FW Fish Profiles

[Lupin]

Gulper Catfish (Asterophysus batrachus)

Scientific Name: Asterophysus batrachus
Common Name: Gulper Catfish, Ogre Catfish, Gupler Driftwood Catfish
Care Level: easy
Size: 11 inches
pH Range: 5.6-7.0
Temperature Range: 24-29 degrees Celsius (76-85° F)
Origin: Brazil
Temperament: peaceful
Compatible Tankmates:
While gulper catfish are rather peaceful in nature, be very careful when selecting their tankmates. These are best left by themselves rather than mixing (and even risking) other tankmates. Fish even larger than them have been reported to end up in their stomach. There are some cases where arowanas and crenicichlas thought to escape their gulping behavior have been instead found inside the stomach of the fish with the fish looking grotesquely humongous in comparison to its original size.
Diet:
Carnivorous. Gulper catfish will eat anything you can give them regardless of the size of its foods. Anything new introduced to their tanks will be followed by these fish and eventually eat them.
Tank Size for Adult: 55g.
Narrative:
Gulper catfish are one of the most impressive predatory catfish. These fish are found in the blackwaters around Brazil and several other countries. They can be seen lurking around looking for prey and eventually ambushing them regardless of their size. Even if the prey is bigger than it, it will attempt at all costs to keep swallowing it until it succeeds its ordeal.

According to planetcatfish.com, the skin of these catfish is rather thin and flexible thus enabling these fish to swallow anything and look abnormally large for their actual size.

Reference: www.planetcatfish.com

 

[Lupin]

Starry Woodcat (Trachelyopterus galeatus)

Scientific Name: Trachelyopterus galeatus
Common Name: Starry Woodcat, Van Gogh Catfish, Driftwood Catfish
Care Level: moderately difficult
Size: 9 inches
pH Range: 6.0-7.5
Temperature Range: 20-26 degrees Celsius (70-78° F)
Origin: Amazon basin across South America even reaching Peru and Brazil
Temperament: peaceful
Compatible Tankmates:
These fish are very boisterous by nature especially as they prowl around at night and therefore should be kept with fish of similar size and nature. Most tankmates may be unable to handle their constant movements.
Diet:
Feeding is not usually a problem as this fish will practically eat everything you can provide them. Frozen and live foods are taken greedily although commercial foods are also appreciated.
Tank Size for Adult: 55g.
Narrative:
These fish have been named after Van Gogh due to their ability to camouflage on anything almost perfectly, most especially if kept among a collection of driftwoods making them challenging to spot in your aquarium. The pattern and colouration of this fish varies a lot depending on the environmental factors and being widely distributed around South America, there is bound to be various color patterns.

Accoridng to planetcatfish.com, males have a slightly concave anal fin, which is slightly convex in the female. The leading rays of the male's anal fin are fused to form a urinogenital organ used in internal fertilization of the female. This modification of the anal fin does not manifest itself until the fish is at least 75% grown. Breeding has never been recorded in captivity until today.

Reference:
http://www.planetcatfish.com

 

[Lupin]

Oto Catfish (Otocinclus affinis)

Scientific Name: Otocinclus affinis
Common Name: Otocinclus Catfish
Care Level: moderately easy
Size: 1.5 inch
pH Range: 6.0-7.5
Temperature Range: 18-27 degrees Celsius (68-79° F)
Origin: Amazon basin, Brazil
Temperament: peaceful
Compatible Tankmates:
Community setups.
Diet:
Otocinclus will not normally accept flake food or meat based foods. They are herbivorous fish that prefer to eat solely on algae. The amount of algae that the otocinclus need must be constantly supplied. There are few types of algae involved that an otocinclus cannot consume which includes the blue-green algae (better known as cyanobacteria) and green spot algae.

There are foods however that can compensate for the lack of algae supply. This involves peas, cucumber, lettuce, zucchini and plenty other vegetable matter. Preparation of vegetable matter is done in many ways. They can be blanched in a microwave oven in a bowl of water for a minute or so. Place the food into the aquarium by tying, weighing or using a clip specially designed for this matter. Leave it for a few hours afterwards. If the otocinclus refuses to eat, the food must be removed. Repeat again in a few days until the otocinclus becomes completely accustomed to it.
Tank Size for Adult: 10g.
Narrative:
Otocinclus has been given numerous number of names. This includes names such as the oto, otto and algae eater. Otocinclus can reach a maximum of 2 inches and has a typical bottom feeder shape. They prefer a heavily planted aquarium with water that is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline and slightly soft to slightly hard water. They thrive in water maintained at a temperature between 68-79 degrees Fahrenheit. They are best kept in a group of four or more.

There are some cases where otocinclus often die within the first month of being introduced to the aquarium. It is widely believed stress is involved from the manner of catching them in the wild and how they are transported. It must be remembered that fish are often caught in large numbers and most do not make it to the supplier. In a few days, they are again repacked and then transported to dealers until they reach the buyer’s tank. The whole process brings tremendous stress to the fish thus the mortality rate is unsurprisingly high.

Before even purchasing these fish, make sure the tank has finished cycling phase and the water quality is up to par. When purchasing an otocinclus, ask the store manager for details how they have been doing and examine them making sure they are in good health condition.

An issue worth mentioning when it comes to otocinclus is that they may likely get caught in the netting. Do not attempt to pull the fish free. Either let it free itself or carefully cut away at the netting.

Otocinclus will not normally accept flake food or meat based foods. They are herbivorous fish that prefer to eat solely on algae. The amount of algae that the otocinclus need must be constantly supplied. There are few types of algae involved that an otocinclus cannot consume which includes the blue-green algae (better known as cyanobacteria) and green spot algae.

The trick to a constant supply of algae is obtaining rocks that are safe for aquarium use. Place them in a container with water which is then placed under strong lighting or even better, direct sunlight. In a few weeks, algae will start to form on the surface of the rock. You can then place a few rocks in the tank and once all algae is eaten, return the rocks into the container and replace with more algae covered rocks.

There are foods however that can compensate for the lack of algae supply. This involves peas, cucumber, lettuce, zucchini and plenty other vegetable matter. Preparation of vegetable matter is done in many ways. They can be blanched in a microwave oven in a bowl of water for a minute or so. Place the food into the aquarium by tying, weighing or using a clip specially designed for this matter. Leave it for a few hours afterwards. If the otocinclus refuses to eat, the food must be removed. Repeat again in a few days until the otocinclus becomes completely accustomed to it.

Breeding involves laying their eggs on plant leaves which may take up to 72 hours to hatch. The fry can accept very fine live foods and green foods.

View attachment 113919

 

[Lupin]

Whiptail Catfish (Rineloricaria parva)

Scientific Name: Rineloricaria parva
Common Name: Whiptail Catfish
Care Level: easy
Size: 6 inches
pH Range: 6.0-7.5
Temperature Range: 24-28 degrees Celsius (76-80° F)
Origin: Amazon basin, Brazil
Temperament: peaceful
Compatible Tankmates:
They are suitable for community tanks. Discus, angelfish, tetras, rasboras, corydoras and other small plecos make suitable tankmates. They should not, on the other hand, be kept with very boisterous species.
Diet:
Green matter and occasionally meaty foods are appreciated. Excessive proteins must be avoided.
Tank Size for Adult: 15g.
Narrative:
Whiptail plecos are relatively easy to keep. A tank furnished with several driftwoods, plants, leaf litter and fine grain substrate makes a fine environment for the fish. Like other plecos, these are also heavy waste producers which means substrate must be vacuumed frequently to remove unsightly feces.

Males develop cheek bristles and are smaller and narrower in comparison to the robust females.

Reference:
http://www.planetcatfish.com/

 

[Lupin]

Royal Whiptail (Sturisoma panamense)

Scientific Name: Sturisoma panamense
Common Name: Royal Whiptail
Care Level: easy
Size: 8 inches
pH Range: 6.0-7.5
Temperature Range: 24-28 degrees Celsius (76-80° F)
Origin: Amazon basin, Brazil
Temperament: peaceful
Compatible Tankmates:
They are suitable for community tanks. Discus, angelfish, tetras, rasboras, corydoras and other small plecos make suitable tankmates. They should not, on the other hand, be kept with very boisterous species.
Diet:
Green matter and occasionally meaty foods are appreciated. Excessive proteins must be avoided.
Tank Size for Adult: 20g.
Narrative:
Whiptail plecos are relatively easy to keep. A tank furnished with several driftwoods, plants, leaf litter and fine grain substrate makes a fine environment for the fish. Like other plecos, these are also heavy waste producers which means substrate must be vacuumed frequently to remove unsightly feces.

Reference:
http://www.planetcatfish.com/

 

[Lupin]

Farlowella gracilis (Farlowella gracilis)

Scientific Name: Farlowella gracilis
Common Name: Royal Farlowella, Farlowella gracilis
Care Level: easy
Size: 8 inches
pH Range: 6.0-7.5
Temperature Range: 24-28 degrees Celsius (76-80° F)
Origin: Amazon basin, Brazil
Temperament: peaceful
Compatible Tankmates:
They are suitable for community tanks. Discus, angelfish, tetras, rasboras, corydoras and other small plecos make suitable tankmates. They should not, on the other hand, be kept with very boisterous species.
Diet:
Green matter and occasionally meaty foods are appreciated. Excessive proteins must be avoided.
Tank Size for Adult: 20g.
Narrative:
These plecos are relatively easy to keep. A tank furnished with several driftwoods, plants, leaf litter and fine grain substrate makes a fine environment for the fish. Like other plecos, these are also heavy waste producers which means substrate must be vacuumed frequently to remove unsightly feces.

