) import of these interesting animals. This time they came from Colombia, but without any indication of origin. This means that they do not even have to be caught in Colombia, because the Colombian city Leticia at the Amazon is located in the border triangle Brazil-Peru-Colombia and is one of the main transshipment points for ornamental fish of all three countries.

Purely optically one can distinguish four color forms with the new import, but whether these are also different species? We are still at the very beginning with our research and do not know yet where the way will lead. One thing is for sure: a very important characteristic for the identification of Astroblepus species is the structure of the adipose keel (upper dorsal edge behind the dorsal fin) and the adipose fin. All four Columbians have a tiny, free adipose fin, but it has a spiny ray and in front of it is a long, flat adipose keel. Differences can be seen in the dentition, the two contrasting phenotypes have red, small teeth in the upper jaw, the solid yellowish fish has small white teeth in the upper jaw and the solid brown has much larger, again red colored teeth. So it all points to at least three species, maybe four. The size of the fish is currently 5-6 cm.

For the care you should consider that Astroblepus need a strong current and cool water (18-22°C). Otherwise the care is similar to Ancistrus species. Astroblepus are peaceful among themselves and against other fish. Our animals are still very shy, which makes photography very difficult. When they get the chance, the catfish hide under root wood.

For our customers: the fish have code 208773 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Physopyxis lyra

7. October 2022

Although this dwarf among the thorny catfishes – it only grows to about 3 cm in length – was scientifically described as early as 1872, it was completely unknown to aquarists until a few years ago. This is a pity, because they are droll, very interesting small catfishes, which are also suitable for small and smallest aquariums. Our specimens originate from Peru.

Like many other thorny catfishes, this species is able to make noise. When you catch them with the net, they prostate loudly and audibly against it. This sounds like a creak. However, you have to be very careful when catching them, with their sharp and numerous thorns, the small catfish get entangeled very easily in the net and are then difficult to get out again unharmed. It is better to catch them with a large (very fine mesh) net, but do not lift them out of the water, but scoop them out of the net with a small cup or the like. This way you can safely transfer them.

Every usual ornamental fish food is eaten. The small “Robocop catfish” – as the exporters call them – are by no means sensitive, but since they rarely move, one often notices too late when they are not well. It is therefore advisable to keep a few small and harmless by-fish with the Physopyxis, e.g. tetras, which serve as bio-indicators if something should be wrong with the water.

For our customers: the fish have code 278602 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hoplomyzon sexpapilostoma

26. August 2022

Within the banjo catfish family (Aspredinidae), there is a group of dwarfish small species (called the tribus Hoplomyzontini) divided into four genera: Ernstichthys, Hoplomyzon, Dupouyichthys and Micromyzon. They grow only 2-3 cm long. In nature they live buried in fine sand (at least during the day). Most species prefer the deepest channels of medium to large streams, which is why they usually escape both scientific and aquarium fish collectors. Therefore, very little is known about them.

We could now import Hoplomyzon sexpapilostoma from Colombia. So far four Hoplomyzon species are known, two from the surroundings of Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela (H. atrizona and H. intosus), one species distributed quite widely in the Amazon and Orinoco (H. papillatus) and one known exclusively from the Orinoco (H. sexpapilostoma). Our animals agree very well with the characteristics mentioned in the orignal description of H. sexpapilostoma.

So far we can report only little about the animals. They are very peaceful among themselves and go willingly to live bloodworm as food. We have not had any losses so far. We keep them on bare glass bottom for better control, but in the photo tank they disappeared completely in the sand in a flash with a few strong tail strokes.

For our customers: the animals have code 258903 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tatia intermedia

12. August 2022

From Peru a larger number of Tatia reached us thanks to this import we can now solve an more than 10 year old puzzle. In 2011 we received from this country monochrome Tatia, which could not be assigned to any known species (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/tatia_sp_tahuayo_river_en/). Now it is clear: it is a monochrome color variant of T. intermedia. Mostly T. intermedia has a pattern of light, short, horizontal strokes; many of the current imports also show these, but there are also specimens with only a few strokes – and the monochrome dark ones.

The brightly reflecting lower eye-half of the fish is interesting; because this is obviously a rest-light-amplifier, that helps the fish to find its prey on its nightly hunt on into the water fallen landinsects. If the fish are not flashed at, one does not see this.

Tatia intermedia grows about 15 cm long and is mainly active at night and twilight. In principle, they are peaceful fish, but of course very small fish up to about 4 cm length are considered as food.

For our customers: the fish have code 295704 on our stocklist. Please note that we exvlusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Oxydoras niger

29. June 2022

With a maximum length of 1 meter Oxydoras niger belongs to the largest species of thorny catfishes. Nevertheless it is a very peaceful species and therefore quite attractive for owners of very large aquariums, show aquariums and zoos. Fully grown these fishes are uniformly black (this is exactly what the species name “niger” = black means), half grown the fins are black and the body is silver-gray. Very young animals are reddish brown and have numerous spots.

Mostly we import these animals from Peru in small sizes of 4-10 cm; we always had slight doubts whether these brown spotted animals really become the black submarines. Therefore we simply put one aside in the last season. This fish is now 30 cm long and confirms indeed: it is Oxydoras niger, without ifs and buts.

For our customers: the animals have code 284200 (4-6 cm), 284201 (6-8 cm) and 284207 (30 cm, only one animal!) on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale. Only available in small quantities!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Platysilurus mucosus

15. June 2022

Predatory catfishes exude a special fascination to many a catfish lover. Unfortunately, many species simply become too large for permanent care in a normal sized home aquarium. However, there are also species that grow to only 20-30 cm in length and for which it is therefore not necessary to flood the entire basement to meet their space requirements. Platysilurus mucosus belongs to these species.

Two characteristics make Platysilurus mucosus special: the very long maxillary barbels and the huge caudal fin. The latter, however, is more pronounced in juveniles than in adults. When catching one must be very careful, because the pectoral fins are needle-sharp and probably also slightly poisonous. It is best to catch the animals in a comparatively very large net with as fine a mesh as possible and then scoop them out with a cup or (for larger specimens) bucket. This way you save yourself and the animals a lot of stress.

They will eat any meaty food that fits in their mouths, even smaller fish and shrimp! Among themselves the animals are peaceful. In community tanks you have to take care that the P. mucosus get enough food, because they are – compared to other predatory catfishes – very shy. The home of P. mucosus is the Amazon and Orinoco, where the species is widespread. Our animals come from Peru. There is a second species, P. malarmo, which is only found in Venezuela and Colombia and which becomes remarkely larger (around 50 cm).

For our customers: the animals have code 280583 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply to wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Platydoras armatulus

20. May 2022

The snarling zebra catfish – this is how Platydoras armatulus could be popularly called. However, it is actually called the striped raphael catfish. All spiny catfish can make distinct growling or croaking sounds when taken out of the water. They vibrate their whole body. Presumably this serves as a defense against enemies. But even without this behavior Platydoras are well protected against predators. Their whole body and especially the fins are covered with spines and thorns, which are even poisonous and can cause painful stings and lacerations. It is said that there have even been cases of poisoning in humans, so one should never catch these animals with bare hands. It seems that the catfishes are aware of their inedibility: usually they are lying around in a shady cave and hardly get disturbed. We have never observed the occasional warning in the literature that these catfishes could be dangerous to their aquarium mates by secreting poison, although we have had thousands of these animals with us over the decades. But at least: we have hereby pointed out to you that such a thing could exist.

Until 2008 the striped raphael catfish was called Platydoras costatus and still today this name can be found on most stock lists. Stock management systems just can’t be changed that easily. The “real” P. costatus is only found in coastal rivers of Surinam and French Guyana, is monochromatic brown-black and has only along the lateral row of spines a thin light line. Platydoras armatulus, on the other hand, is originally from the lower Orinoco, Amazon, and Parana-Paraguay systems. Nowadays, however, almost only captive-breds from Southeast Asia are on the market. It is distinctive and contrasting black and white striped.

The care of P. armatulus is very simple. The water temperature can be between 20 and 30°C, any drinking water is suitable for care. The species is extremely long-lived, you can look forward to several decades with them. The maximum length is said to be up to 30 cm, usually they grow around 20 cm. They are sociable animals, which should be kept in small groups (5-7 specimens). They will eat any common ornamental fish food and also small fish if they fit in their mouth. Co-inhabitants should therefore be adapted to the size of the catfish. The sexes are externally hardly distinguishable, the females are a little plumper, that’s it. These free spawners do not practice brood care.

For our customers: the animals have code 280522 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Batrochoglanis sp. Venezuela

28. March 2022

Something is happening with the South American bumblebee and frog catfishes! In former times they were assigned to the long-whiskered catfishes (Pimelodidae), today they are placed in an own family, the Pseudopimelodidae. Often in the trade are the striking yellow-black marked, only 3-8 cm large South American bumblebee catfishes (Microglanis, 23 species), and the similarly colorful, but with up to 20 cm significantly larger South American frog catfishes (Batrochoglanis). Predator fans appreciate the whimsical Lophiosilurus alexandri and the marbled Cephalosilurus, both genera whose representatives sometimes exceed the 30-cm mark.

Recently (2017), a new genus of stream-loving Pseudopimelodidae was described, Rhyacoglanis, with 7 assigned species (5 of which are new, 2 transferred to Rhyacoglanis from other genera). These are pretty, often yellow-black ringed species, growing 5-8 cm long. And in 2021, a phylogenetic study (i.e., a paper analyzing the more precise relationships) of the Pseudopimelodidae was published.

We could just import again four specimens of a pseudopimelid catfish from Venezuela, whose determination seemed to us very complex in the light of the new work. In the meantime, however, we are of the opinion that it is a representative of the genus Batrochoglanis; earlier we would have certainly addressed it as Cephalosilurus apurensis (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/cephalosilurus_apurensis_en/ and https://www.aquariumglaser.de/fischarchiv/cephalosilurus-apurensis-2/), now, due to the unclear situation with Batrochoglanis, more cautiously as Batrochoglanis sp. Venezuela.

For our customers: the animals have code 214644 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tatia musaica/ Centromochlus musaicus

23. March 2022

When the first black and white “Tatia” appeared in the ornamental fish trade some years ago, they were celebrated as a sensation. (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/centromochlus_sp_ninja_en/ and https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/tatia_musaica_en/). We identified these fish, which originated in Brazil, as Tatia musaica. In 2017, a team of scientists published a study on Centromochlus species and described the species previously known as Tatia musaica from Brazil (Rio Nhamunda drainage) as a new species Centromochlus orca. However, they confirmed Tatia musaica as a valid species from the Rio Orinoco. The “real” Tatia musaica differs in color from C. orca by the higher proportion of black in the coloration. It was astonishing that these two species, so similar to each other, were placed in different genera.

Unfortunately, this team of scientists had overlooked a 2015 paper by Steven Grant in which Grant established several new (sub)genera, including Sauronglanis for the species then identified as T. musaica. So now there were already three generic names for the small (5-6 cm long) black and white Tatias!

In 2019, another team of scientists published a study on the relationship classifications of the driftwood catfishes, in which both species (orca and musaica) were reassigned to Tatia, and Sauronglanis was declared a synonym of Tatia.

This did not go unchallenged; in a study published in 2020, both species were regrouped and this time placed in Centromochlus, so should now be called C. orca and C. musaicus. And Grant is not yet convinced that his genus Sauronglanis is really a synonym, as he writes in his 2021 book on banjo-catfish, doradids, and driftwood catfishes.

