Hisonotus nigricauda

14. November 2011

For the first time ever we were able to import this charming dwarf catfish from Paraguay. The species looks quite similar to the well known “Otocinclus Negros” (the correct specific name of that fish is Otothyopsis piribebuy) and can be kept the same way. The most obvious difference between the two species is the coloration of the caudal fin; besides this, H. nigricauda becomes a bit bigger (4-5 cm). The import season for Paraguay ends now and so it is most probably not only the first, but also (for this season, of course) the last time we can offer that charming nano fish this year.

The species should be kept always in small groups (at least 5 specimens). Besides Aufwuchs the fish feed on food tablets and frozen Cyclops. The species originates from subtropical regions (the natural distribution are the river basins of the Paraná/Paraguay and Uruguay) it can be kept without an additional heater. On the other hand, it thrives also quite well at temperatures up to 28°C.

For our customers: the fish have code 258433 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Hisonotus: nigicauda: Latin, means “with a black tail”. Otothyropsis: means “similar to Otothyrops”; Otothyrops is another genus of catfish. piribebuy: after the type locality, the rio Piribebuy, an affluent to the rio Paraguay.

Suggestion of a common name: Redtail Otocinclus

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Paraguay
Verfügbare Größe in cm 3-4