Reference:
http://www.planetcatfish.com/

 

[Lupin]

Black Banded Leporinus (Leporinus fasciatus)

Scientific Name: Leporinus fasciatus
Common Name: Black Banded Leporinus
Care Level: easy
Size: 12 inches
pH Range: 6.0-7.5
Temperature Range: 24-28 degrees Celsius (76-80° F)
Origin: Central and South America
Temperament: moderately aggressive
Compatible Tankmates:
They are suitable in a community tank with silver dollars, plecos, flagtail catfish and other peaceful characins.
Diet:
Tank Size for Adult: 55g.
Narrative:
The name Leporinus is a French word meaning "little hare". Close examination of the fish will explain why they were given this name, as they have two prominent front teeth much like a hare. Tolerant of other fish, most live in schools but are known to quarrel among themselves from time to time. This is particularly true when kept in small groups rather than large schools.

In nature, they live in rocky river beds, and are accustomed to strong currents. Because a strong current is important, the use of a power head is recommended. They position themselves head down in rocky clefts and fissures, and should be provided with similar conditions when kept in an aquarium. Substrate will not matter as they have very little use to it.

Care should be taken to use a tight fitting cover to prevent the fish from jumping out of the tank. Use plastic plants or plants with tough foliage as these fish will not hesitate to take a bite on live plants tearing them down within minutes.

Reference:
http://www.freshaquarium.about.com/

 

[Lupin]

Apollo Shark (Luciosoma pellegrini)

Scientific Name: Luciosoma pellegrini
Common Name: Apollo Shark
Care Level: easy
Size: 10 inches
pH Range: 6.0-7.5
Temperature Range: 24-28 degrees Celsius (76-80° F)
Origin: Asia
Temperament: peaceful
Compatible Tankmates:
These fish are rather boisterous swimmers occupying mostly the surface level so try to focus on middle and bottom levels for tankmates. They should be of similar size or even larger so the Apollo sharks won't attempt to eat anything else that will fit their mouths. Doradids and most large barbs such as tinfoil barbs (Barbus schwanfeldi) are suitable tankmates.
Diet:
Feeding is not a problem as these fish are not picky about their food at all. Meaty foods are greatly devoured by these fish such as bloodworms and earthworms.
Tank Size for Adult: 75g.
Narrative:
Apollo sharks are very large reaching 25 cm in length. They are excellent jumpers which means tight cover is strictly recommended. A planted tank is often a suitable setup for these fish.

 

[Lupin]

Golden Shark (Leptobarbus hoevenii)

Scientific Name: Leptobarbus hoevenii
Common Name: Golden Shark, Sultan Fish, Redfinned Cigar Shark
Care Level: easy
Size: 24 inches
pH Range: 6.0-7.5
Temperature Range: 24-28 degrees Celsius (76-80° F)
Origin: Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo, Cambodia, Vietnam
Temperament: peaceful
Compatible Tankmates:
Fish of similar size make suitable tankmates with these fish.
Diet:
Red-Finned Cigar Sharks are omnivorous feeders and should be fed a balanced diet of both meaty and green foods. Prepared foods such as flakes and pellets, as well as vegetable matter such as algae tablets, blanched lettuce and peas are all ideal foods. Live foods are highly appreciated.
Tank Size for Adult: 150g.
Narrative:
The Red-Finned Cigar Shark should be kept in a large aquarium measuring at least 6 feet in length. These fish travel in schools and thus should be kept in groups of 5 or 6 in the aquarium, meaning the tank must be very spacious. Because their natural instinct is to dash quickly away from danger, they can often be timid fish in the aquarium. For this reason they should be provided with solid structures for shelter such as tall rocks and driftwood pieces. In the event that the fish gets startled it may injure itself on sharp decorations. Plants also make good decor in the Cyprinid aquarium. Use a tight-fitting canopy as this fish is a jumper. The fish appreciates strong water current which can be achieved through the use of a power head or similar device.

 

[Lupin]

Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri)

Scientific Name: Moenkhausia pittieri
Common Name: Diamond Tetra
Care Level: easy
Size: 2 inches
pH Range: 6.0-7.5
Temperature Range: 24-28 degrees Celsius (76-80° F)
Origin: Amazon, Brazil
Temperament: peaceful
Compatible Tankmates:
They make a great addition to the community aquarium. It is highly recommended to keep these fish in schools of six or more. The aquarium should be dimly lit with floating plants and driftwood if available. These fish are only to be kept with other smaller fishes such as other tetra species and corydoras.
Diet:
Omnivorous.
Tank Size for Adult: 15g.
Narrative:
Keep these little guys in soft, slightly acidic water with plenty of hiding areas through the use of plants and driftwood. They prefer the company of their own kind, and thus should be kept in groups of five or more. Their coloring may be faded in unsuitable water conditions.