Catfish Id

[Cheese Specialist]

Hey,

I got some new catfish the other week for my quiet 5ft tank. They did say what they were but I have forgotten and the cat e log is like the old needle in haystack. So, I thought I would put up what photo I managaed to get of them (they rarely stop moving!) and a description to see if you could help.

They are about 2" long, apparently growing to about 4". They are quite flat from their tail (rounded) to their chin buit then they go up towards their face. They have a little o mouth with 2 sets of long barbells. They are dark leopard marked but their underside is pearly white with little spots. They are very active and friendly with the others and each other and like to sit on my red tiger lilly.

Sorry, if this is useless but it's what I have noticed. This photo is pretty cack but it gives and idea of their markings at least...

 

[emma12321]

Hi,

It looks like a hoplo to me http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=41576 might be wrong but worth a look.

Emma

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Ooooh, good call!!

Although, the spots on mine are much bigger. Certainly similar though. I want to know what they are so I can get more of the little dudes, they only had 2 in the shop but I'd get 4 more if I could. They are gorgeous!

Where's CFC when you need him? Probably wrestling a monster!! lol

 

[Fishy412]

yup definately a hoplo. i just got one and so far hes great. mine likes regular old catfish pellets

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Mine so far eat flakes from the top, plec tablets and catfish pellets. Not exactly fussy!

Do the markings look the same to you or is it because mine are little just now?

Just looked at planet catfish's cat e log and I definatley have hopolos. Thanks very much for the help.

Now I just need to track down some more!

 

[CFC]

The colour becomes duller and the spots more spread out as the fish grows and ages.

Nice little fish, i have a couple as cleaners in with the monsters though they are getting close to having early retirment to one of the smaller tanks soon as some of the fish are starting to give them more attention than i like the look of.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

'Attention', eh?

I have just had a look at Trimar and they have them so when I am a bit more solvent I will get some more. They really liven my otherwise pretty quiet tank up. I need to stop buying fish that I only see once in a blue moon. Didn't even know I had all my kuhlis left until recently. Reclusive little buggers!

 

[Fishy412]

'Attention', eh?

I have just had a look at Trimar and they have them so when I am a bit more solvent I will get some more. They really liven my otherwise pretty quiet tank up. I need to stop buying fish that I only see once in a blue moon. Didn't even know I had all my kuhlis left until recently. Reclusive little buggers!

yeah i know how you feel. i just bought one because thats all i could see fitting in my already overstocked 55 but im thinking of getting another smaller tank to split up some of the fish so i may have room for a few more of these guys. unfortunately i dont know where i'll see em next. this is the first ive seen of em around here.

and about the spots. mine is still pretty small and he looks just like yours almost. mine is about 2 inches. and i think 6 inches is probly more reasonable than 4.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=124492

 

[The-Wolf]

I have nothing to add except
Welcome back Cheese

 

[§tudz]

I have nothing to add except
Welcome back Cheese

I was browsing through my fish books today and saw what your catfish could be if not a hoplo (Megalechis thoracata), it could be:

- A port-hole catfish (Dianema longibarbis)
- A Tail Bar Hoplo (Megalechis picta)

Hope this helps I'm sure PCF could provide some image, I haven't looked yet, I just thought about your post when I saw these three all togther and how they look SO much alike. B)

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Cheers for the info. I'll have a quick swatch.

Oh and thanks to Wolf for the warm welcome. I blame you for me being back here!!


Edit:

Not porthole's unfortunatley. They are beautiful!! Nor are they tail bar hopolos, they don't have the band through their tails. Must be just regular hopolos it seems.

 

[§tudz]

Cheers for the info. I'll have a quick swatch.

Oh and thanks to Wolf for the warm welcome. I blame you for me being back here!!


Edit:

Not porthole's unfortunatley. They are beautiful!! Nor are they tail bar hopolos, they don't have the band through their tails. Must be just regular hopolos it seems.

oh well, still they are a lovely fish, I'd like to keep them, but I doubt I have room in my 15 gallon community, as my new set up wouldn't be suitable for them. :'(

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I am going to try and get a couple more of these dudes today. I love the ones I have.

 

[The-Wolf]

I blame you for me being back here!!

Blame me!
youshould be thanking me

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I blame you for me being back here!!

Blame me!
youshould be thanking me

Ha ha, ok. The others blame you!!