Phyllonemus typus

6. July 2007

Phyllonemus typus

The Spatula-barbeled Catfish, endemic for Lake Tanganyika, has a very special way of reproduction for catfish: they are biparental mouthbreeder. This small catfish is the only representative of its genus and can be easily distinguished by the long barbels on both sides of the upper jaw, which are ending into a spatula form. The total length of the fish is ca. 9 cm. Caring these fish in the aquarium should not be too difficult. These are nocturnal animals who will come out for feeding however during daytime. But mostly they rest, during the light phase, on dark places or caves, which have to be available in the fish tank. These are peaceful fish although any fish small enough to fit in their mouth, and therefore seen as food, might be eaten.(Photo: Frank Schäfer, Text: Izaak den Daas)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Tanganjika See