In any case, we now have pretty black and white driftwood catfishes from the Orinoco in the stock that are undoubtedly the species originally described as Tatia musaica, to whichever genus one may assign them.

For our customers: the animals have code 295842 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Literature:

Calegari, B. B., Vari, R. P. & R. E. Reis (2019): Phylogenetic systematics of the driftwood catfishes (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae): a combined morphological and molecular analysis. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society v. 187 (no. 3): 661-773.

Grant, S. (2015): Four new subgenera of Centromochlus Kner, 1858 with comments on the boundaries of some related genera (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae: Centromochlinae). Ichthyofile No. 3: 1-16.

Grant, S. (2021): Banjos, Dorads and Woodcats. Aspredinidae, Doradidae and Auchenipteridae Catfishes. ATS-Aquashop, Neustadt am Rübenberge: 1-300.

Sarmento-Soares, L. M., Lazzarotto, H., Rapp Py-Daniel, L. H. & R. P. Leitão (2017): A new Centromochlus Kner, 1858 (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae: Centromochlinae) from the transition between Amazon floodplain and Guiana shield, Brazil. Neotropical Ichthyology v. 14 (no. 4): 1-11.

Sarmento-Soares, L. M. & R. F. Martins-Pinheiro (2020): A reappraisal of phylogenetic relationships among auchenipterid catfishes of the subfamily Centromochlinae and diagnosis of its genera (Teleostei: Siluriformes). Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia v. 167: 85-146.

Tatia galaxias

11. February 2022

The cute Tatia catfishes are quite popular in the hobby. Keepers put up with the fact that you can hardly see them outside feeding times, because they are extremely addicted to hiding. But they make up for it with their pretty coloration and good breedability.

Tatia galaxias comes from the Orinoco river basin in Colombia (including the Rio Meta) and Venezuela, where our current stock comes from. The coloration is unique. On a dark background there are numerous bright spots, like stars in the galaxy – hence the species name. There is a possibility of confusion to some individuals of Tatia intermedia, but the spots are longitudinal oval in the latter species, round in T. galaxias.

The maximum size of T. galaxias is 12 cm, sexual maturity occurs at a length of about 5-6 cm. Every usual ornamental fish food is eaten, the water values are negligible for the care, if extreme values are avoided. The water temperature should be 24-30°C.

For our customers: the animals have code 295664 (4-6 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Nemadoras elongatus

31. January 2022

The thorny catfishes are a very interesting and diverse group of catfishes. We were able to import from Peru the slender species Nemadoras elongatus, which can reach a total length of about 12-15 cm. At first sight the fishes remind very much of the Hassar species, which they also resemble in behavior. They are peaceful schooling fish that move around a lot and appreciate some current in the aquarium.

Nemadoras are omnivores that can be fed on all common aquarium fish foods, although the emphasis should clearly be on a meaty diet. Water composition plays a minor role in their care. You can maintain the animals in any tap water.

The aquarium for Nemadoras should have plenty of free swimming space. Plants will not be damaged, but with very dense plant growth there is a risk that the fish will become entangled in the underwater plants. Nemadoras are ideal community fish for larger aquariums with tetras etc.

For our customers: the fish have code 272484 on our stock list. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.

Lexicon: nemadoras: means “doras with thread”; doras is another catfish genus. elongatus: means “elongated, slender”.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Zungaro zungaro

10. November 2021

The catfish Zungaro zungaro belongs to the largest catfish species of South America. There were all kinds of debates about its name, for a long time it sailed under Pseudopimelodus zungaro or Paulicea luetkeni. Because of its gigantic size (length up to 140 cm, weight up to 50 kg) the species is difficult to study and it undergoes an enormous change of color from a leopard-like patterned juvenile to a monochrome gray giant.

DNA studies suggest that there are other species besides the two generally recognized Zungaro species (Z. zungaro from the Amazon and Orinoco rivers and Z. jahu, which grows to exactly the same size, from the Paraná-Paraguay system).

We have now imported from Brazil some “babies” of 15-20 cm length, which still carry the nice juvenile markings. Of course such giants are only suitable for zoos, show aquariums and specialists with the corresponding large tanks.

For our customers: the fish have code 299805 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos. Frank Schäfer

Pimelodus ornatus

17. September 2021

One of the most attractive large catfishes is Pimelodus ornatus, which is common in large parts of tropical South America. It is reported from the big rivers Amazonas, Orinoco and Parnaná, in addition the Guyana states. Maximum size reported is 38.5 cm (excluding caudal fin).

The beautiful and lively fish is notorious for its venomous fin spines. Stings are considered extremely painful and are also prone to infection. Therefore, some caution should be exercised when catching it and fine-meshed nets should be used if possible, otherwise the fish can easily become entangled in the meshes with their serrated fin spines. When freed, stings can then easily occur.

Interestingly, females of this species have been found to have the ability to store sperm. Thus, once fertilized, they can lay viable fertilized eggs without a male. Since this requires internal fertilization, it would be very interesting to know how this occurs. Any externally recognizable sex differences or mating organs do not exist in P. ornatus.

Unfortunately Pimelodus ornatus is imported only rarely, so that breeding reports in the aquarium – one needs for it undoubtedly larger aquariums starting from 200 cm edge length and several specimens of both sexes – are still pending. The care itself is simple, there are no special demands on food and water. A strong current, soft bottom and dim light meet the requirements of the species perfectly. P. ornatus is peaceful among each other and towards other fish, as long as they are not considered as food.

The animals we can currently offer come from Peru.

For our customers: the fish have code 279604 (9-12 cm) and 279605 (12-15 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Ageneiosus magoi

20. August 2021

Males of all dolphin catfishes (Ageneiosus) develop huge dorsal fin spines and a penis-like mating organ at spawning time, also strange tooth-like looking papillae on the posterior margin of the upper jaw. They use the dorsal fin spine to clamp females for mating, and fertilization occurs internally. After spawning, the dorsal fin spine is shed again, like deer antlers after the rut, and the mating organ regresses so that males and females can no longer be distinguished externally.

Unfortunately, the relatively small remaining (under 10 cm) dolphin catfishes are rather inconspicuous in color. We could import now from Venezuela splendid, sexually active A. magoi. The fish are currently about 15 cm long. The maximum length given in the literature for A. magoi is 18-20 cm. Thus A. magoi is surely the most interesting dolphin catfish for aquaristics: highly attractive colored and comparatively small.

For our customers: the animals have code 203353 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers. Only available in small numbers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Wertheimeria maculata

20. August 2021

Wertheimeria maculata belongs to the strangest thorny catfishes. You don’t see this on the relatively inconspicuous juveniles with their 6-8 cm length, but it is nevertheless so. The first thing that catches your attention is the really high price that is demanded for them. This is due to the fact that these fish are local endemics and occur exclusively in the Jequitinhonha and Pardo rivers in Brazil, where there is no organized ornamental fishing. The area of occurrence covers more than twice the area of Switzerland, W. maculata is not considered endangered.

Already on the occasion of the first description of the species in 1877 the genus Wertheimeria was established for it, of which it remained the only member until today. The independence of Wertheimeria has never been doubted; within the spiny catfishes (Doradidae) a separate subfamily Wertheimerinae was established for the species and two others (Franciscodoras marmoratus and Kalyptodoras bahiensis).

Adult Wertheimeria maculata are about 30 cm long; then they look spectacular: on a black background the species has large, cream-colored spots. Whoever acquires this species should keep it for himself if possible. Our young animals are compatible with each other. The animals are hiding-loving and mainly nocturnal and are easily disturbed by other species. One hardly gets to see them then. Wertheimeria maculata do not have special demands on water and food, but it goes without saying that they should be kept in aquariums as large as possible with well maintained water and fed with high quality food (mussel meat is ideal, but any commercially available ornamental fish food is accepted) to quickly turn the ugly little duckling into a proud swan.

For our customers: the animals have code 299053 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Ageneiosus inermis

26. July 2021

Already in 1766 this catfish was described by Linné. It is one of the most widespread species in South America. It has been reported from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Uruguay, Colombia and Venezuela. In the course of the centuries many synonyms accumulated: 12 times this species was described under different names! However, this is not surprising, if one considers how drastically the young fish differs from the adult animal! The best known synonym is surely A. marmoratus. Under this name we have received now again quite delightful, young animals with a beautiful pattern from Peru. They keep this beautiful markings up to a length of about 20 cm, then the dots become smaller and smaller with increasing growth and finally disappear, whereby the up to 60 cm long adult animal appears monochromatic silvery.

Ageneiosus are predatory fish that catch fish with their huge mouths, which contain countless, small teeth. At spawning time, male Ageneiosus develop an enormous dorsal fin spine and a penis-like copulatory organ. With the dorsal-fin spine, the male clamps the female; mating with internal fertilization follows, allowing the female to lay fertilized eggs later. The dorsal fin spine regresses after spawning.

Ageneiosus inermis are magnificent predatory catfish for specialists, zoos and show aquariums.

For our customers: the animals have code 203404 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Pimelodina flavipinnis

28. May 2021

We are proud to present this unusual first import. The rarity of this pretty large catfish in the hobby stands in strong contrast to the fact that it was scientifically described as early as 1876, is widespread (our animal comes from the Rio Negro in Brazil, but it also exists in the Rio Madeira, in Peru and in the llanos of Venezuela and other areas of the Orinoco) and is a popular and frequently traded food fish. However, the high color variability described in scientific papers suggests that several unrecognized species are involved. The genus Pimelodina is monotypic, so there is only this one scientifically accepted species.

Pimelodina flavipinnis grows to a length of about 40 cm, our specimen is therefore adult. Within the large catfishes of South America P. flavipinnis stands out due to its unusual snout shape in combination with an underslung mouth. This naturally raises the question of how and from what the animal feeds. The long barbels indicate the predatory character; however, stomach content examniations revealed aquatic insect larvae and substances that accumulate when chewing through soil, such as sand and seeds.

The preferred habitat of this species is riverine lagoons. In June and July the animals perform spawning migrations. We cannot say much about aquarium life yet, except that our animal behaves relatively calmly and does not tend to frolic; this is a feared phenomenon in larger fish, because panic reactions are naturally associated with a high risk of injury. The slight injuries that our animal showed after importation are therefore probably due to the catch. In Brazil, the professional fishermen who catch this species for food use long seines.

For our customers: the animal has code 278957 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Lithodoras dorsalis

21. April 2021

The genus Lithodoras belongs to the thorny catfishes (Doradidae). There is only one species scientifically described, which has its distribution in South America: L. dorsalis, which inhabits the Amazon basin; in addition, the species was reported from a creek near Cayenne (French Guiana), but the latter occurrence still needs confirmation. The maximum length of L. dorsalis is given with about 100 cm, it is one of the largest thorny catfish species at all.

We could import four Lithodoras catfishes now. Our specimens are 25-30 cm long, so probably young sexually mature. In contrast to many other thorny catfishes they are very active swimmers. Possibly they were caught on spawning migration, because in the two photographed animals (which by the way get along excellently and are good eaters) differ in the shape of the dorsal fin spine. The possible male has a dorsal spine whose shape is reminiscent of the shape of the dorsal fin spines of sexually active male dolphin catfish (Ageneiosus & Co.). But such indications are, by their nature, speculative. We feed our Lithodoras mainly with dry food (granules), which is eagerly accepted, plus Tubifex from time to time.

