Description:
Distinguished from T. quadrifilis in the
alignment of the lateral margins of the head in the
region from the anterior margin of the orbit to the
posterior limit of the opercle (running approximately
in parallel from ventral view vs. diverging laterally,
respectively); in the body width at the pectoral-fin
insertion as a proportion of the head width at the
posterior margin of the orbit (0.99-1.10 vs. 1.17-1.25,
respectively); in the distance from the tip of the
snout to the anal fin origin (0.29-0.32 of SL vs.
0.33-0.36 of SL, respectively); and in the position
of the anterior termination of the gill opening (one
orbital diameter posterior of the transverse plane
running through the posterior margin of the orbit
vs. positioned in the transverse plane running through
the center of the orbit, respectively). Aquarium
Care: A tank for Tetranematichthys
should contain fine sand on the bottom, should be
softly lit and should be equipped with a great number
of driftwood. During daytime the fish often sleep
lying on the side. This behaviour is absolutely normal
and no reason for the aquarist to become anxious.
It is carnivorous and prefers to feed on small fish.
Against conspecifics Tetranematichthys are
peaceful. Sexual Differences: The
males develop an extended dorsal fin and is thorny.
Diet: Prefers live foods given at
lights out. Try different
choices of frozen foods to see what they prefer as
they can be picky in their dietary requirements.
Common
Name:
Wallace's Driftwood Dolphin
Catfish
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Auchenipteridae
Distribution:
South America:Amazon basin: upper Negro River system in
Brazil and Venezuela and upper Orinoco River basin
in southern Venezuela.
Size:
20.5cm. (8ins)
Temp:
22-26°c (71-79°f.)
p.H.
6.0-7.0.
Reference:
Vari, R.P. and C. Ferraris,
Jr. 2006 The
catfish genus Tetranematichthys (Aucheniptridae).
Copeia 2006(2):168-180.
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