Currently
we can offer a very seldom imported, unusual catfish from Southeast
Asia (eastern Sumatra): Bagrichthys macracanthus. This catfish attains a
maximum length of about 20 cm. In the wild, the species inhabits river
portions with only very low current. Against conspecifics males are
quite quarrelsome; kept by pair or in groups composed of one male and an
overhang of female specimens they are peaceful against each other.
Sexually ripe animals can be easily sexed, for the males develop a very
unusual, penis-like urogenital papilla; this papilla is normal-shaped in
females. However, females can be recognized even in much younger
specimens (ours are about 8-10 cm long) by the much deeper body.
Against
tankmates Bagrichthys macracanthus – they are called Black Lancer in
the trade – are peaceful. One should keep them not along with animals
smaller than about one quarter of the length of the Black Lancer, for
otherwise they may serve as food. Bagrichthys macracanthus is night
active and needs caves and other hiding places during the day to feel
comfortable. At feeding times the catfish leave their hiding places even
by day. They feed readily on any type of usual food used for ornamental
fishes. The chemical composition of the water is meaningless. The water
temperature should be between 24 and 28°C.
For our customers: the fish have code 368482 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
