Armored Catfish (Callichthys callichthys)

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Armored Catfish

Callichthys callichthys.JPG
Armored Catfish

Callichthys callichthys

284 Litres (75 US G.)

17.8-20.3cm (7-8 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

5.8 - 8.0

18 -25 °C (64.4-77°F)

0-30 °d

1:2 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

5-8 years

Family

Callichthyidae



Additional names

Armored Catfish, Cascarudo, Bubblenest Catfish, Hassar, Mailed Catfish

Additional scientific names

Callichthys affinis, Callichthys arcifer, Callichthys asper, Callichthys caelatus, Callichthys callichthys bolteni, Callichthys callichthys demararae, Callichthys depressus, Callichthys hemifractus, Callichthys kneri, Callichthys laeviceps, Callichthys loricatus, Callichthys tamoata, Silurus callichthys


Origin

C. callichthys is distributed in all major river drainages of South America. It has a very wide range, extending from Trinidad to Buenos Aires, Argentina, including the upper Amazon River and Paraguay River systems.


Sexing

The females are larger and more robust than the males, while the males are brighter in colour.


Tank compatibility

A generally peaceful nocturnal fish that should be housed with fish larger than 6.4cm (2.5"), smaller fish may be eaten. Does well with similar sized peaceful non-nippy South American fish.


Diet

Can eat most regular prepared aquarium foods. Will accept most sinking foods including bloodworm as well as vegetable matter.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day. This fish is nocturnal so is best fed after lights out.


Environment specifics

This fish is sub-tropical. It should have a spacious tank with a fine gravel substrate and stable décor and well rooted plants. Delicate plants may be uprooted. It is an excellent jumper and the tank should be well-covered.


Behaviour

It is a peaceful and relatively undemanding species, usually active in dim light or at night, but hiding when the light is bright.
In the wild this fish can "crawl" using it's ventral fins to move from a dried up habitat to a better one.


Identification

Males are a delicate blue or violet sheen laterally with a more developed and longer pectoral fin spine that is reddish brown and edged with orange or reddish orange, the females are a dull olive-green.

Pictures

External links