Chrysichthys
ornatus Boulenger, 1902
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ur factsheet this month (May 2006) centers on a former member
of the Bagridae family and one of the nicest looking "Bagrids"
around as its common and specific name entails "The Ornate
Bagrid". The genus Chrysichthys was split off from
Bagridae by Mo in 1991 along with all of the African
Bagrids bar one and is now housed in the Claroteidae
family. You can find out more in the Ichthyology articles section
titled, The
Family Claroteidae
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 family, Goeldiella eques,
the "Fox Face Pimelodella". The
difference of course is that the African species, C. ornatus,
has an extra pair of barbels in having nasal barbels, a
shorter adipose fin and a different head shape.
(see below)
Goeldiella eques= larger
adisose fin |
Chrysichthys ornatus = nasal barbels
|
Goeldiella eques = no nasal barbels
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Could be used in a fishhouse environment as a feeder for an
overrun of Livebearer fry but would be quite happy on commercial
foods. Quite tolerant of water parameters but very shy and would
need the usual good husbandry and tank regime of weekly water
changes and the keeping of the filtration up to the mark.
This bagrid is not usually available in aquatic outlets so would
be quite a find if you could spot any on your "Fish hunting"
travels.
Dorsal: 1/6; Anal: 11-13, 6-8 branched. Body elongate, anteriorly
hardly compressed, posteriorly strongly so. Dorsal and anal fins
short. Dorsal and pectoral fins with stout spines. Ventral fins
inserted behind the dorsal. Adipose fin present. 4 pairs barbels
( 1 pair nasal, 1 maxillary, 2 mandibular). Jaws with teeth arranged
in bands. Pallete toothed.
Alternation of large, irregular, dark brown to black blotches
and pale, yellowish to brownish blotches, with further small dark
spots among them. Belly dirty white. Fins pale with irregular
dark spots; each lobe of the caudal with a blurred dark longitudinal
band.
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.
| Sexual
differences |
Not recorded but I would surmise that females
would be heavier when in breeding condition.
|
| Breeding |
Not recorded.
Frozen shrimp and mussels. Frozen bloodworm
pellets and tablet food.
| Etymology |
Chrysichthys :
Chrysos = gold;
ichthys = fish.
ornatus : Ornate;
decorated.
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| Glossary
of Terms |
Standard length
(SL) : Standard length as measured from the snout
to the caudal peduncle.
Nasal barbels: Barbels on top of the head,
by the nostrils.
Nocturnal: Active at night.
|
| Reference |
Hans A Baensch and Dr Rudiger Riel,
Baensch Aquarium Atlas 3. p.
309
Sands, David: Catfishes of The World, Vol.5 Bagridae
and Others. p. 77.
Sterba, Günther Dr.; 1 Sterba's freshwater
fishes of the world.
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| Photo
Credits |
Chrysichthys ornatus: Chris Ralph
Goeldiella eques (1): Robin
Warne
Goeldiella eques (2): Johnny
Jensen's Photographic Library |
