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Amarginops ornatus (Boulenger 1902) |
Image contributors to this species: |
Hippocampus Bildarchiv (1) Chris Ralph (3) Martijn van der Windt (2) Allan James (1) |
ScotCat Sources: |
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Other Sources: |
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Relevant Information: |
This is not one of your "Tankbusters" as it will grow only to 9ins (22.5cm) standard length (SL) but in saying that, this is a predator when adult in the aquarium, so you will need to account for this when purchasing this species. It has often been confused with a South American "Pim" from the Heptapteridae family, Goeldiella eques, the "Fox Face Pimelodella". The difference of course is that the African species, A. ornatus, has an extra pair of barbels in having nasal barbels, a shorter adipose fin and a different head shape. Aquarium Care: Not to be trusted with smaller tankmates. Would do better with larger African Tetras or Cichlids. Give it a choice of hiding places to make it feel more comfortable in its surroundings as it can be nocturnal. Etymology: The genus name Amarginops: Greek privative, i.e., without; marginis (L.), edge or border; (Gr.), eye, referring to the lack of a free orbital margin. The specific name ornatus: Latin for decorated, referring to blackish spots and bands on body (more pronounced on juveniles, fainter on adults) and mottled blackish fins. Remarks: Can still be found on some online searches as Chrysichthys ornatus. |
Common Name: |
Ornate bagrid |
Synonyms: |
Chrysichthys pictus, Chrysichthys ornatus |
Family: |
Claroteidae |
Distribution: |
Africa: Congo River system below Stanley Falls. Type locality: l’Ubangi à Banzyville [et] Monsembé, Haut Congo. |
Size: |
22.5cm. (9ins) |
Temp: |
20-25°C (67-77°F) |
p.H. |
6.5.-7.2. |
IUCN Red List |
The species is widespread or without major threats throughout the Central Africa assessment region and is assessed as Least Concern. (IUCN 2010). |
Reference: |
Moelants,
T. 2010. Chrysichthys ornatus. The
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010. |
Family: Claroteidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails |
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