Porthole catfish - Dianema longibarbis

Scientific name: Dianema longibarbis

Common name: Porthole catfish

Family: Callichthyidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 10 cm (3.15 - 3.94 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.8 - 7.8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 2 - 20°N (35.71 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Porthole catfish will accept all foods. Quality flake should be used for the staple diet, algae wafers and shrimp pellets are also readily accepted. A treat of blood worms will condition this fish.

Origin

South America; Porthole catfish inhabits the Amazon River in Brazil and Peru.

Sexing

There are no physical differences between the sexes, but if a group has been purchased, the females tend to be slightly larger.

Breeding

Porthole catfish can be very difficult to breed. They require soft, acidic water and as they are bubble nest builders, floating plants are a great help. Place one male with 2-3 females and reduce the water flow. After the bubble nest has been built, the female will lay up to 500 eggs. Remove the female after spawning for her own safety; the male will guard the nest. When the fry have hatched they can be fed with newly hatched brine shrimp or crushed flake.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Dianema longibarbis is 10 years.

Short description

Soft sand or smooth gravel should be used as a substrate with Dianema longibarbis, provide hiding places and add some floating plants to make this fish feel at ease. This is a very peaceful species and should be kept in small groups of at least 4 fish.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk. Other pictures were provided by Patrik.