Every time we have ordered them they have turned out to be misnamed Hoplosternum sp. (most often H.littorale) but this time we got the REAL Callichthys! Very different looking catfish (compared to Hoplosternum). And very fun to watch at feeding time. The water in their tank is rather cloudy now, due to the constant sifting through the sand. It's the second time I see this species "live", first time was in the mid-80's.
I'll try to get some pics, but it all depends on if my boss remembers to bring the digi-cam to work.
We only ordered a pair, as we were afraid of getting even more Hoplosternums. There's some difference in the coloration between the two Callichthys we got, is there some way to sex them? I think I've read somewhere that the males get thicker pectoral spines during mating season (as with Hoplosternum). Correct?
Talen T â?? Congrats! Haven't seen a 'CC' for sale anywhere in the US for many years (since the late 70's, if memory serves). Used to be a popular fish, according to old US aquarium literature.
Awesome, TalenT! I have Dr. Warren E. Burgess' book called "A Complete Introduction to Corydoras And Related Catfish." (my copy is falling apart.)It's got some info on CC's and their bubblenest building ways. On page 28 is the following: "The females are larger and more robust, while the males are brighter in color, exhibiting a delicate blue or violet sheen laterally; the female is a rather dull olive-green."
I also look forward to the photos.
Callichthys are great fish. Well worth having if you come across them. I can confirm that the males develop the thickened first ray on the pectoral fins as they mature, so sexing at this stage is very easy.
That's a AWESOME species. I think we are lucky enough to get these at a very low price here in Brazil. They're not considered "top" fish. BTW, here's a pic of mine, which I believe to be female:
Daniel - I don't want to be a "knowitall", but, I think that the fish on that picture is a Hoplosternum sp. (probably H.littorale) At least by looking on the higher, and shorter body shape. And the shape of that tailfin doesn't quite look like the tailfin of Callichthys (correct me if i'm wrong).
Regarding the difference in coloration of the pair we have at the shop - one is smaller and have more dark spots on the sides. Both have a slight blue-green shine on the pectoral fins (if I remember correctly).
your right Talen, you have Hoplosternum there Daniel, the best way to tell the 2 species apart is by the eye's, Hoplo's have much bigger eye's than Callichthys. My mate got me some in a few month's ago. They where mixed in with a load hoplo's and all only about 1.5" it took me about an hour to sort them out.
Kev
Put me dinner in the oven, im off to the Xingu!!!.
This fish was identified as a Callichthys by some friends, and I thought they were right. Glad to know for sure it's not. BTW, it's much clearer now, with lots of black dots over the body and a blue sheen on the pectoral AND pelvic fins. Anyway, it's amazing, and comes to the top of the tank to eat floating pellets.
Oh, almost forgot... Costed less than US$ 0.50, VERY cheap.
Once it kept still for long enough to take it, I think you can get a pretty good idea of what Kev is saying about the eyes from this picture. They are small
Look into the eyes, the eyes, look into the eyes, not around the eyes, don't look around the eyes, look in the eyes.
You're under.
There. OK. You want to buy Callicthys Callicthys. Today. Got it?
Good. Now, 3, 2, 1, back in the room, wide awake, off you go to your LFS
Hi Talen,
just wondering where you pulled that name from (MCKENNAI) did a general search and nothing come's up???? and it's not April 1st today? give us a clue.
Kev.
Put me dinner in the oven, im off to the Xingu!!!.
Look into the eyes, the eyes, look into the eyes, not around the eyes, don't look around the eyes, look in the eyes.
You're under.
There. OK. You want to buy Callicthys Callicthys. Today. Got it?
Good.
Now, 3, 2, 1, back in the room, wide awake, off you go to your LFS
Very good, i thought you might be on about him but i did'nt think he was big in Sweeden???. Have you every seen one of his show's from a few year's ago? they are very funny.
Kev
Put me dinner in the oven, im off to the Xingu!!!.
I've just seen my first Callichthys callichthys in my LFS, and I must say they were much more active than I ever imagined They may have just been fed - but they were zooming around the tanks (reminded me of the fish equivalent of a shrew - couldn't stop looking for food if it wanted to!)
I wasn't particularly interested in this fish before - but now I've seen it....Will this species mix happily with Hoplo's and Dianema?
I know thy're all 'peaceful' species, but would like to make sure before I take the plunge.
it took me about an hour to sort them out.
They may have just been fed - but they were zooming around the tanks (reminded me of the fish equivalent of a shrew - couldn't stop looking for food if it wanted to!)