There are two species of catfish in South America that look confusingly similar: Leiarius marmoratus, which the Indians call “Achara” and Leiarius (formerly: Perrunichthys) perruno. Both species grow to around 60 cm in length and have the same leopard pattern and long, ringed barbels. However, there is an easily recognizable difference: Leiarius marmoratus has 10-11 rays in the dorsal fin, L. perruno only 8. As the fish usually carry the dorsal fin tightly erect, this can easily be counted on a photo.
There is no consensus among scientists as to whether L. longibarbis, described by Castelnau in 1855, and L. marmoratus, described by Gill in 1870, are identical (in which case the valid name would be L. longibarbis) or represent two different species. L. longibarbis is depicted in the original description as a solid gray fish with tiny speckles, while L. marmoratus retains its marbled spot pattern into old age. It is possible that the abnormal coloration of L. longibarbis is due to a poor preparation method, that it is a color mutant or that it is a completely different colored species that has not been caught again since. In any case, this has not been clarified, which is why these beautiful catfish with their coarse dotted marble pattern are still referred to as L. marmoratus in the trade.
Because of their attractive coloration and peaceful nature (fish that are not suitable as food are ignored), Acharas are very popular with friends of large fish. However, they rarely appear on the ornamental fish market. We have just received some very cute specimens measuring 5-7 cm in length from Peru.
For our customers: the animals have code 265202 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade. Only available in small quantities!
Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer
