[Ebook] Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish – Directory of Freshwater Fish – Catfish – Pimelodids

Directory of Freshwater Fish

Catfish

Pimelodids

DIFFERING LIFESTYLES

Many pimelodid catfish are solitary by nature. They are predatory and grow to a large size, demanding an extensive area in which to hunt. However, a number of smaller species, including the Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) shown here, will associate in groups and can be kept together more easily in the home aquarium. Like various other pimelodids, Pictus Catfish are largely nocturnal. A special light that mimics the qualities of moonlight must be placed over the tank if the fascinating behavior of these fish is to be observed.

Bumblebee Catfish (Microglanis ihering)

• ORIGINS: Northwest South America, where it is found in parts of Colombia and Venezuela.
• SIZE: 4 in (10 cm).
• DIET: Prepared foods and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 70–77°F (21–25°C); soft to hard (50–200 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Will prey on smaller companions.

The orange and brownish-black bands on this fish resemble the markings of a bumblebee. It is often confused with two similar-looking species with the same common name, Pseudomystus siamensis from Asia and Microglanis poecilus from South America. Nocturnal by nature, this catfish can be kept safely with other nonaggressive species of a similar size, but it will prey on smaller companions, especially the fry of livebearing fish.

Spotted Catfish (Hemisorubim platyrhynchos)

• ORIGINS: South America, from Venezuela southward as far as Paraguay.
• SIZE: 15 in (40 cm).
• DIET: Prefers live foods of various types.
• WATER: Temperature 72–77°F (22–25°C); soft to hard (50–250 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Will prey on smaller companions.

The size of this catfish means that it requires suitably spacious accommodation from the outset. The Spotted Catfish has a large, rather bill-like mouth, with prominent barbels and an elongated body shape. Its blotched appearance includes a variable pattern of dark spots on its sides. Spotted Catfish naturally frequent cooler, deeper waters and will rest on a bed of pebbles or a similar raised area during the day, becoming active as darkness falls.

Sturgeon Catfish (Platystomatichthys sturio)

• ORIGINS: South America, where it is present throughout the entire Amazon region.
• SIZE: 24 in (60 cm).
• DIET: Worms and other live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 72–81°F (22–27°C); soft to hard (50–200 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Predatory

The name of this fish comes from its snout, which curves slightly upward, rather like that of a sturgeon (Acipenser species). This adaptation enables it to dig in the substrate for its favorite food, which is worms of various types, although older individuals will also prey on other fish. A sandy floor covering in the aquarium and good filtration are essential, especially for bigger specimens. The maxillary barbels of the Sturgeon Catfish are remarkably long, extending in some cases not just along the length of the entire body but beyond the end of the caudal fin as well. The presence of a red spot roughly midway along the barbels is quite normal, and not a cause for concern. It is very important, however, that Sturgeon Catfish are able to extend their barbels fully, so the home aquarium must be more than twice as wide as the length of the individual barbels.

Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus)

• ORIGINS: Northern South America, especially in the vicinity of Mitu, Colombia.
• SIZE: 6 in (15 cm).
• DIET: Prepared foods and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 72–77°F (22–25°C); soft to hard (50–100 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Placid.

The Pictus Catfish is attractively patterned, with prominent black spots set against a silvery background. Its docile nature makes it suitable to be kept in a shoal, or mixed with other nonaggressive fish requiring similar water conditions. Feeding, too, presents no difficulties. Although these catfish are nocturnal, they may eat during the day under subdued lighting. Beware: their sharp pectoral fins may get stuck in netting.

Pin Catfish (Brachyrhamdia meesi)

• ORIGINS: South America, in the Amazon region; itsprecise distribution is presently unclear.
• SIZE: 3 1⁄4 in (8 cm).
• DIET: Live foods favored.
• WATER: Temperature 73–81°F (23–27°C); soft to hard (50–200 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Placid with unrelated fish of similar size.

A pale body, a dark vertical mark at the base of the dorsal fin, and a midline stripe along the flanks are the distinguishing features of this catfish. Its origins are mysterious, because it first appeared in a consignment of catfish exported from Belem, Brazil, during the mid-1980s, and the area where it naturally occurs has still not been clearly identified. These pimelodid catfish are likely to be territorial toward their own kind unless kept in groups of five or six individuals.

Sailfin Marbled Catfish (Leiarius pictus)

• ORIGINS: South America, found principally in the Amazon and its tributaries.
• SIZE: 24 in (60 cm).
• DIET: Live foods, especially worms.
• WATER: Temperature 73–81°F (23–27°C); soft to hard (50–200 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Predatory and intolerant.

The attractive patterning of young Sailfin Marbled Catfish fades as they grow older. This is a species for dedicated catfish enthusiasts, not just because of the size that these fish can attain, but also because of the length of their barbels. A very large aquarium or even an indoor pond is needed to provide them with enough swimming space and to ensure that their barbels can move freely in all directions. Sailfin Marbled Catfish are active during the day, retreating into underwater caves at night.

Ornate Pimelodus (Pimelodus ornatus)

• ORIGINS: South America, from Guyana and Surinam through the Amazon region, as far south as Paraguay.
• SIZE: 11 in (28 cm).
• DIET: Prepared foods and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 75–81°F (24–27°C ); soft to hard (50–200 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Can be disruptive.

The key features of this species are its two silvery stripes—one across the top of the body behind the gills, the other at the front of the dorsal fin (which also bears a grayish-black area). As with other pimelodids, the Ornate Pimelodus has three sets of barbels around its mouth. This very active catfish spends the day swimming, using its barbels to seek out food on the bottom of the aquarium. This fish cannot be trusted with significantly smaller companions, and breeding in aquarium surroundings is very unlikely.

Red-Tailed Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus)

• ORIGINS: Northern parts of South America, including Guyana and Venezuela.
• SIZE: Up to 42 in (106 cm).
• DIET: Live foods preferred.
• WATER: Temperature 73–79°F (23–26°C); soft (50–100 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Predatory

It is easy to forget when seeing juveniles of this species that they grow rapidly into very large fish. Despite this caution, Red-Tailed Catfish enjoy a dedicated following, partly because these intelligent fish soon come to recognize their owners sufficiently to feed from the hand. Having fed, they will rest on the bottom to digest their meal. Efficient filtration and regular partial water changes are essential.