For our customers: the animals have code 266459 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Sorubim lima

19. March 2021

The large-sized species of the spiny catfishes (Pimelodidae) belong as adult fishes to the desired food fishes and not less desired species for fans of predatory catfishes with giant aquariums. As juveniles, these animals often look completely different and have, for example, absurdly long fin processes.

The Shovelnose catfishes of the genus Sorubim are with about 50 cm final length still to be counted to the smaller representatives of this group. Their youngsters have a gigantic enlargement of the lower tail fin half, which is colored black besides. The purpose of this anatomical peculiarity is probably that potential predators mistake this caudal fin lobe for the fish. If they snap at it, the thrust often goes nowhere because a prey grabber expects the prey to move forward.

Aside from their expected size, Sorubim are good aquarium fish that are peaceful toward conspecifics and other species that are not considered food. Sorubim like to stand vertically, head down, on wood or large plant leaves, so this should be taken into consideration when setting up the aquarium.

Interestingly, Shovelnose catfish shed their skin regularly, similar to what is known from reptiles. When catching them, beware of the pointed pectoral fin spines, which can sting poisonously.

In the aquarium, small juveniles prefer to eat live food (e.g. white mosquito larvae), but Sorubim can be well accustomed to frozen food. Grown-up animals are best fed with frozen smelts. Shovelnose catfish are not interested in plant food.

For our customers: the animals have code 293202 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Leiarius marmoratus

10. February 2021

There are two species of catfish in South America that look like siblings: Leiarus marmoratus (called “Achara” by the natives) and Leiarius (formerly: Perrunichthys) perruno. Both species attain a length of about 60 cm, have the very same leopard pattern and the long, ringed whiskers. But there does exist an easily recognizable difference: Leiarius marmoratus has 10-11 rays in the dorsal fin, L. perruno only 8. The fish usually have the dorsal fin erected. So it is pretty easy to count the finrays on a sharp photo.

Due to the attractive pattern and the peaceful nature of the fish (any tankmate that does not fit as food will be ignored), acharas are much sought for by enthusiasts that love big fish. However, they are only rarely available on the ornamental fish market. Currently we have a number of very charming youngsters from Peru in stock, which are 5-7 cm long.

For our customers: the fish have code 265202 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited numbers only!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tympanopleura cryptica

5. February 2021

For the first time we could (recognized) import this dolphin catfish from Peru. The small species (the biggest scientifically known animal had a standard-length – therefore without tail fin – of barely 8,5 cm) occurs in the area of the upper Amazon, where the river is still called Solimoes.

Tympanopleura cryptica was described scientifically only in 2015; before that the species was probably always confused with other species, hence the species name cryptica, which means “hidden, concealed”. The males of T. cryptica get a strongly extended back-fin during the reproductive-time – like all dolphin-catfish – that serves during the mating to press the female against the side of the male. The inner fertilization takes place on that occasion with a mating-organ, that is formed from the first five rays of the anal fin. One can recognize the males by it also outside the reproductive-period while the long back-fin-spine is shed. One can compare this quite well with the antlers of the stags, that is formed also again annually. The photographed animal is a male, clearly recognizable at the mating organ.

Interesting are the very large nose pores, which at first made us think that the animals had bumped somewhere. But since this phenomenon occurs in many specimens and always on both sides, and can also be seen in the preserved type specimens, we think it is normal.

In our facility these catfish are strictly nocturnal and move during the day only when food is given, as it is known from other driftwooid catfishes (e.g. Duringlanis (former Tatia) perugiae). Concerning the feeding it is to be said that one should be careful with Tympanopleura, what concerns the tankmates. Tympanopleura are predatory fish that can eat surprisingly large fish. However, the catfish also accept all usual frozen food.

For our customers: the animals have code 203033 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tympanopleura cryptica

13. January 2021

For our customers: the animals have code 203033 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Brachyrhamdia meesi

4. December 2020

The genus Brachyrhamdia includes only five described species, another one, that is still scientifically undescribed, was imported over 10 years ago as accidental catch, since then, one heard nothing more of it. Brachyrhamdia are relatively small-growing catfish. Brachyrhamdia meesi comes from Brazil and grows to about 8 cm in length. Like all species of the genus, it swims as young-fish with different species of Corydoras in the same swarm. Although the coloration of B. meesi is not particularly similar to that of – for example – Corydoras schwartzi, B. meesi almost doesn’t stand out at all in the Corydoras school. The sense of this imitation is not yet explored. It could be a protection (however, Brachyrhamdia have powerful thorns in the pectorals and the back-fin, with which they can give very painful stings), the Corydoras could serve also to the camouflage, however, that makes it possible for the predatory Brachyrhamdia to come nearer to small prey.

In the aquarium, one should keep Brachyrhamdia meesi in a swarm with conspecifics and should add also a swarm of Corydoras in order to be able to observe and analyze the living together of the two species. One should choose a Corydoras with blindfold, approximately the already mentioned C. schwartzi or also C. leucomelas, C. agassizii and similar types. B. meesi are completely peaceful towards fish that are not suitable as food (i.e. all species that are about half the size or larger than the Brachyrhamdia). In the aquarium, the catfish are omnivores, that take any dry, frost and live-food. Plant-food doesn’t play any role, plants are completely ignored by the fish also otherwise.

The aquarium for B. meesi should have a fine sandy bottom, should be decorated with numerous roots and not be too brightly lit. It is best to cultivate a solitary plant – for example an Amazon sword plant (Echinodorus) – in a culture pot and illuminate only this plant specifically, while in the rest of the aquarium a little diffuse light can be used. The water values are of minor importance (pH between 5.5 and 8, dGH between 5 and 20° dH), the water temperature should be between 22 and 28°C.

Male Brachyrhamdia meesi develop enlarged dorsal and caudal fins with the onset of sexual maturity. With the females, the size of the fins remains constant. They debvelop eggs easily and are then very thick, however, a successful breeding was not yet reported in the aquaristic literature. Probably the reason for this is a too low interest of the aquarists in these beautiful catfish – what a pity! It can be assumed that B. meesi does not care for the brood and can be stimulated to spawn similar to the Corydoras species of the central Amazon basin. There are observations from the 1980s, according to which the species B. imitator from Colombia, which is related to B. meesi, was also stimulated to spawn by the spawning of Corydoras brevirostris, with whom they were kept together.

For our customers: the animals have code 211603 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Auchenipterichthys punctatus

3. December 2020

It was believed for quite a long time that the genus Auchipterichthys would contain only one or two, very far spread species. In 2005 Ferraris, Vari, and Raredon revised the genus and could show that in reality four different species are involved. The species that was thought so far to be the most common in the hobby turned out to be restricted in distribution to the upper Rio Madeira basin: A. thoracatus. The most often imported species from the Amazon river basin is A. coracoideus and the most widespread species of the genus A. longimanus.

As early as 1840 a species of Auchenipterichthys was described by Cuvier and Valenciennes under the name of Auchenipterus punctatus. The species was forgotten for a long time, only 1996 it was „rediscovered“ and placed in the genus Auchenipterichthys. This is the only species in Auchenipterichthys with clearly visible round spots and so pretty easy identifyable. So far it has been reported only from the upper Orinoco and the Rio Negro in Venezuela, and from the central portion of the Amazon river in Brazil. The maximum size the species can attain is about 15-20 cm.

Now we were able to import Auchenipterichthys punctatus that were collected in Venezuela. It is quite astonishing that the females, despite they are only 6-7 cm long, already show a belly swollen from eggs.

For our customers: the fish have code 209653 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Balroglanis schultzi (formerly Centromochlus s.)

3. August 2020

The driftwood catfishes enjoy an increasing popularity, since it succeeds regularly to reproduce them. All species have – as far as known – an internal fertilization, the females spawn later without the presence of a male. Most driftwood catfishes are active at night or twilight. Many species are known to hunt land insects that have fallen into the water by swimming just below the water surface.

Balroglanis (formerly Centromochlus) schultzi originates from the upper reaches of the Rio Xingu and Rio Tocantins in Brazil. The species grows to about 10 cm long; each specimen has an individual dot pattern. The downward pointing eyes are covered with a protective skin, which makes the eye appear clouded. The sense of this anatomical peculiarity is unknown.

For our customers: the animals have code 214684 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Leptodoras cf. cataniai “Rio Nanay“

15. May 2020

We receive only very rarely imports of one of the unusual and stress-prone Leptodoras species. These thorny catfish are extraordinarily elongated and apparently live in flowing waters, while many other thorny catfish – think of the Platydoras, Agamyxis etc. which are common in the hobby – are more at home in dead wood or leaves in shore areas.

Leptodoras cf. cataniai originates from the Rio Nanay in Peru. The species probably reaches a length of about 20 cm, but our current imports are only about 7 cm long. Except for the area of origin – the species L. cataniai was described from the Rio Casiquiare, the connecting river of Orinoco and Rio Negro, the appearance fits very well to L. cataniai.

We recommend for maintenance a large aquarium with sandy bottom, little decoration and good filtration and current. The water temperature should be around 24°C. The chemical composition of the water is not important, but extreme values should be avoided. Any usual fish food of suitable size is eaten. The peaceful and sociable animals are a bit nervous and should therefore be kept in the company of some Corydoras or Brochis, whose calmness is transferred to the Leptodoras and takes away their shyness.

For our customers: the fish have code 266051 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Brachyplatystoma platynemum

27. March 2020

From Peru we have received some specimens of this very rarely imported catfish. The animals are in top condition and currently 10 – 12 cm long. Brachyplatystoma platynemum used to be placed in a separate genus, Goslinia, which is now a synonym for Brachyplatystoma. B. platynemum is distributed throughout the Amazon and Orinoco region and grows to about 1 m long in the Amazon, while the largest known B. platynemum from the Orinoco even measured 117 cm. As it is a popular food fish, one is well informed about average sizes. Males usually grow to about 65 cm and females to about 75 cm.

The special feature of this predatory catfish are the flattened barbels (platys = broad, nema = thread), which the fish always orientate perpendicular to the water current. They are lurking hunters, which usually rest on the large pelvic fins and hunt for prey fish of suitable size with their head pointing upwards and against the current. Like most predatory catfish, they are largely indifferent to each other and are also peaceful towards other fish that are not suitable as food. As a white water inhabitant B. platynemum does not make any noteworthy demands on the water composition, any common tap water is well suited for maintenance. The water temperature should be in the range of 24 to 28°C, but occasionally the fish tolerate higher or lower temperatures well.

For our customers: the fish have code 254782 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Bunocephalus coracoideus

31. January 2020

Banjo catfish (Bunocephalus) are very common in nature. That is why we always have them on offer. Mostly we call them Bunocephalus coracoideus, which may be correct in many cases. But if you look into such a swarm of banjo catfish you will notice that there are always other species in between. Usually they cannot be determined with reasonable effort and certainly not sorted, but it is very exciting to raise and observe a group of maybe 20 of these animals in the aquarium. Then you notice how variable in colouration these animals are, that there are clear differences in anatomy (especially the bone ridges along the middle of the back in front of the dorsal fin) and also that some species prefer much more to burry themselves in the sand in than others.

We currently have very nice banjo catfish from Colombia and Venezuela in stock.

For our customers: the animals have code 212903 (4-6 cm) and 212904 (5-8 cm) in stock. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Pterodoras granulosus

13. November 2019

The Thorny Catfishes (Doradiae) are a small family of exclusively South American catfish. Currently 41 genera containing 127 species are known, but continuously new species become discovered. The largest species attain a maximum length of more than 100 cm. The world record for Opsodoras niger is 120 cm and a weight of 20 kg. The smallest species – Physopyxis lyra –becomes only 3.5 cm long. Most species attain a maximum length between 10 and 20 cm.

Pterodoras granulosus from Peru is a large species, which can become around 70 cm long. However, we obtained juveniles of 7-10 cm. This species is as peaceful as any species of thorny catfish, but one should keep in mind that the fish has a large mouth and smaller fish will vanish there of course…

For our customers: the fish have code 286583 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Microglanis carlae

23. October 2019

Usually the „typical“ catfish with long barbels become quite big and are therefore also called “predatory catfish” in the hobby. The lovers of these animals therefore have really large aquariums to care for their favourite fish. However, there is a species from South America, more precisely from Paraguay, which is truly also suitable for nano aquariums, since so far no specimens have been known from the wild that were larger than about 4 cm: Microglanis carlae. With about 2.5 cm length (without tail fin) the little animals are already sexually mature.

We could just import a number of these pretty catfish from Paraguay.

For our customers: the animals have code 268132 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Ageneiosus lineatus (= sp. III Green Stripe)

12. September 2019

Update: es handelt sich um die Art Ageneiosus lineatus Ribeiro, Rapp Py-Daniel & Walsh 2017

The dolphin catfish were only recently revised and divided into two genera: Ageneiosus and Tympanopleura. Tympanopleura are the smaller species. They are characterized by a circular structure immediately behind the edge of the gill cover, which looks like a tympanum.

Unfortunately, the pretty dolphin catfish imported from Peru from time to time, which is called “Green Stripe”, is not included in the revision and apparently belongs to a scientifically undescribed species. We would classify it also rather in Tympanopleura than in Ageneiosus, especially since it reaches with – as far as known – only 15-20 cm length (usually over 40 cm with Ageneiosus). Among catfish friends this species is also known as sp. III. It has been (and still is) confused with Ageinosus vittatus, but this is a large species with a much rounder head profile and a different pattern.

For our customers: the animals have code 203264 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Liosomadoras oncinus

26. August 2019

The Jaguar catfish (Liasomadoras oncinus) belongs to the rarities in the aquarium. Also in the large museum collections of the world the species is only sparsely represented, so that the knowledge about these animals is small. In the aquarium, they belong to the very sensitive species that only experienced aquarists should dare to approach. The species tends to fungal diseases and bacterial diseases. One can counteract both only with optimal water care, the care is favorable in a soft, slightly acid environment (pH 5.5-6.5), both like neither fungi nor disease-causing bacteria.

The maximum length of the jaguar catfish is about 20 cm (including the caudal fin), usually they become 12-15 cm long. The males of this species, which belongs to the group of the driftwood catfishes, can be recognized by the fact that they have a tubular mating organ at the beginning of the anal fin, which is used for internal fertilization.

Very interesting is the individually very different pattern of the fish. The 5 speciemens illustrated here are all in approximately the same size (9-12 cm). On the underside of the head, the animals (both sexes) have a sucking structure, whose function is unknown.

Jaguar catfish are not very demanding when it comes to feeding, but it is to be assumed that they feed on insects from the water surface in the wild at dusk, just like other driftwood catfish. We currently have some specimens of this catfish from Brazil in stock.

For our customers: the animals have code 266304 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Trachelyopterichthys taeniatus

9. August 2019

Among the driftwood catfishes are some quite attractive coloured species. This is a bit astonishing, for these catfishes are usually strictly night active and hide during daytimes in caves or crevices. However, well settled animals usually come out of their wholes at feeding times in the aquarium.

Trachelyopterichthys taeniatus belongs to the really attractive species. It is not a small fish, but attains a total length of about 15 cm. This is worth knowning, for small fish, like cardinals, are among the common food items of the catfish. Otherwise it is peaceful against tankmates. In T. taeniatus an internal insemination appears. For that reason in males the first rays of the anal fin are modified. The eggs are laid later without the males. As far as we know this pretty fish has not been bred yet under aquarium conditions, but this may simply be due the fact that it is only very rarely offered. Currently we have some very nice about halfgrown specimens from Venezuela in stock.

For our customers: the fish have code 297503 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Trachelyopterichthys taeniatus

12. July 2019

For our customers: the fish have code 297503 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Centrodoras brachiatus

19. June 2019

In two large specimens (they are currently 20-25 cm long) we have received the extremely rarely imported Centrodoras brachiatus from Peru. The up to 40 cm long catfish are widely distributed in the Amazon system and also occur in Brazil and Colombia.

Typical is the form of the lateral bone row, whose shields are very big directly under the dorsal fin and then quickly become much smaller towards the tail.

Although the species was described scientifically as early as 1872 and has a large distribution area, practically nothing is known about its wild life. The large tooth cushion in the lower jaw indicates that the animals may graze on growth.

What is striking about our specimens is that they often “hold their breath”. After strong breathing movements they stop breathing again and again for a longer time (at least you don’t see anything of it). This is a behaviour that we have not yet observed in fish!

For our customers: the animals have code 214616 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, little pirate…

5. April 2019

This is the chorus of a Rodgau Monotones´ song about a small employee who breaks out of his hated everyday life and puts on an eye patch to continue living as a pirate in the future. We had to think of this song when a magnificent Leiarius pictus from Peru arrived on Wednesday. The animal is already a good 30-35 cm long, so it is certainly sexually mature (the maximum length for this species is 60 cm). Of course he will have a completely different and probably much longer and more pleasant life in the aquarium than in nature, but we were reminded of the little pirate when this beautiful fish calmly turned around and presented his side that had been turned away from us until then. Here the eye is missing! No question, the fish lost that in the hard fight for survival in nature. The wound has healed excellently and for fish the facial sense generally does not play such a big role, because they have numerous other sensory organs. So we hope that our little pirate will soon find a new home despite his physical blemish.

For our customers: the animal has code 265307 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Platystacus cotylephorus

11. February 2019

We received this beautiful banjo cat from Brazil currently. The species represents by far the most desirable member of the family. The fish becomes approximately 30 cm long and thus should be kept in larger tanks. In contrast to most other banjo catfishes – which usually do not move if possible – this species is comparetively lively.

Platystacus cotylephorus inhabits the lower reaches of rivers and even tolerates brackish water. It can be kept, however, also in pure freshwater, but the pH should be neutral or slightly alcalic in that case and the water should be medium hard, not soft.

Basically speaking the species is very peaceful, although very small tank inhabitants may be eaten. The banjo cats accept readily any type of frozen food, most do even feed on granulated dry food; Tubifex are regarded as an delicatecy.

One of the characteristic features of the species is the fact that there do not exist even two specimens with exactly the same coloration. There are no differences between the sexes known for sure, but it is said that females have a rather brown basic coloration while males have a black one. In our fish quite different shapes of the dorsal fin can also be observed which possibly proof to be a way for sexing the fish.

Although the species has not been bred successfully in aquaria so far it is known that the female attaches the eggs on the underside of its belly until they hatch. This is an unique case of broodcare in fishes.

For our customers: the fish have code 280603 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Platystacus: ancient Greek, combines the words “broad” and “needle”; referring to the shape of the body. cotylephorus: ancient Greek, means “bearing cups”, referring to the honeycomb-like skin structure on the belly of the females, in which the eggs are deposited.

Suggestion of a common name: Longtail banjo cat

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tenellus trimaculatus

23. November 2018

From Peru we have received this nice catfish, which can be recognized by its species-typical pattern: A black spot at the base of the dorsal fin, two at the middle base of the caudal fin. The species name also refers to this (trimaculatus = with three spots). The peaceful animal becomes about 10 cm long. Its behaviour is best compared to that of Corydoras. Tenellus trimaculatus is a social animal, which appreciates the company of conspecifics. Therefore, one should always maintain at least five specimens together; in the absence of conspecifics, the catfish joins also other, similar species. The large eye shows that it is a twilight active catfish. In the lower half of the eye there is a “residual light amplifier” which causes in the lower half of the iris a “red-eye effect” when a flash is used. We have corrected this in most photos, only in one we have left it to demonstrate the effect.

For our customers: the animals have code 295992 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tatia dunni „White“

13. November 2017

We were able to import the wooddrift catfish Tatia dunni for the first time in 2010 (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/tatia_dunni_en/). Animals from this stock were given to one of our breeders, Jürgen Hattenberger. Sadly he died unexpected a few weeks ago. Jürgen was able to establish a breeding stock from the first importation and since then we obtained from time to time bred T. dunni from him. He also developed a pale strain from these fish he called T. dunni „White“.

We now received from the closing of the fishhouse of J. Hattenberger both „normal“ bred T. dunni as well as white ones. We hope that the interesting white strain will be preserved in the aquarium hobby.

For our customers: the fish have code 295697 (normal) and 295698 (white) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Rhynchodoras woodsi

9. June 2017

Only very rarely members of the enigmatic genus Rhynchodoras (family Doradidae) appear in the ornamental fish trade. It is believed that these fish live in the very riverbed where collectors of ornamental fishes usually do not fish at all. All species of Rhynchodoras have a strange appendix on the jaw that looks like a share; the function of this structure is unknown.

Three species are currently recognized in the genus, none of them is reported from Peru so far; our fish are from Peru. It is nevertheless very likely that our specimens belong to Rhynchodoras woodsi, a species described in 1976 from the Rio Pastaza basin in Ecuador. It is reported so far (despite Ecuador) from the Amazon basin in Brazil (not in the rivers Xingu and Tocantins) and Guyana. Maximum length reported is 10.5 cm, our fish are currently 3-4 cm long.

For our customers: the fish have code 287511 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in small numbers only!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Centromochlus heckelii

30. January 2017

It is a pity that we can offer this interesting driftwood catfish only very rarely and in small numbers. The species has a wide distribution in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. It attains a maximum length of about 14-15 cm. Our specimens originate from Peru; here is also the type locality for the species.Two features in that fish are very obvious: the large eyes and the also large pectoral fins which are always spread. The spines of the pectoral fins should be taken with care: one can become nasty stung by them and the spines also tend to tengle up in the meshs of a net when it is necessary to catch the fish. The sexes can be distinguished best by the shape of the maxillary barbels: these barbels are curved in males, straight in females.

: Centromochlus heckelii

: Centromochlus heckelii

: Centromochlus heckelii

: Centromochlus heckelii

: Centromochlus heckelii

: Centromochlus heckelii

For our customers: the fish have code 214703 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply exclusively the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Xyliphius cf. lepturus

23. June 2016

For the first time ever we could import this extremely odd species of banjo catfish. The eyes are reduced to very small, black spots. This is a hint either to a strictly nocturnal way of life or that the fish live burried. We obtained our specimens from Venezuela. Most probably they belong to the species X. lepturus, but we cannot be sure about that.

The genus Xyliphius has been established in 1912 by Carl Eigenmann for the species X, magdalenae from Colombia. Sadly Eigenmann used two different kinds of typing for the new genus simultaneously, namely Xiliphius and Xyliphius. This led to some confusion among later workers. Currently the typing Xyliphius is the accepted one.

There are 7 described species in the genus. They are represented in the museum collections of the world by only quite few specimens. The maximum length reported for members of the genus is between 8 and 15 cm. This means that our 5 specimens should be adult, as they have already a length of 8-10 cm. Now, for the first time in history, the behaviour of these unusual creatures can be studied.

