[Ebook] The New Guide to Aquarium Fish – Catfishes – The Banjos

Catfishes

The Banjos

Dysichthys (Banjo cats) belong to the South American family Aspredinidae. They live in the leaf litter found in shallow forest waters, where their resemblance to dead leaves helps to conceal them. These small fishes (less than 12 cm) are often available to the aquarist, and are at home in the furnished aquarium, where they burrow into the substrate leaving just their eyes showing. Although rarely active, the sight of a few of them rising from the sandy substrate when food is offered is appealing.

Feeding Banjos

Feeding is straightforward, as anything is accepted, particularly thoroughly washed Tubifex worms. They are not aggressive, and eat only very small fry, and then only if one passes close enough to be eaten without any effort expended in chasing. Only a few, vague reports exist of breeding in captivity. Most of these suggest that a depression is made in the substrate in which the eggs are laid and protected.