Jaguar catfish

The jaguar catfish, scientific name Liosomadoras oncinus, belongs to the family Auchenipteridae (Occipital catfishes). Catfish comes from South America from the Branco River basin, one of the tributaries of the Amazon, which flows mainly through the territory of the Brazilian state of Roraima. It is found everywhere, both in the main channels of the rivers, and in small streams, backwaters, floodplain lakes, as well as in flooded areas of the rainforest during the rainy season.

Description

Adults reach a length of about 17 cm. The catfish is unmistakably identified by its spotted body pattern, reminiscent of a jaguar pattern. It is for this reason that it got its name.

The fish is protected by sharp spikes, which are modified first rays of the fins.

Near the mouth are sensitive antennae, thanks to which the catfish is oriented in space. Being a nocturnal inhabitant, he relies more on his antennae than on sight.

Behavior and Compatibility

It has a peaceful disposition and gets along well with other non-aggressive species of comparable size. It is worth remembering that the jaguar catfish jealously guards its shelter. For this reason, benthic fish should be selected with special care, excluding from them those who form their territories on the bottom.

Also, small fish should not be excluded from the number of joint inhabitants in the aquarium. Most likely they will be eaten.

Leads a predominantly nocturnal lifestyle. During the day it will hide in shelters.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 250 liters.
• Temperature – 20-24°C
• Value pH — 4.8–6.8
• Water hardness – 2–12 dGH
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – light or moderate
• The size of the fish is up to 17 cm.
• Food – any sinking food
• Temperament – conditionally peaceful
• Content – alone or in a group

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of the aquarium for one or two catfish starts from 250 liters. In the design, the presence of shelters is mandatory. As the latter, both natural (for example, snags) and artificial decoration elements should be used. Subdued lighting is recommended. Accordingly, when placing live plants, preference should be given to shade-loving species, such as anubias, various aquatic ferns, mosses, etc.

The jaguar catfish is considered an easy-to-keep hardy species that can adapt to different conditions. Nevertheless, soft, slightly acidic water with a relatively low temperature (not higher than 24 ° C) is a comfortable environment.

Aquarium maintenance is standard and includes such obligatory procedures as weekly replacement of part of the water with fresh water, removal of organic waste, equipment maintenance.

Food

Unpretentious in the choice of diet. Will accept most popular sinking dry foods as well as live, fresh or frozen foods such as earthworms, bloodworms, shrimp meat, mussels, etc.