Long-whiskered Catfish (Duopalatinus peruanus)

Long-whiskered Catfish Duopalatinus peruanus
Name	Long-whiskered Catfish
Name Lat.	Duopalatinus peruanus
Family	Long-whiskered Catfishes
Family lat.	Pimelodidae
Order	Catfishes
Order lat.	Siluriformes
Origin	South America
Habitat	Rivers
Diet	Carnivore
pH	6.0-7.5
Behavior	Predatory
Keeping	Individual, group
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Substrate spawner
Breeding	None reported
Life Span	N/A
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	15 cm
Temperature	22-26 °C
Hardness	< 15 °dH
Aquarium	120 cm / 240 l
US Units
Size	5.9"
Temperature	72-79 °F
Hardness	< 267 ppm
Aquarium	65 gal

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of Duopalatinus peruanus is the inlet of the Río Ucayali in Peru, where they occur in the Río Puinagua and the estuary of the Río Pacaya. They live near the banks of slow-flowing waters with sandy-muddy bottoms, where they usually stay hidden under roots or in stone caves during the day.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a robust border planting, with many hiding places such as stone caves (e.g. hole rock) and roots, as well as plenty of free swimming space. A soft, sandy substrate, some subdued light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

They are predatory fish that feed mainly on crustaceans and other invertebrates in nature. The diet consists of live or frozen mosquito larvae, tubifex, shrimp, earthworms, etc., or a vitamin-enriched frozen food mix. Sinking, protein-rich dry food for catfish, such as pellets, granulated and tablet food is also well accepted. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes, and adult animals should only be fed 2-3 times per week. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They are peaceful fish within the species and can be kept in a group without any problems. They can be well socialized with robust fish such as cichlids, rainbowfish, larger tetras or shield catfish. Small, slow swimming fish are considered prey.

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

There are no known external distinguishing characteristics.

Reproduction and breeding

There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.

Important

During the acclimation period it is recommended to feed these crepuscular and nocturnal animals at night. They are voracious eaters, so food breaks should be taken or only small portions fed

The swimming space must be dimensioned so that the fish can move freely and its long barbels (antennae) do not bump anywhere. A weekly partial water change is strongly recommended, as they are very sensitive to pollutants in the water and may lose their barbels as a result.

When catching them, use fine-mesh nets if possible; transparent cups are better so that the hard rays of the pectoral fins do not get caught, which can cause painful puncture wounds when touched, and the long barbels are not injured.

The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF