Common name: Flagtailed Catfish

Scientific name: Dianema urostriatum

Family: Callichthyidae

Origin: Brazil & other northern regions in South America in rivers and pools.

Maximum size: 5"

Care: The flagtailed catfish is a peacful community cat that doesnt grow to big. You will find they can go with almost any other fish which makes them a perfect "larger" cat to keep. They are bottom and middlewater swimmers, that you will find enjoy basking on a rock alot, Whilst swimming about together in the middle regions of the water.

- Minimum Tank size would be 20G for a pair or 30G for 3+.
- Can be quite fussy with water conditions so check your LFS parameters against your own and acclimatise them carefully.
- They like rocks or large plants to sit on / in, along with some caved areas.


Feeding: Seem to take very kindly to feeding on catfish pellets and anything else they can forrage for on the bottom of the tank. A bit of vegitable is always appreciated and keeps their colours bright.

Breeding: Similar to that of a cory. Requires Wet/Dry season simulation and feeding on live food or possibly frozen bloodworm throughout.

Sexing: Females are much fatter than the males, easily distinguishable (unless yours are very greedy and are all fat!).

Comments: I Have 2 of these and they seem very good friends, so its safe to say keep them in groups. It is usually reccomended in groups of 5+ If you have the space. Never caused or been the subject of any problems, an ideal community cat.

These fish really need to be kept in large groups to make them feel secure.

Couple of pictures:

A healthy flag tailed catfish should have nice long barbels. These fish, like most other catfish, prefer sand to gravel, sharp gravel could wear their barbels down.
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