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There are only two species in the genus Dianema, the other being Dianema longibarbus, the Porthole cat. This is of course the Flagtail cat as looking at the image you can see this trait in the caudal fin, it shares these unusual markings along with Corydoras robineae, it is also placed in the same family, Callichthyidae. Aquarium Care: This is a peaceful midwater to bottom swimmer that will do better if kept in a group of at least 4 as individuals on their own tend to sulk and never seem to progress too well. Try to resist placing them in an aquarium with aggressive species such as some Cichlids, they will do better with the usual community type fish and of course along with Corydoras sp. Diet: Omnivorous, taking most foods but preferring live and frozen such as daphnia, worms, white and grindal, and bloodworms. Will also accept good quality flake and tablet foods. Reproduction: This fish has proved a challenge for quite a few catfish enthusiasts over the years. There has been unconfirmed reports of breeding triumphs but no documentation as yet to prove this theory. It is reported to be a bubblenest breeder just like its cousins in the Hoplo/Megalechis/Lepthoplosternum-complex.

Flagtail Catfish

Decapogon urostriatum

Callichthyidae

South America: Brazil, Amazon River basin. Type locality: Manáos, Brazil.

11.5cm (4½ins)

22-26°C (71-79°F)

6.0-7.5.

ScotCat Factsheet no. 29. Nov.1998.
Riehl, R. and H.A. Baensch 1987 Aquarien Atlas. Band. 1. Melle: Mergus, Verlag für Natur- und Heimtierkunde, Germany. 992 p.
Burgess, W.E. 1989 An atlas of freshwater and marine catfishes. A preliminary survey of the Siluriformes. T.F.H. Publications, Inc., Neptune City, New Jersey (USA). 784 p.