The species in our small series on catfishes from Nigeria is – in contrast to the species described so far – always available and it fits perfectly in any community tank: the African Glass Catfish, Parailia pellucida. The maximum length is given with 15 cm in literature; however, we see only very rarely specimens larger than 8 cm.
The African Glass Catfish is no closer relative of the Asian Glass Catfish. The latter belongs to the family of Siluridae, which also contains the European Wels (Silurus glanis), whereas the African species belongs to the family of Schilbeidae. The best known species of Asian Glass Catfish is Kryptopterus vitreolus, see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/archiv.php?news_id=700. The similar look and behaviour of the glass catfish from African and Asia is due to similar lifestyle and environments, it does not reflect any genetic relationship. This can be compared with birds and bats. Both have wings and can fly, but the are not close relatives to each other.
Externally P. pellucida can be easily recognized by the presence of an adipose fin (absent in Kryptopterus) and eight long barbels around the mouth (only two in Kryptopterus). But in any other respect both types of glass catfish are very similar. They are peaceful plankton feeders that should be always kept in company of their own kind. The fish love well planted tanks with a good number of places to cover and not too strong lightning. The fish feed readily on any type of usual fishfood. They are completely undemanding in respect of water hardness and pH, any water that fits as drinking water for humans will do for the fish.
For our customers: the fish have code 155904 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Nigeria |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 6-8 |
