Banjo Catfish | Dysichthys coracoideus

Catfish / Aspredinidae / Banjo Catfish

Profile: Banjo Catfish
Dysichthys coracoideus
Dysichthys coracoideus
Synonyms: Bunocephalus bicolor, B. coracoideus
Physical description: A flattened fish having a rounded head and a body decreasing in width after the pectoral fins. There is a pair of barbels extending from the upper jaw. The small caudal is fan-shaped. The front part of the body is brown, and the rear part of the body is dark brown. The coloration and shape of this species make it resemble a dead, decaying leaf.
Size/Length: To 6" (15 cm)
Similar species: Other Dysichthys species
H: Inhabits areas of leaf liter in still and slow-moving waters in South America; Amazon River.
A: bottom
Aquarium: A 30" (76 cm) or 20-30 gallon (76-114 L) tank is suggested. Shallow tanks are preferred. The substrate should be dark peat, sand, or fine gravel. The tank can be planted with well-rooted plants.
Water chemistry: pH 5.5-8 (7.0), 2-20 dH (10), 68-84°F (20-29°F)
Social behavior: This peaceful, nocturnal species can be kept in a community tank not having small, slender fish, as these may be consumed. Remains mostly inactive during the daytime.
Social behavior: Angelfish, Severum, Apistogramma, Geophagus, Gymnogeophagus, Leporinus.
FOOD: Live; Tubifex , insect larvae, crustaceans; tablets; flake
Suggested companions: Unknown, although females are plumper when carrying eggs.
Breeding techniques: Spawning is initiated with the lowering of the water level and a reduction in water temperature to 68-72°F (20-22°C). This species spawns in pairs or in groups. Each female lays up to 3000 eggs on rocks and the substrate. The parents guard the young until they hatch. The parents should then be removed and the young can be fed Rotifers and tablets. Later, the fry can be given white worms and Tubifex.
Breeding potential: 9. Breeding is unusual and difficult.
Remarks: This species is the most commonly available of its family.
Difficulty of care: 5. This quiet species is suggested for the community tank having medium sized fish.