Callichthys
callichthys (Linnaeus, 1758)
|
| |
| Image
contributors to this species: |
| Danny
Blundell
(3)
Allan James (3) Frants Lehmann
(1 stamp) Peru
Aquarium Group (1) |
| ScotCat
Sources: |
 
|
| Other
Sources: |
  
|
| |
| Relevant
Information: |
Found in extreme environments,
from anoxic conditions (slack water zones bordered by dense vegetation)
to slightly turbid but free flowing streams. When its biotope becomes
dry, it can move out of the water, due to its ability to breathe
intestinally, in order to find another aquatic environment. Feeds
at night on fish, insects and plant matter. Juveniles feed on rotifers,
in addition to the micro-crustaceans and aquatic insect larvae they
find when digging into the substrate. Aquarium Care:
Very adaptable to water conditions and can be housed with most other
fish as long as they are not too small or overly aggressive. More
than one can be kept or in groups of 5 or more: minimum aquarium
size 120 cm. May be prone to digging and uprooting plants. Breeding:
During reproduction, the male's belly turns orange and its pectoral
spines become longer and thicker. The male builds a bubble nest
with some floating plants, strongly guarding it after the female
lays down her eggs (up to 120). |
| Common
Name: |
Armoured
Catfish, Cascarudo |
| Synonyms: |
Callichthys
asper, C.coelatus, C.laeviceps, C.loricatus, C.tamoata, Cataphractus
callichthys, C.depressus, Silurus callichthys |
| Family: |
Callichthyidaemblycipitidae |
| Distribution: |
South
America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil,
Colombia, Ecuador, French
Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, Trinidad & Tobago,
Uruguay, Venezuela. |
| Size:
|
18cm (
7ins) |
| Temp: |
20-27°C
(68-81°F) |
| p.H. |
6.0-8.0. |
| Reference: |
Froese, R. and
D. Pauly. Editors. 2009. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic
publication. www.fishbase.org, version (01/2011).
ScotCat Factsheet no. 95. May 2004. |
|
|