For our customers: the animals have code 203464 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Cephalosilurus apurensis

26. April 2016

A face that can be loved only by a mother? Far from that! Among the fans of large, predatory catfish Cephalosilurus apurensis is a much sought after species! The fish attains a maximum length of about 30 cm and appears endemic in Venezuela (this means the distribution is restricted to that country). We were able once again to import a few specimens of this rarity. Our fish are 20-25 cm lang and almost fully grown. Further pictures of younger specimens can be found here: http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/archiv.php?news_id=912

For our customers: the fish have code 214636 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in very small numbers only!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Amaralia hypsiura

13. April 2016

Banjo catfishes are subjects for lovers of calm fishes. One could also ay: for lovers of phlegmatic fishes. These creatures will not swim even an inch if it is not absolutely necessary. On the other hand they are really odd looking creatures. The strangest looking of this assemblage of strange-looking animals is without any doubt Amaralia hypsiura. This species attains a length of about 12 cm and has a very wide distribution in South America. It can be easily recognized by the much reduced dorsal fin. Until a few weeks ago only one species was recognized in Amaralia, namely A. hypsiura, but recently a second species, A. oviraptor, has been described from the Paraná-Paraguay-system. It looks almost identical to A. hypsiura.

Our specimens originate from Venezuela. While researching the new species it was found that all Amaralia feed almost exclusively on eggs and freshly hatched young fish with a large yolk sac of other fish species, most often obviously on loricariids.

When Amaralia are disturbed they press the tail on the side of the body, thus imitating seeds of beans (for example Mucuna sp.).

Sadly Amaralia are only very rarely offered by the exporters, despite the wide distribution and the fact that they are far from being rare in the wild. So we are quite proud that we could manage once more a successful import. Our four specimens are fully grown: one male and three females.

For our customers: the fish have code 203455 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Only four specimens available!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tatia musaica (= Cenromochlus orca)

22. January 2016

We
were able to import again a small number of the most attractive of all
driftwood-catfishes: Tatia musaica, the ninja-tatia. This beautiful fish
attains a maximum length of about 5-6 cm. Like all the driftwood
catfishes this species also has an internal fertilization. The male´s
anal fin is modified for that purpose, similar as it is well known in
livebearers. The female deposits the eggs in absence of a male.

Species
of Tatia are night-active. So often hide hide during acclimatisation
the whole day through. One must take care that the animals get enough
food in that phase. Settled fish will come out of their hiding place
when fed during during daytime.

For our customers: the fish have code 295852 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Batrochoglanis raninus Dwarf

5. October 2015

Batrochoglanis raninus Dwarf

The genus Batrochoglanis was formerly placed in Pseudopimelodus. Batrochoglanis can be best distinguished from Pseudopimelodus by the shape of the caudal fin. Pseudopimelodus has a deeply forked caudal fin, Batrochoglanis only a slightly indented one.

Currently five species of Batrochoglanis are accepted. We obtain occasionally specimens of that genus from Colombia, which fit perfectly in all respects to the described species B. raninus, with one exception: the fish stay small! Usually B. raninus should be a fast growing species that becomes 15-20 cm long. But neither could our supplier ever deliver larger specimens nor did they grow much in our facility. The largest specimens observed so far were about 8 cm long (including caudal fin). It seems that the larger and heavier fish are the females.

Batrochoglanis are night-activ fish that love to hide themselves. They are very peaceful to all other fish that do not fit the mouth. Although one cannot say that Batrochoglanis are social animals, the cluster in large aggregation in the plastic tubes we offer for the as hiding places.

For our customers: the fish have code 209951 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Kolumbien / Colombia
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Mastiglanis asopos

29. September 2015

Catfishes in general often look quite odd. This is for sure true for this dwarf catfish, which was described only in 1994 in a new genus. The maximum length of this fish is about 6-7 cm without the caudal fin. The shape of the body is very elongate. The extremely long pectoral fin rays are most obvious when looked on from top. And then there are the strange eyes, placed very high in the head, and with slit-shaped pupils.

The generic name “Mastiglanis” means “Whip-Catfish” due to the long first finrays of dorsal and pectoral fins. The late discovery and the fact that the currently imported fish represent (almost) the first ones in our facility may lead to the impression that the species is rare in the wild. But this is not true. In fact, the species has an enormous range in the Amazon river, and we even obtained a single specimen as an accidental bycatch with other fish from the Orinoco in Colombia in 2006.

We have specimens in our importation that have a more dark colour and others which are lighter. But both fish are rather sand-colored. This, and the fact that the eyes are placed so high in the head made us think that the fish possibly live burrowed in fine sand. But despite the harassment the fish had to face during their stay in the photo-tank they made not attempt to burry themselves in the sand.

Against each other these catfish are very peaceful. So now catfish enthusiasts with scientific curiosity can satisfy their needs and find out details on the life history of this new “Whip-Dwarf-Catfish”.

For our customers: the fish have code 266752 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Brasilien / Brazil
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5-6

Cetopsis coecutiens

27. July 2015

This species is legend. Cetopsis coecutiens becomes up to 40 cm long and is spread very far over South America – and feared! The animals are merciless hunters. Even when trapped in a fish cast they bite pieces out of their fellow captives. Even attacks on humans are reported. People living along the Amazon river call them inter alia Candiru-açu (Brazil) or Canero (Peru). Both are names that are usually reserved for the bloodsucking, parasitic catfish of the family Trichomycteridae, which occasionally enter the ureter of bathing people in case they urinate under water.

The naturalists of the 18th century already knew Cetopsis coecutiens. They called it the “whale catfish”, because the shape of the fish is somewhat reminiscent to that of certain cetaceans. Another, whale-like feature of the catfish is the fact that it has two pairs of nasal openings. One pair is situated quite “normal” on the front of the head, but the other pair opens over the eyes, just like the blowholes of the whales do.

In the aquarium these catfish are rather interesting than beautiful. They are very peaceful against conspecifics. In life, Cetopsis coecutiens reinds one rather in a Great White Shark than in a whale. Like the shark the catfish are swimming perpetually. Like the shark the catfish are not able to close the mouth for a longer time. And also the coloration (dark back, light belly) is like the coloration of the shark.

We received some specimens of this catfish from Peru. Of course these animals are only for specialists and zoos. However, if one has a tank that is spacious enough, keeping these catfish is not difficult at all. In our facility they feed readily on Tubifex and dry food (granulates) – tamed predators!

For our customers: the fish have code 214735 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	8-10

Denticetopsis seducta

22. April 2015

For
the first time ever we could import this dwarf whale catfish from Peru.
The maximum length of this tiny species seems to be around 5-6 cm. In
contrast to the better known blue whale catfish, Cetopsis coecutiens,
which is an aggressive predatory species, all Denticetopsis are
competely harmless insectivorous fishes.

This
species has been discovered by scientists only in the year 2005.
Despite the fact that the describers had a good number of preserved
specimens (69 in total) they were unable to find the usual, well
developed sexual dimorphism known from other whale catfish. Obviously
they had only females, for our import contains also clearly recognizable
males.

Denticetopsis
are strictly night active and secretively, so they will be kept mainly
by catfish specialists. Nothing is known so far about the way these
fish breed.

For
our customers: the animals have code 251374 on our stocklist. Please
note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in very
limited numbers only!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Leiarius marmoratus

17. February 2015

There
are two species of catfish in South America that look like siblings:
Leiarus marmoratus (called “Achara” by the natives) and Leiarius
(formerly: Perrunichthys) perruno. Both species attain a length of about
60 cm, have the very same leopard pattern and the long, ringed
whiskers. But there does exist an easily recognizable difference:
Leiarius marmoratus has 10-11 rays in the dorsal fin, L. perruno only 8.
The fish usually have the dorsal fin erected. So it is pretty easy to
count the finrays on a sharp photo.

Due
to the attractive pattern and the peaceful nature of the fish (any
tankmate that does not fit as food will be ignored), acharas are much
sought for by enthusiasts that love big fish. However, they are only
rarely available on the ornamental fish market. Currently we have a
number of very charming youngsters from Peru in stock, which are 4-6 cm
long.

For
our customers: the fish have code 265201 on our stocklist. Please note
that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited
numbers only!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Extraordinary rare thorny catfish from Peru

14. November 2014

The
Thorny Catfishes (Doradiae) are a small family of exclusively South
American catfish. Currently 41 genera containing 127 species are known,
but continuously new species become discovered. The largest species
attain a maximum length of more than 100 cm. The world record for
Opsodoras niger is 120 cm and a weight of 20 kg. The smallest species –
Physopyxis lyra – becomes only 3.5 cm long. Most species attain a
maximum length between 10 and 20 cm.

We currently have some very rare species from Peru in our stock which we want to introduce to you here.

Megalodoras uranoscopus

is one of the large species. It can become about 50 cm long. Juveniles are pretty fish and now and then imported (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/news/Megalodoras_uranoscopus_irwini__en/).
Currently we have three mighty big ones of 25-30 cm length in stock. A
well known synonym of the species is Megalodoras irwini. Codenumber on
our stocklist: 267526

Nemadoras elongatus

becomes only 12 cm
long. The peaceful animals love to swim in schools. Males seem to stay
about one third smaller than the females. Sadly almost nothing is knowns
regarding the breeding biology of doradids which is also true for this
species. Code: 272482

Hemidoras morrisi

resembles Nemadoras
elongatus in respect of coloration, but is much more elongate, has a
stronger sculpure of the bony ridges and the dorsal spine is heavily
serrated on both sides, while it has a serration only backwards in N.
elongatus. H. morrisi becomes about 15 cm long and is rather night
active. For us this is the first importation of the species. Code:
257803

Pterodoras granulosus

is a large species again, which can become around 70 cm
long. However, we obtained juveniles of 6-7 cm. This species is as
peaceful as any species of thorny catfish, but one should keep in mind
that the fish has a large mouth and smaller fish will vanish there of
course… Code: 286582

Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Amblydoras nauticus

26. September 2014

Catfishes have no scales. But many species have bony plates that cover and protect the body. In the family Doradidae these plates are sometimes additionally armored by spines.

One of the most common species of Doradidae in Amazonia is the marbled talking catfish, Amblydoras nauticus. The species is not very popular by the natives, because the fish often do not swim away when a wading person comes along. Instead they erect the sharp, hard and serrated spine of the dorsal fin. In case one steps on that weapon: ouch!

Amblydoras nauticus are very nice, peaceful and undemanding catfish for aquaria which can be recommended even for beginners in the hobby.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Brasilien / Brazil
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-6

Trachelyopterus fisheri

5. August 2014

Currently we can offer a very odd species of catfish, namely Trachelyopterus fisheri. Initially this species of driftwood catfish orginates from Colombia where it is found in the system of the Rio Sucio. From that area only very occasionally importations appear. So we are quite happy that we have an adult wild collected male of this extraordinary species in stock.

Like their close relatives, the bottlenose catfish of the genus Ageneiosus, Trachelyopterus males develop a mighty dorsal spine, a penis-like organ (which is used to fertilize the female internally) and thick maxillary barbels during the mating season. All these feature vanish after the breeding season in Ageneiosus. Males and females cannot be told apart externally then. It is unknown wether this is the case in Trachelyopterus, too.

Interestingly this rare species is bred already commercially in Indonesia as an ornamental fish. We also have such bred specimens in stock. The coloration differs a lot individually. In our fishhouse the animals are swimming around the whole day through and obviously love to company of their own.

