Long-whiskered catfish

Long-whiskered catfish, scientific name Megalonema platycephalum, belongs to the family Pimelodidae (Pimelodidae). Originally from South America, it is found in the northeastern part of the continent in the lower reaches of the Amazon River, as well as in the Essequibo and Orinoco river basins.

Description

Adults reach a length of about 30 cm. The fish has an elongated body with a flattened head. The catfish has a long, threadlike mustache that helps it navigate and find food in the murky dark waters at the bottom of the rivers.

The coloration is monochromatic gray or silver with translucent fins. The only color feature is the presence of a black spot at the base of the tail.

Behavior and Compatibility

Has a peaceful disposition. However, given the diet with a tendency to damage the fins of other fish, it is advisable to avoid sharing with other species.

With care, you can pick up fish of a comparable or slightly larger size that live in the water column or near the surface. Among the bottom species, one should choose non-territorial catfish with reliable protection, for example, Armored Catfish.

Food

In nature, it feeds on aquatic invertebrates (insects, crustaceans, shrimps, snails, etc.), on occasion it can feast on the scales and fins of other fish. Live, fresh or frozen foods such as shrimp meat, earthworms, bloodworms should be fed in the home aquarium. It is permissible to diversify the diet with dry sinking foods with a high protein content.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 250 liters.
• Temperature – 22-26°C
• Value pH — 5.5–7.0
• Water hardness – 2–12 dGH
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement is weak
• The size of the fish is about 30 cm.
• Nutrition – foods high in protein
• Temperament – conditionally peaceful
• Single content

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of the aquarium for one catfish starts from 250 liters. Bottom area is more important than tank height. Arrangement is arbitrary. The presence of thickets of plants and shelters in the form of snags is welcome.

Prefers soft slightly acidic water. A high-protein diet implies a productive filtration system with regular replacement of part of the water with fresh water and the removal of organic waste.