The discovery of a new genus of driftwood catfish—Spinipterus—is quite sensational. In 2011, the first species of the newly described genus (S. acsi) was described and the new genus was established for it. In 2019, the second species (S. moijiri) was added, which is significantly more attractive in appearance and displays a beautiful jaguar pattern when fully grown. In younger animals, the spots are still full, but later they become more ring-shaped. S. acsi grows to about 8 cm, S. moijiri to about 10 cm in length. S. acsi occurs in the upper Amazon basin (Peru, Brazil), S. moijiri in Peru (Rio Nanay) and Brazil (Rio Purus and Rio Japura). We obtained our animals from Peru.
They are very peaceful, strictly nocturnal catfish, which can be compared to Tatia from an aquaristic point of view. Both Spinipterus species have been successfully bred on several occasions. It has been found that these fish are best kept in groups. Unlike most Tatia species, they do not usually care for their young, but simply scatter the eggs freely in the tank. However, there have been isolated observations of females guarding the eggs in a tube.
As with all driftwood catfish, the sexes can be easily distinguished once they reach sexual maturity by the different shapes of their anal fins. The most important care measure for Spinipterus is certainly feeding. On the one hand, care must be taken to ensure that the animals get something to eat; this means that, at least in the early stages of acclimatisation, they may need to be fed even after the lights have been turned off. Conversely, once the fish have settled in and start appearing for feeding during the day, care must be taken to ensure that they do not become overweight. They are good and efficient eaters! They will happily eat any commercially available ornamental fish food. In nature, insects and their larvae are probably their main food source. Water hardness and pH are irrelevant, the water temperature can be within the usual range (24 to 28°C), and it does not matter if it is slightly higher or lower at times.
For our customers: the animals have code 295232 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