Trachylopterus fisheri becomes about 12-15 cm long It is a peaceful species, but very small tankmates may be taken for food.

For our customers: the large wild collected male has code 297546 on our stocklist, the bred specimens from Indonesia (which are 6-8 cm long) 297543. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Trachelyopterus: means “with extreme fin”. fisheri: dedication name for Carl G. Fisher, of Indianapolis, who helped to make possible a second expedition to the type locality of the species.

Suggestion of a common name: Fisher´s driftwood catfish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Ageneiosus marmoratus

23. July 2014

We
were able to obtain this very rarely imported species of bottlenose
catfish from Peru. A. marmoratus has a very wide distribution in
Amazonia. The species is a predator that prefers to feed on live fish.
The largest specimen known to science was about 20 cm long (ours are
currently 12-15 cm long). It can be suspected that A. marmoratus is only
the juvenile of another species of bottlenose catfish, namely A.
inermis, because no one ever has found so far sexually active specimens
of A. marmoratus. A. inermis becomes about 40-50 cm long.

The males of all
species of Ageneiosus develop very large dorsal spines during breeding
season and a penis-like organ. During mating the males fixes the female
with the dorsal spine. There is an internal fertilization. After the
breeding season the dorsal spine becomes casted off, comparable to the
antlers of a deer, and the penis-like organ becomes reduced so that
males and females cannot be distinguished externally outside the
breeding season.

For our customers: the fish have code 203405 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Platystomatichthys sturio

16. June 2014

Finally we are able again to offer one of the most bizarre species of predatory catfish of Amazonia: Platystomatichthys sturio. Anyone who sees the fish for the first time will think that the animal is distorted; however, the upturned snout-tip is rather species-specific. Nevertheless the grade of this upturn differs individually and depends also a bit from the age of the animals. The maximum length of the species, which has a very wide distribution in Amazonia, is about 40 cm.

The sense or the reason of this upturned snout-tip are unknown. The species has extremely long barbels and prefers to swim against a strong current. Maybe the snout-tip helps to localize the prey or it may have a similar function as the spoiler of a car and helps so save energy while swimming against the current. There is also a lot of speculation that this upturned snout-tip is an artefact from keeping the fish in aquaria and resuls from swimming against the glasses of the tank; however, this sounds quite unlikely, for first of all allmost all – even very small – specimens can show this phenomenon and, twice, the species is not shy at all and tends not to panic and crash with anything.

Against conspecifics and other fish that are too large for prey, Platystomatichthys sturio are very peaceful.

For our customers: the animals have code 280705 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited numbers only!

Lexicon: Platystomatichthys: means “fish that looks like a Platystoma”; Platystoma is another genus of fish. sturio: means “sturgeon”, which refers to the similar body shape.

Common name: Fox Catfish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	7-16

Aguarunichthys torosus

27. May 2014

We
could import a very special fish for the hobbyists specialized in
predatory catfish from Peru: Aguarunichthys torosus. This species has
been discovered only in 1986. Isn´t it fascinating that nature has the
same solution for totally different species over and under the water?
The spotted pattern of A. torosus is very similar to the pattern of the
wild cats from the jungle! A. torosus becomes about 35 cm long.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Cephalosilurus apurensis

20. November 2013

We have a real delicacy for fans of predatory catfish in small numbers in stock: Cephalosilurus apurensis. This species becomes around 30 cm long. The fish are very hoggish and real personalities!

For our customers: the fish have code 214633 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text: Frank Schäfer, photos: Andreas Jekel

Megalodoras uranoscopus (= irwini)

9. October 2013

Currently we have very nice juveniles of this large species (50-70 cm) of thorny catfish from Peru in stock.

For our customers: the fish have code 267503 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Asterophysus batrachus

1. October 2013

We could import a number of still young, about 5-7 cm long specimens of this unusual catfish from Venezuela. The fish feed readily on feeder fish. Here is the story that belongs to the animals:

The Altum-Eater of the Atabapo

In the spring of 2004 Aquarium Glaser managed to import for the first time one of the bizarrest catfishes that the family – not noted for its paucity of remarkable forms – has to offer. There is as yet no common name for this fish, which appears to consist practically entirely of mouth. We are speaking of Asterophysus batrachus, scientifically described by Kner in 1858.

We are grateful to Roland Numrich for details of the natural lifestyle of this catfish.
While snorkelling in the Rio Atabapo during an expedition to Venezuela he spotted Asterophysus for the first time. According to Numrich’s report this catfish lives in rock crevices, from which it emerges with considerable speed to grab its prey, before disappearing again. No wonder that collecting this catfish has proved difficult!
But the real surprise is the species of fish on which Asterophysus preys: altum angels (Pterophyllum altum)! Anyone who has seen Pterophyllum altum will realise just why Asterophysus needs such a barn door of a mouth. The imported specimens were initially difficult to get to feed, but luckily after about 10 days they abandoned their of hunger strike without needing to be fed on altum angels! Even so, feeder fishes are essential. By now the individuals at Aquarium Glaser will even feed from the hand of their keeper, Hidenori Nakano, as he reports with not a little pride.
According to the Check List of the Freshwater fishes of South and Central America, Asterophysus batrachus is distributed not only in the Orinoco basin (to which the Atabapo belongs), but also in the upper Rio Negro. Maximum length is given in the scientific literature as 25 cm. These fishes are still imported in only small numbers each year.

From AqualogNews No 70. Please visit also the website of Aqualog: www.aqualog.de

For our customers: the animals have code 208811 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited numbers only!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Venezuela
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5-7

Merodontotus tigrinus Bred

10. September 2013

We received for the first time now bred specimens of that highly demanded predatory catfish from Taiwan. Currently it is not allowed to export the species from Brazil. So we are very glad to cover the complete demand via bred ones. The fish are currently 12-15 cm long, maximum length reported is around 60 cm.

For our customers: the fish have code 267613 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Nemadoras elongatus

20. August 2013

The Thorny catfishes are a very interesting and diverse group of catfish. For the first time we were able to import the very slender species Nemadoras elongatus, which can attain a maximum length of 12-15 cm. At the first glimpse the fish remind one in the Hassar species. And, in fact the behaviour of Nemadoras is very similar to that of Hassar. They are peaceful schooling fish that are always moving and who like some current in the tank.

Nemadoras are undemanding feeders, which readily take any type of usual ornamental fish food. However, one should take care that the major part of the food is based on meat. The chemical composition of the water is of lesser meaning for the keeping of the fish, any usual tap water will do.

The tank for Nemadoras should have a lot of open space that allows swimming. Plants are not destroyed, but very dense plants can lead to unpleasant situations for the fish may get entangled in them. Nemadoras are ideal community fish for large tanks with tetras etc..

For our customers: the fish have code 272482 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Nemadoras: means “Doras with threads”; Doras is another genus of catfish. elongatus: means “elongate, slender”.

Suggestion of a common name: Slender Thorny Catfish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Three rare catfish-species from Paraguay

31. July 2013

We received three very rare and interesting species of catfish from Paraguay:

The pretty cory Corydoras diphyes, the dwarf sucker Otocinclus mimulus that lives along with C. diphyes and imitates that species, and the charming dwarf sucker Hisonotus nigricauda. We already have pages on our site, so please follow the links given here:

Corydoras diphyes: http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archive/corydoras-en/Corydoras_diphyes_en/

Otocinclus mimulus: http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/news/otocinclus_mimulus_en/

Hisonotus nigricauda: http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archive/catfish-en/loricariidae-en/Hisonotus_nigricauda_en/

For our customers: the animals have code 227563 (Corydoras diphyes, lg-xlg), 273994 (Corydoras mimulus, xlg), and 258433 (Hisonotus nigricauda, lg) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. The photos show animals from our current stock.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tetranematichthys wallacei

21. May 2013

Currently three different species of the remarkable genus Tetranematichthys are distinguished by scientists. None of them is often imported, because their secretive way of life between dead driftwood makes catching them a pure matter of luck. So we are very glad to have managed the first imporation ever of the species Tetranematichthys wallacei from Venezuela. We obtained three specimens and we are even more glad that they proofed to be one male and two females.

Like in the closely related genus Ageinosus the males of Tetranematichthys develope during the breeding season enormous dorsal fins. The spine of that fin is very thorny. The males attached with that thorny spine on the female during mating. The fertalisation is internal and managed by a penis-like organ that is formed by modified rays of the anal fin. It is said that after the breeding season the the dorsal fin in males reduces the size to that of the female.

This highly interesting and rare catfish reach a maximum total length of about 20 cm. It is carnivorous and prefers to feed on small fish. A tank for Tetranematichthys should contain fine sand on the bottom, should be softly lit and should be equipped with a great number of driftwood. During daytime the fish often sleep lying on the side. This behaviour is absolutely normal and no reason for the tank keeper to become anxious. Against conspecifics Tetranematichthys are completely peaceful.

For our customers: the fish have code 296415 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in very limited numbers only!

Lexicon: Tetranematichthys: means “fish with four threats”; this refers to the barbels. wallacei: dedication name for Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913).

Suggestion of a common name: Wallace´s Driftwood Dolphin Catfish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Venezuela
Verfügbare Größe in cm	12-15

Trachydoras paraguayensis

13. November 2012

We have received one more charming species of thorny catfish from Paraguay. T. paraguayensis becomes around 10 cm long and can be kept in the same way as a larger species of Corydoras. This means: a peaceful fish, undemanding regarding food and likes to swim in company of its own kind.

For our customers: the fish has code 298001 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Ossancora punctata

13. November 2012

Despite the facts that this pretty thorny catfish, which we were able to import once more from Paraguay, is known to science since 1855 and has an enormous wide distribution in South America – it is reported from Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru, where it is found both in white and black water – it was always an absolute rarity in aquaria. This is hard to understand, for the fish are nice and hardy and reach only a maximum length of about 10-12 cm.

The striped tailfin and the long “beard” are the most striking features of the species. The coloration of the body is very variable: plain fish occur as well as fine spotted ones or animals with large spots on the flanks.

As already mentioned, the fish are extremely undemanding regarding water chemistry. They feed readily on any usual type of aquarium fish food. Plants are ignored. Ossancora punctata are most active at dawn, so their tank should contain some hiding places. Nevertheless the fish are often visible at daytime, especially when the fish are fed. These thorny catfish are absolutely peaceful against tankmates, may they belong to their own or to different species.

For our customers: the animals have code 273132 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Ossancora: Latin, means “anchor-shaped bone”; this refers to a bone in the shoulder of the fish. punctata: Latin, means “spotted”.

Suggestion of a common name: Emperor-Wilhelm-Catfish (referring to the “beard”)

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Paraguay
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-6

Tridensimilis brevis

18. June 2012

Once more we were able to import this charming, tiny, free-swimming dwarf catfish (maximum length: 2-3 cm). This time the fish originate from Paraguay. For more information, please see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/news/Tridensimilis_brevis_en/

For our customers: the fish have code 298152 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Brachyplatystoma juruense

18. April 2012

From Peru we received once more juveniles of the fantastic predatory catfish B. juruense. Adults of this species attain a maximum length of around 60 cm and have a very nice, zebra-like striped pattern. The coloration of the body of the juveniles is very variable. There do exist spotted ones, striped ones or even uniformly dark ones. All have in common the large, white caudal fin. On the upper lobe of the caudal fin is a filament that is as long as the body of the fish. Juveniles – the photographed specimens are 5-8 cm long – are already predators. Sometimes they swim free in the water column, the head turned upside, against the current. Now the caudal filament works as a stabilizer, comparable to the tail of a kite. Another, species-specific behaviour of the fish is to sit on the bottom, braced on the ventral fins and looking against the water surface. It seems likely that in this position the long tail filament works as a fishing rod that attracts small fish.

