Currently three different species of the remarkable genus Tetranematichthys are distinguished by scientists. None of them is often imported, because their secretive way of life between dead driftwood makes catching them a pure matter of luck. So we are very glad to have managed the first imporation ever of the species Tetranematichthys wallacei from Venezuela. We obtained three specimens and we are even more glad that they proofed to be one male and two females.
Like in the closely related genus Ageinosus the males of Tetranematichthys develope during the breeding season enormous dorsal fins. The spine of that fin is very thorny. The males attached with that thorny spine on the female during mating. The fertalisation is internal and managed by a penis-like organ that is formed by modified rays of the anal fin. It is said that after the breeding season the the dorsal fin in males reduces the size to that of the female.
This highly interesting and rare catfish reach a maximum total length of about 20 cm. It is carnivorous and prefers to feed on small fish. 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 tank keeper to become anxious. Against conspecifics Tetranematichthys are completely peaceful.
For our customers: the fish have code 296415 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in very limited numbers only!
Lexicon: Tetranematichthys: means “fish with four threats”; this refers to the barbels. wallacei: dedication name for Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913).
Suggestion of a common name: Wallace´s Driftwood Dolphin Catfish
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Venezuela |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 12-15 |
