We receive only very rarely imports of one of the unusual and stress-prone Leptodoras species. These thorny catfish are extraordinarily elongated and apparently live in flowing waters, while many other thorny catfish – think of the Platydoras, Agamyxis etc. which are common in the hobby – are more at home in dead wood or leaves in shore areas.
Leptodoras cf. cataniai originates from the Rio Nanay in Peru. The species probably reaches a length of about 20 cm, but our current imports are only about 7 cm long. Except for the area of origin – the species L. cataniai was described from the Rio Casiquiare, the connecting river of Orinoco and Rio Negro, the appearance fits very well to L. cataniai.
We recommend for maintenance a large aquarium with sandy bottom, little decoration and good filtration and current. The water temperature should be around 24°C. The chemical composition of the water is not important, but extreme values should be avoided. Any usual fish food of suitable size is eaten. The peaceful and sociable animals are a bit nervous and should therefore be kept in the company of some Corydoras or Brochis, whose calmness is transferred to the Leptodoras and takes away their shyness.
For our customers: the fish have code 266051 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