For our customers: the fish have code 211200 (5-8 cm) and 211201 (7-10 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Brachyplatystoma: from ancient Greek, means “short Platystoma”; Platystoma is another genus of catfish. juruense: after the Rio Jurua, the type locality.

Suggestion of a common name: Gold zebra catfish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5 - 10

Brachyplatystoma juruense

18. April 2012

We have received once more this rare ctafish from Peru. In the meantime the specimens are perfectly acclimatised. More informations on the fish are available on http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/news/Brachyplatystoma_juruense_en/

Available in limited numbers only! For our customers: the fish have code 211200 (5-8 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Brachyplatystoma juruense

18. April 2012

This species of catfish is a predator and becomes easily longer than 60 cm. So it is suited only for specialized aquarists and public aquaria. Our current importation from Peru contains one specimen that is even as a youngster very attractive colored.

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	10-12

Brachyplatystoma platynemum (= Goslinia platynema)

3. April 2012

We received some specimens of this extremely rare catfish from Peru. The animals are in perfect condition and currently 14 – 16 cm long.

For our customers: the fish have code 254783 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Ageneiosus sp. III GREEN STRIPE

14. December 2011

We received a very limited number of this dolphin cat from Peru. The species may reach about 20 cm in total length, currently the fish are 7-10 cm long. For our customers: the animals have code 203264 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tatia sp. Tahuayo River

14. December 2011

We received this pretty new species currently from Peru in small numbers. The Tahuayo river, a tributary of the Amazon river, was given as collecting site. Our specimens are 10-12 cm long. They cannot be assigned for sure to any known species. Obviously it is a close relative of Tatia nigra from the central Amazon basin, but this species is known so far from preserved specimens only, so we prefer not to put a scientific name on our new Tatia at the moment.

Keeping this new species is comparable to other Tatia. Like in all Tatia species the males have a modified anal fin that allows an internal fetilization. So the females spawn fertilized eggs in absence of the males. Many species of Tatia have successfully been bred under aquarium conditions, so hopefully this will also happen in this pretty and large new species.

For our customers: the fish have code 295934 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Tatia: Tatia: dedicated to Charles Tate Regan, who was ichthyologist at the British Museum. nigra: Latin, means “black”.

Suggestion of a common name: Golden Caparison Tatia

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	10 - 12

Tridensimilis brevis

5. December 2011

Currently we received the cute freeswimming dwarf glass cat Tridensimilis brevis from Peru. The fish attains a maximum length of 3 cm. It belongs to the notorious candiru relationship, but is no blood sucker at all. This tiny catfish is that translucent that it is possible to observe the way of the food from the mouth to the vent. T. brevis can be kept problem free with small tetras, but one should better keep no Corydoras – especially C. pygmaeus – along with Tridensimilis. For our customers: the fish has code 298151 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Leptodoras juruensis

5. December 2011

Once more we were able to import the very rare, bizarre Leptodoras juruensis from Peru in a very limited quantity. For our customers: the fish has code 266065 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Ageneiosus cf. atronasus

5. December 2011

For the first time ever we received now this interesting doplhin catfish from Peru. In contrast to many of its congeneers this species stays relatively small and reaches only 12 cm in total length. Thus it is suitable also for normal sized home aquaria. However, one should always keep in mind that these catfishes are predatory fish and that tankmates must not be too small. Otherwise the dolphin cat is a peaceful species.

During breeding season the males develope very long dorsal spines that are used while mating to fix the female. There is an internal insemination, but most details regarding the natural history of these interesting fishes are still unknown.

For our customers: the fish have code 202902 on our stocklist.Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Ageneiosus: from ancient Greek, means “without a beard”; this refers to the fact hat the barbels are usually hidden and cannot be observed externally. atronasus: Latin, means “with a black nose”.

Suggestion of a common name: smut nose dolphin cat

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5 - 6

Trachelyichthys sp. Tapajos

9. November 2011

We currently received this cute driftwood catfish from Brazil. Initially we thought all fish of the import would belong to the same, highly variable coloured species; but in the meantime we found that in fact two species were involved, namely T. sp. “Tapajos” and Auchenipterichthys punctatus.

Most probably Trachelyichthys sp. “Tapajos” becomes as big as the similiar species T. exilis: 6-8 cm. The latter species has already been bred in aquaria. The fish have an internal fertalization and the female lays the sticky eggs without the presence of a male.

Trachelyichthys are peaceful, night active catfish that feed readily on any usual type of fishfood.

For our customers: the fish have code 297482 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Trachelyichthys: ancient Greek, means translated “extreme fish”; however, the name rather refers to the close relationship to the genera Trachelyopterus and Trachelyopterichthys. exilis: Latin, means “weak”.

Suggestion of a common name: Tapajos bug catfish

Text & Photo: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Brasilien / Brazil
Verfügbare Größe in cm	3-5

Plectrochilus erythrurus

27. September 2011

We managed to import a few specimens of the exteme rarely imported, blood sucking Candiru-catfish species Plectrochilus erythrurus, which have currently a length of 12-15 cm, from Peru. For our customers: the fish have code 280754 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	12 - 15

Pterobunocephalus depressus

1. August 2011

This is by far the most attractive species of all banjo cats – and the rarest. We recently received the fish for the first time from Peru. It is also one of the most variably coloured species of banjo cat. Most specimens have a sharp black-and-white contrasting pattern, being white anterior and black posterior. But there are also variations, some specimens are almost completely black, others brownish.

Maximum length of Pterobunocephlaus depressus is around 9 cm. Like all banjo cats the species is absolutely peaceful against any tankmate. Fine sand that allows the fish to borrow themselves is recommended, but not absolutely necessary. Banjo cats are strictly night active fish, so one must feed – at least during acclimatisation – the fish after the light has been switched off. The fish feed readily on any usual type of live, frozen or dried food.

For our customers: the fish have code 212922 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Pterobunocephalus: from ancient Greek, means “Bunocephalus with a fin”, referring to the comparatively long anal fin; Bunocephalus is another genus of banjo cat. depressus: Latin, means “flattened”.

Suggestion of a common name: Domino banjo cat

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5-7

Astroblepus from Peru imported!

1. August 2011

The L-numbers or Loricariidae belong to the most popular species of catfish from South America. But even very experienced aquarists will hardly ever had the opportunity to see alive a specimen of the genus Astroblepus, although the family Astroblepidae, which includes the single genus Astroblepus, is the closest relative of the loricariids. Astroblepids are distinguished from loricariids by the naked body, which is covered by bony plates in loricariids. So we are very proud that we have been able to import two species of Astroblepus now for the first time ever, although in very small numbers.

There are more than 50 species in Astroblepus and no scientific revision has been done for over 100 years. So a determination of our species would have been virtually impossible without the knowledge of the origin of the fish (thanks Carlos!). But we were informed that our fish had been collected in the upper Rio Ucayali region, which reduced the number of possible species to 6. Although such a determination cannot be done without leaving some doubts our fish are at least very similar to the described species Astroblepus mancoi and A. taczanowskii.

The most attractive species is Astroblepus mancoi with a variable tiger pattern, whereas A. taczanowskii is more or less uniformly orange-brown with a fine marble pattern. Both species become around 8 cm long.

All species of Astroblepus feed on Aufwuchs. The structure of their mouth and teeth reminds one strongly in loricariids. Astroblepus are adopted perfectly to strong current. They do not have only a suckermouth, but also a moveable adhesive apparatus on the belly. Both specializations allow the fish to climb even over the strongest rapids existing. On the upper edge of the opercula is a small aperture that allows the fish to breath althout the mouth is sucked to the ground.

These fascinating catfish should be kept under cool conditions (18-22°C) and a pump for a strong current should be installed in the tank. Despite this keeping Astroblepus can be compared with keeping Ancistrus species. Our specimens have proofed so far to be very peaceful against each other.

For our customers: Astroblepus mancoi has code 208783, A. taczanowskii 208792 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Astroblepus: from ancient Greek, means “stargazer”. Mancoi: dedication name “for the Inca Ayar Manco, colonizer of Cuzco, the “Moses of the Peruvian Indians”, who, about 1100 A.D. led the exodus from Tampu-tocco.” (Eigenmann & Allen, 1942). taczanowskii: dedication name for the former curator of the Warsaw museum.

Suggestion of common names: A. mancoi: Tiger stargazer catfish; A. taczanowskii: Orange stargazer catfish.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Orinocodoras eigenmanni

6. June 2011

The talking catfishes (Doradidae) are an interesting group of fishes in many ways. A lot of the species have a very contrasting pattern of dark and light elements, they can make sounds (that can be compared with a grumbling or gnarling) and their armour of bony plates often looks that bizarr that one might think these creatures have been developed on the drawing board of a fantasy filmer rather than in nature.

Orinocodoras eigenmanni is only very rarely imported. The species moreover can be easily confused with a species of Platydoras. O. eigenmanni attains a maximum length of about 20 cm. Our specimens were imported from Colombia. It is most interesting that some of our fish have a marbled pattern which has not been described in literature so far, at least to the best of our knowledge. However, other specimens of the import look perfectly like they should do.

Orinocodoras eigenmanni is a peaceful species that is trying to get in contact with conspecifics in the aquarium. Very small fishes can become eaten of course, but O. eigenmanni fits perfectly in a community tank with medium sized fish. The species feeds readily on any usual fishfood. During feeding times the basically night-active species is also very active on daytimes.

For our customers: the fish have code 273181 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Orinocodoras: means “Doras from the Orinoco”; Doras is another genus of talking catfish. eigenmanni: dedication name for the ichthyologist Carl H. Eigenmann (1863 – 1927). Platydoras: from the ancient Greek, means “broad Doras”; Doras is another genus of talking catfish.

Suggestion of a common name: Donauwelle talking cat (the Donauwelle,which means “wave of the river Danube” is a chocolate covered cake with vanilla pudding, referring to the contrasting pattern of the fish).

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Kolumbien / Colombia
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5-7

Pimelodus tetramerus

23. May 2011

The genus Pimelodus is quite specious and currently comprises 34 accepted species. Due to the lack of a recent revision it is not easy to identify the species. In the aquarium hobby only one species is of some importance: P. pictus, the angel catfish. One more species, P. ornatus, is a rare and highly demanded species for specialized aquarists. Several other species have been imported now and then but never became of any importance.But now we were able to import one more species from Venezuela that has at least the potential for an ornamental fish, for it is very attractive: Pimelodus tetramerus.

The species has been described in 2006 from Brazil. However, our fish fit perfectly to the description of the very characteristic coloration of P. tetramerus so there is only very little doubt left about the identity. P. tetramerus becomes about 20 cm long.

In contrast to many other species of catfish, Pimelodus are quite active during daytime. At least juveniles are strictly schooling fish, so one should buy at least 5, better 10 or more specimens. The catfish are completely peaceful against any tankmate. However, too small other fish will be eaten. Regarding feeding and the water parameters Pimelodus are completely undemanding and thus even beginners in the hobby can enjoy these beautiful fish.

