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Anyone ever kept these guys? They look like they would appreciate a current. Would they? What did you feed them? They do not seem aggressive. Are they any danger to other inhabitants if I put them with other fish? How did you catch them? Nets are worthless. They get hopelessly stuck in them. One died and was impossibly stuck in the sponge filter. These guys have the worst fins ever.

George

Mr. Richter (yeah, I know that's your Dad),
Welcome to Planet Catfish!

I haven't kept C. heckelli (only a few aquarists have, save those that have gone to Peru and collect them) but for foods, I would definately start them off on glassworms and mosquito larva. Then try to switch them over to frozen brine, flakes and other prepared foods.

In the wild, most Centromochlus spp. and many other Auchenipetidae feed on insect larvae and other small prey items from the water's surface. Hence the upright position of the barbels.

Currents would likely be appreciated, but I wouldn't agitate the water too much on new acquisitions. I certainly wouldn't use a powerhead or powerfilter until the fish settle in a begin feeding first. Aucheniperids as a group tend to be fairly reclusive. The additional and quite foreign noise of an impeller pump might just keep them in hiding at all hours.

Thanks Mr. Turley, that helps. I was caught a bit short with these fish. They were supposed to go to New Jersey. He got mine, I got his. Customs agents in Miami are a joy. They came from just above Mazan on the Rio Napo about three weeks ago.

You saved them from the powerhead. They thank you.

George

You should see the Adonis I got for $1.89.

I hated Miami. They do a lot of fish there though. Great find on the adonis, 2-3"? Ours didn't grow too fast but they get huge. Is this your first import?

It wasn't so much an import as a collecting trip. Bought the Adonis at a wholesaler in Iquitos. The $1.89 didn't include customs in Miami or air fare.

The Centromochlus I/we caught ourselves. I can see why they are unavailable here. Their fins are barbed and get stuck in everything. My research indicates they spawn somewhat like C*****ds and care for the young for an unspecified length of time. As I said, they got to me by accident but since I have them, it would be fun to breed them if my research is correct.

I'm just glad I knew where to find answers to catfish questions and if successful maybe I can give back.

Yes, the Adonis were a surprise. They are only an inch to an inch and a half. For some reason I thought they topped out at about 10 inches or so. I bought six. Got home and did a little research. OH NO, TWO FEET PLUS!!!! Buyer beware.

George

George,
See THIS thread regarding reproduction in the Centromochlus spp.

I saw that this morning. Very interesting. Just like really big guppys. I have noticed that mine have what looks like a gonopodium. Never dreamed it might be functional. I plan to see if I can't find out.


George

I've been breeding C. perugiae and Tatia galaxias regularly for the past 2 years, and if the hecklii are anything like these 2 species, then the advice you've got here is spot on. Glassworms and bloodworms are their favored foods but they can be trained to take most everything else. They far prefer nocturnal feedings, but again, can be enticed into the light with time. These species feed by skimming the surface, so your tank shouldn't have much, if any, surface plants. They do enjoy "locking" into nooks and crannies on driftwood during the day. Water conditions are unimportant as long as extremes are avoided. I've found that heavy, frequent feedings are the only requirement to reproduction. Good luck with them and keep us apprised of your progress.

What was the fertilization technique they used? Is it internal?

It is with the 2 species I previously mentioned.

Right?! so did they internally fertalize or did she lay the eggs and then the male fertilize them?

Internal fertilization and sometime (?) afterward the female lays the eggs. In the case of the perugiae she will lay them in a small hidden space and will then look after them until they hatch. The galaxias female simply laid them in random spots and did not provide care.

interesting.