It has been a long time since we were able to import this striking, small-growing banjo catfish from Peru. We last received these fish in 2010; at that time, based on the available literature, we identified them as Pseudobunocephalus cf. bifidus. According to current knowledge, this identification can no longer be upheld. Without a doubt, the white dwarf banjo catfish belong to the genus Pterobunocephalus, which differs from all other Bunocephalus-like banjo catfish by its long anal fin with 10–20 rays (compared to 5–10 in a significantly shorter anal fin in the others). This is best seen when the fish are swimming, which they do rather rarely, however…
The genus Pterobunocephalus contains only three valid species, so it is quite small. Furthermore, the most recent species—P. carvalhoi—was not described until April 2026. P. carvalhoi is found in the upper Amazon basin of Ecuador and Peru; the other two species are widely distributed but are also found in Peru, among other places. We have already been able to import P. carvalhoi—albeit very rarely—alive. This species has a completely different coloration and has significantly fewer rays in the anal fin (10–11) than our specimens. We currently assume that “our” Pterobunocephalus “White” belongs to the species P. dolichurus; Grant (2021) refers to these fish as P. aff. dolichurus. In the original description, P. dolichurus is described as more or less uniformly colored, with 16 rays in the anal fin—exactly like our fish. Incidentally, we’ve also already imported the third species, P. depressus: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/10c-catfishes-remaining-catfish-from-south-america/pterobunocephalus_depressus_en/
One of the distinctive traits of P. dolichurus is that, when disturbed, it lies on the bottom with its back arched. We have never observed this behavior in other banjo catfish. All banjo catfish are completely peaceful, both among themselves and toward fish of other species. A fine sandy substrate in which they can burrow is highly preferred, but not absolutely necessary. Banjo catfish are nocturnal animals, which is why you should always feed them a little after turning off the lights, at least during the acclimation period. There is evidence that Pterobunocephalus practices brood care and that the female carries the eggs attached to her belly after laying them until the fry hatch.
Maximum size: approx. 6–7 cm; Temperature: 22–28°C; pH and hardness: not important for general care (tap water), but likely soft and acidic for breeding; Diet: Omnivorous; Social behavior: Absolutely peaceful.
For our customers: This fish is listed under code 212952 on our stock list. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.
References:
Crispim, J. L., P. Argüello, G. S. C. Silva, C. Oliveira, K. R. Luckenbill & M. H. Sabaj Pérez (2026): After eight decades: a new species of Pterobunocephalus (Siluriformes: Aspredinidae) from the upper Putumayo, Napo and Pastaza rivers, Ecuador. Neotropical Ichthyology v. 24 (no. 1): e250162: 1-21
Grant, S. (2021): Banjos, Doradids and Auchenipteridae Catfishes. Neustadt am Rübenberge
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
