Trachycorystes insignis Synonyms: Auchenipterichthys insignis, Parauchenipterus insignis Physical description: An elongated species having a stocky body in the frontal regions, while becoming compressed near rear parts. The back profile is straight and the dorsal fin is tall when erect. There is a small adipose fin, and the caudal fin is large and slightly forked. The first ray of the anal fin in the male is modified into a reproductive organ for internal fertilization. The rest of the anal fin has a long base and is rounded. The coloration is variable, although the back is generally dark brown and the flanks are brownish-pink with dark brown markings. The fins are similarly marked. There are three pair of barbels branching off the mouth. Size/Length: To 6" (15 cm) Similar species: Other Driftwood Catfish. H: South America; widespread throughout Amazon watershed A: bottom Aquarium: A 36" (91 cm) or 35-45 gallon (132-170 L) tank is sufficient. The substrate should be fine gravel or sand. Provide hiding places among rocks, roots, and plants. Water chemistry: pH 5.8-7.7 (6.9), 2-18 dH (10), 68-77°F (20-25°C) Social behavior: A nocturnal, peaceful species that will eat small fish. Young fish school and may be day-active. Combine with larger fish. Social behavior: Pacus, Silver Dollars, Pimelodus, Cichlasoma, Anostomus, Hypostomus FOOD: Live; fish, worms, crustaceans, insect larvae; tablets Suggested companions: Males have a modified anal fin (urinogenital organ) which is slightly concave. The pelvic and dorsal fins are more pointed in the male. Breeding techniques: The male embraces the female by holding her between his dorsal fins. The eggs are deposited in a cleaned area and are guarded. The eggs hatch after five days and the fry can be first fed small live foods. Breeding potential: 9. Breeding is unusual in captivity and has only been accomplished on a few occasions accidentally. Remarks: This species is the most commonly seen Driftwood catfish in the hobby. Like other Driftwood Cats, this species has a slimy coat. Difficulty of care: 6. This predatory species requires live foods. Recent articles about fish Overfishing may hurt Amazon forest trees (2/5/2008) Overfishing is reducing the effectiveness of seed dispersal by fish in the Brazilian Pantanal, reports Nature. The research suggests that fishing practices can affect forest health. Scientists find fish that literally lives in trees (10/17/2007) Scientists have found a fish that literally lives in trees, according to research published in The American Naturalist and highlighted in New Scientist Magazine. Piranhas originated when Amazon was flooded by seawater (12/4/2007) South America's piranha family of fish -- notorious as eaters of flesh -- can be traced back to a single ancestor which dispersed when the Amazon was flooded by seawater some five million years ago, report researchers from the Institut de Recherche Pour le Developpement (IRD). Today piranhas are exclusively freshwater fish found from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Parana in Argentina. |
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Copyright Rhett Butler 1994-2009 The copy for fish.mongabay.com was written in 1994-1995. Therefore some information such as scientific names may be out of date. For this, I apologize. Feel free to send corrections to me. |
