Platynematichthys notatus is one of the extremely rare species on the ornamental fish market. There is only one species of the genus, but it is widely distributed in the Amazon and Orinoco river systems (Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela). This fish is usually only caught in the strong current, oxygen-rich areas of the main channels. It is a migratory fish; it usually migrates upstream during the dry season and spawning migrations are in the opposite direction. This explains why, according to Grant (2021), juvenile specimens in the ornamental fish trade usually come from the Santarem area (Brazil), but larger specimens come from Peru (Iquitos area).
This predatory catfish can reach a good 80 cm in length and is a species that loves to swim. Even for small animals, such as the 17-20 cm long specimens we can currently offer, comparatively large aquaria are therefore important, otherwise behavioral problems will occur. This species also needs a strong current. Feeding is unproblematic. In the wild they are mainly fish eaters, but in the aquarium they quickly accept dead food: fish, shrimps and mussel meat are suitable. The species is considered to be peaceful towards each other and other fish, as long as they are not considered as food. To be on the safe side, however, these precious animals are kept individually in our fishhouse. Externally recognizable sex differences are not known.
For our customers: the animals have code 280656 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Literature:
Grant, S. (2021): Pims. Pimelodidae, Hepapteridae and Pseudopimelodidae Catfishes. Neustadt am Rübenberge, 220 pp.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
