Aspidoras /Dianema Longibarbis Species availability

Beersnob · Post by **Beersnob** » 28 Feb 2004, 15:08

All,

I have read more material on Corydoras and Dianema Cats and can find them on occasion, but I have never seen an Aspidoras species. I was wondering if they are indeed that rare to the hobby? or are they misnamed? or not desired by hobbyists? Most of them appear to be smaller in size to Corydoras, but maybe more energetic.

I was thinking of getting some Aspidoras to put in my mini-species tank!

Endler's Livebearers
Hasbatratus Cories (pygmy)
clown plecos
and 2-4 dwarf loaches (max size 2.5")

I thought that they would do well in this tank, and wanted to see if they were readily available elsewhere.

The other item is Dianema Longibarbis. I have one and there were many available when I bought the one. Now, I see that he issomewhat lonely and I'd like to get 3 additional dianema longibarbis to make a small school for him.

Please note that I am open to Personal Messages that would state where on the internet or locally in Michigan they can be found!

Thansk for your help,

Scott

Chrysichthys · Post by **Chrysichthys** » 29 Feb 2004, 16:38

Here (the U.K.) you can get Aspidoras sporadically, but not I.D.'d as to species.
Dianema longibarbus is sometimes available, but less commonly than D. urostriata.
It's mostly a matter of persistence and checking lists at every LFS.

Viking Bear · Post by **Viking Bear** » 01 Mar 2004, 02:14

I have some A. "Black Phantom'. I bought from a local breeders. i have looked at the pictures in my books and have not been able to identify to a species. They are similar in appearence to C. paletus but have a different body shape. I believe it is a variety from Germany. They are the only ones thatI have seen available. They are not cheap running $5 from young ones. If you are ever in the Chicago area you could get some. I have seen them listed from mail order suppliers of catfish. I would suggest to do a search for Aspidoras.

Later,

Viking Bear

pturley · Post by **pturley** » 01 Mar 2004, 03:36

Try All Oddball Aquatics.com.

I was just there Saturday and he stocks three different species of Aspidoras. All three bred in the hatchery at the facility.

Tell Eric I told you to call.

Beersnob · Post by **Beersnob** » 07 Mar 2004, 04:35

Everyone,

Thanks for your help! Unfortunately, I get the response from the LFS of "those fish don't sell" , "those fish are not popular." HELLOO!!! If you don't sell them, they won't become popular. What I have seen in the Porthole Catfish is that it appears to have similar Cory characteristics with a more "cat-fish like" body.

Thanks,

Beersnob