For our customers: the animals have code 279002 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Pimelodus: from ancient Greek, means “the fatty”. tetramerus: from ancient Greek, means “devided in four parts”, referring to the pattern. pictus: Latin, means “painted”. ornatus: Latin, means “decorated”.

Suggestion of a common name: Silverstripe angel catfish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Literature: F. R. V. Ribeiro & C. A. S. de Lucena (2006): Nova espécie de Pimelodus (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) dos rios Tapajós e Tocantins, Brasil. Iheringia, Ser. Zool., Porto Alegre 96 (3): 321-327

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Venezuela
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Cetopsis cf. parma

7. February 2011

Code: 414712

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru

Tatia strigata

7. February 2011

Once more we were able to import a species new for for the hobby: Tatia strigata. This small species – maximum length reported is around 6 cm – has been discovered and described as late as 1995. The unique colour pattern that differs slightly individually makes the species unmistakable. As in all Tatia, males can be easily recognized by the modified anal fin that is used for internal fertilization. Females of Tatia spawn in absence of males. Breeding of many species of Tatia was already successful in aquaria.

Tatia are very peaceful, night active animals that can be fed with any conventional fish food.

For our customers: the fish have code 295804 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Tatia: dedicated to Charles Tate Regan, who was ichthyologist at the British Museum. strigata: Latin, means “striped”.

Suggestion of a common name: White striped tatia

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Brasilien / Brazil
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4 - 6

Pseudostegophilus nemurus

10. January 2011

Code number: 285593

Photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru

Ituglanis cf. metae

10. January 2011

Code number: 264302

photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru

Trachycorystes sp. WHITE SPOTS

31. August 2010

The genus Trachycorystes currently comprises three described species. In the aquarium hobby so far only T. trachycorystes appeared. For this up to 45 cm long species, please see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/news/Trachycorystes_trachycorystes_en/

Recently we received a 25-30 cm long specimen from Peru with an unique coloration: white, irregular spots on both sides of the body! It is unknown to us if this fish represents another species than T. trachycorystes or a mere colour variety of the latter.

When I intended to photograph the animal, I tried to bring it in a better position by using an aquarium net. Now something exceptional happened: the fish attacked the net and bit in it! This hardly ever happens in freshwater fish, one can find it very seldom in predatory tetras or in cichlids taking care for their brood. But even this is quite rare.

The teeth of Trachycorystes are placed in ribbon-like pads and are small, but pointed; so a bite can be quite painful.
For our customers: the fish has code 297958 on our stocklist. Please note that we eclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Trachycorystes: from ancient Greek, trachys meaning “rough” and korystes meaning “one armed with a helmet”

.  Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Ernstichthys megistus

16. August 2010

For the first time we were able to import a very astonishing species of catfish, which was known until 1985 from 3 specimens only. At the first glimpse the small animals – they are hardly 2 cm long – remind one on the Asian catfishes of the genus Akysis. Actually they are relatives of the banjo cats.

The reason why this and some close relatives, which are classified as tribe Hoplomyzontini, are so little known lies probably in their way of life. Hoplomyzontini seem to settle on the bottom of relatively fast running waters where they burry themselves in the ground. As most of them are very small fishes they are hardly ever collected by usual catching methods.

Our specimens show a wide range of coloration, the extremes are grey ones and yellow ones. It is unknown wether this represents sexual differences.

Athough our specimens proofed so far to be quite hardy, it seems necessary to provide fine sand for them, which they use to burry themselves. The type specimen of Ernstichthys megistus was collected in Ecuador and is around 7 cm long (standard length without caudal fin). This is by far the largest size of any Hoplomyzontini known so far, which usually hardly reach half that size. Also the other known stored museum specimens of E. megistus, which originate from Peru, are much smaller (about 3 cm). Ernstichthys megistus is a fish we have much to learn about and aquaristis can help with their observations to understand the life history of that fascinating creature.

For our customers: the fish have code 253363 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Ernstichthys: dedication name, means “Fish of Ernst”; A. Ernst worked at the Universidade Central de Venezuela. megistus: probably latinized form of the ancient Greek word megistos, which means “the greatest”.

Suggestion of a common name: Bumble bee banjo cat

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Literatur: Stewart, D. J. (1985): A review of the South American catfish tribe Hoplomyzontini (Pisces, Aspredinidae), with descriptions of new species from Ecuador. Fieldiana Zoology (new series), No. 25

Pinirampus sp. Paraguay

16. August 2010

The catfish family Pimelodidae is restricted to South America. It is a quite diverse family. Although only about 90 species are known they could hardly be more contrasting. The smallest species (a still undescribed one from the Amazon river) becomes only 2.5 cm long, the largest (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum) becomes 2 metres long. Most species, however, reach 20 – 80 cm in length.

Determination of the species is not easy, because many of them look very different in juvenile coloration compared with the adult coloration. Moreover, also the proportions change drastically during the individual growth.

The species we currently imported from Argentina and Paraguay fits best to the genus Pinirampus. Especially the very long adipose fin which orginates immediately behind the dorsal fin reminds one of Pinirampus (other genera with a comparably adipose fin are Calophysus, Exallodontus, Pimelodina and Propimelodus). The genus Pinirampus contains only one accepted species, eg P. pirinampu, which has a very wide distribution in South America. However, it is not reported so far from Argentina and Paraguay. The fish were sent under the name of Megalonema platanum which has a much deeper body and a different shape of the adipose fin. Due to these findings we name the fish in question Pinirampus sp. “Paraguay”.

The nice colored species seems to stay relatively small. Our largest ones are around 20 cm long. Among each other they are very peaceful. They have a very interesting way of resting: they “sit” on their large ventral fins and the caudal. So they have an angle (compared to the horizontal bottom) of about 30°. When one takes a look on the very large caudal fin it seems plausible that the catfish lurk in this postion for small fish, which they prey on by a “catapult start”. In the aquarium the catfish feed on any frozen food of the right size.

For our customers: the fish have code 280253 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply to the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Pinirampus: anagram to the specific name “pirinampu”. pirinampu: not explained in the original description, probably from an indigenous name for the fish.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Paraguay
Verfügbare Größe in cm	15-20

Tatia dunni

30. July 2010

Once more we were able to be the first who imported this pretty driftwood cat. The identification of Tatia species is not that easy. Although there is a very recent revision of the genus available, the species concept used there reflects only few aspects of coloration. So currently fish of very different coloration are lumped under the same species name. Our first try to identify the fish went wrong though and we listed them erraneously under the name of Tatia cf. gyrina initially.

Tatia dunni was described in 1945 from Colombia. From 1973 to 2008 it was regarded to be synonymous with T. intermedia. T. dunni is widely distributed: there are records of the species from Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. However, the fish look quite different in distinctive populations. Our Peruvians, which were collected near Pucallpa and were named by the exporter “padre abad”, differ individually regarding pattern, but have all in common the golden stripe over the back as well as the bright golden bar before the dorsal fin.

Tatia dunni belongs to the larger species of the genus. It may become longer than 12 cm. However, sexual maturity starts at a much smaller size. In museum material, males were found to have the anal fin modified to a copulation organ from about 7 cm standard length (that is without caudal fin) on. This modification of the male´s anal fin is typical for all driftwood cats.

For our customers: the fish have code 295693 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Tatia: dedicated to Charles Tate Regan, who was ichthyologist at the British Museum. dunni: dedication name. gyrina: from the ancient Greek word for “tadpole”. intermedia: Latin, means “in between”. This means that the characteristics of the species are intermediate between the characteristics of two other species.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Literature: Sarmento-Soares, L. M. & R. F. Martins-Pinheiro (2008): A systematic revision of Tatia (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae: Centromochlinae). Neotropical Ichthyology 6 (3): 495-542

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-5

Pseudobunocephalus sp. White Peru

27. May 2010

The genus Pseudobunocephalus has been erected quite recently (2008). It is distinguished from the other banjo cat genera by externally invisible characters of the teeth and bone structures. As aquarists are more interested in fish than in technical definitions of genera it may be mentioned that nevertheless there are some external features that allow to distinguish Pseudobunocephalus from Bunocephalus, the most similar genus: in Pseudobunocephalus upper and lower jaw are about equally long; the lateral line is truncated at approximately the level of the dorsal fin origin; the uppermost and lowermost rays of the caudal fin are the shortest in that fin.

So we can be quite sure that the new banjo cat we were able to import from Peru belongs to the genus Pseudobunocephalus. However, we were not able to determine the species so far. If we go for the coloration, the species P. rugosus keys out, which is known so far from the Paraguay-Paraná-basin only; if we ignore the coloration the species P. amazonicus keys out. That species occurs in Peru, but is said to have a strong contrasting dark-light pattern.

May it be as it is: so far no species of Pseudobunocehalus is known which grows larger than 8 cm and so we can assume that the new white one also stays small. This makes it an interesting addition to the species of banjo cat available in the hobby.

For our customers: the fish has code 212892 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Pseudobunocephalus: ancient Greek, means “false Bunocephalus”. Bunocephalus is another genus of banjo cat. The name was chosen because in the past members of Pseudobunocephlus often have been mistaken for juveniles of Bunocephalus. Bunocephalus: ancient Greek, means “with hilly head”. rugosus: Latin, means “wrinkled, rugose”. amazonicus: after the Amazon river, where the species occurs.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5-7

Centromochlus sp. Ninja (= C. orca)

11. March 2010

A small sensation reached us recently from Brazil. Already when the small (4-6 cm long) catfish were unpacked their brillant black-and-white-pattern was a real eyecatcher. The fish definetely belong to the genus Centromochlus, which currently comprises 11 species in South America. These fish are close relatives of the better known genus Tatia and belong (like Tatia) to the family Auchenipteridae (driftwood catfishes). Driftwood cats have an internal insemination. The anal fin of the males is modified to enable this. Females lay their fertilized eggs in absence of the males.

Our “ninja cats” have proved so far to be hardy, undemanding fish.

For our customers: the species has code 295852 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale market.

Lexicon: Centromochlus: from ancient Greek “with lever arm”, referring to the pectoral spines which can be a locked by a special mechanism.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Additional note from 28. 5. 2010:

Ninja-cat identified: Centromochlus musaica!

We sincerly thank Roland Numrich from Mimbon-Aquarium, Cologne, for the crucial tip: the “Ninja-cat” has already been described in 1992 from Venezuela as Tatia musaica and is currently placed in Centromochlus.

Literature:
Royero, R. (1992): Tatia musaica, una neuva especie de bagre auquenipterido (Siluriformes – Auchenipteridae) de la cuenca del Rio Orinoco, Territorio Federal Amazonas, Venezuela. Acta Cientifica Venezolana v. 43 (no. 5): 300-306.

Phractocephalus hemiliopterus

12. October 2009

At Aquarium Glaser not only small fish for private community tanks are stocked, but also real rarities for scientific institutions and large fish for public aquaria and zoos.

A specimen for the latter category reached us now: a gigantic Phractocephalus hemiliopterus, more than 80 cm long. We stocked the fish for a Russian customer. The animal was reared by a private keeper. Transportation of such a large fish is, however, a real quest which was solved with a special construction on a trailer.

It took some man power to net the fish and transport it to its prepared quarantine tank which contents several thousand litres of water. Here the fish will stay until it goes on its far journey to its new owner in Russia.

Lexicon: Practocephalus: from ancient Greek “armour head”; hemiliopterus: from ancient Greek “with half-smooth fin”.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer