Is this Bagrichthys hypselopterus?

[franksaquarium]

These came in as the above-mentioned species, but I'm not sure if it is. Thoughts?



Thanks.

Frank

[racoll]

Bagroides melapterus

, I think.

[Dave Rinaldo]

I say Bagroides melapterus also.

It would have been nice for them to be

Bagrichthys hypselopterus

!

[franksaquarium]

Thanks. I'd have to agree. The exporter has misidentified them. I'll let him know.
Too bad. I had such high hopes.
He also has

Bagrichthys majusculus

listed. Are they worth bringing in? Never having dealt with these fish before, I'm not sure how popular they are.

Frank

[Viktor Jarikov]

Bagroides melapterus is very rare IME. Never seen one live. But you are right, hypselopterus looks to be super rare. Was that the basis of your excitement, Frank?

Well, on MFK, all you have to say "This fish is very rare" (without lying) and people are ready to snatch it in a heartbeat. The first two are remarkably attractive too. The majusculus is not nearly as attractive but the rarity clause always gets you customers for sure. Of course, the more expensive the fish are, the exponentially less probable/fast the sale. Most of them excitable folks are young...

[franksaquarium]

Bagroides melapterus is very rare IME. Never seen one live. But you are right, hypselopterus looks to be super rare. Was that the basis of your excitement, Frank?

The basis of my excitement was that I had not seen them before. I usually bring in a few pieces of fish that I've never dealt with, just to see what they look like "in the flesh". It is disappointing that it was misidentified, but this fish is beautiful in its own right, so I'm not unhappy.

Well, on MFK, all you have to say "This fish is very rare" (without lying) and people are ready to snatch it in a heartbeat. The first two are remarkably attractive too. The majusculus is not nearly as attractive but the rarity clause always gets you customers for sure. Of course, the more expensive the fish are, the exponentially less probable/fast the sale. Most of them excitable folks are young...

The word rare gets thrown around so much that I hesitate to use it. But as you say, these fish are uncommon. I've ordered a dozen more for arrival on the 9th. I know I'm gonna keep a pair for my own tank (lost a lot of fish in my personal tank during the hurricane blackout, so now it's time to restock). Also got more Platystacus, and I'm gonna pull a pair from those as well.

[Viktor Jarikov]

Right. When I said

... on MFK, all you have to say "This fish is very rare"...

I meant that this should come not from the seller (conflict of interest, even if it is undeniably true) but from some one unattached and respected who has an expert weight in the most member's eyes.

Don't know if you sell to (many) MFKers. Someone like John Kreatsoulas (snookn21; aquabid) who I try to visit once a quarter, does so very highly successfully and generally has an excellent reputation on MFK.

Sorry, since I deal with large(er) fish, I don't know what happens with the PCF's marketplace.

[franksaquarium]

Right. When I said

... on MFK, all you have to say "This fish is very rare"...

I meant that this should come not from the seller (conflict of interest, even if it is undeniably true) but from some one unattached and respected who has an expert weight in the most member's eyes.

Agreed. And one must also be aware that what might be "rare" (meaning not usually seen)here in the USA, might not be so in other countries.

Don't know if you sell to (many) MFKers.

I don't sell to many MFK's at all, mostly because I usually don't carry fishes they are interested in. But I have been told I should get involve there.

Frank

[Richard B]

sorry for the late input.

Definately Bagroides melapterus, which is in the UK at least, available from time to time.

All specimens i have seen have been male (about 16 individuals including 2 i've owned). I've debated this with people & we've bounced a few things around. If a number are imported it would be good to know the ratio of the sexes.

This species can be extremely aggressive to one another although otherwise are very peaceful

Bagrichthys hypselopterus have never been imported to the UK AFAIK.

Bagrichthys majusculus are very seldom imported & i would consider these a great find. The beauty is not in their plain colour but more in the habits - one for the true catfish fan!

The word 'rare' is quite subjective. I have seen it applied to some quite common fish & one man's rare is another man's commonplace. I would consider all of the above rare in the hobby but then someone might prefix it, & say very, extremely, mega, ultra etc depending on their point of view or aspirations.

Bagroides melapterus should sell like hot cakes if the retail price is favourable - they are a stunning looking fantastic fish to keep.

[Suckermouth]

WetSpot recently claimed to be the first time importer for Bagroides melapterus a couple months ago, so I'd say they are still quite rare in the US. All of their's got scooped up quite quickly.