Common name/s: Dwarf Giraffe Catfish

Scientific name: Anaspidoglanis macrostoma; previously known as Auchenoglanis macrostoma and Parauchenoglanis macrostoma

Family:Bagridae

Origin: Ogooue River, Africa

Maximum size: 8" is reported, but IME 5/6" is maximum.

Care: Minimum tank size 36"x12"x12". IMO a sand substrate is a must, they have delicate barbels, and like to burrow, but they are also very messy eaters and mine always eats large amounts of sand, so gravel would pose a health hazard. They can be quite shy, so hiding places are needed, but they can be quite aggressive with other bottom dwellers especialy if added when the catfish already has a territory. They have large mouths, so small fish could be at risk, although i've never seen or heard of this happening. Plants are probably not a good idea, unless they're firmly attatched, as they are very boisterous when searching for food.

Feeding: Not generally fussy, tends to eat anything it can fit in its mouth. Mine will eat flakes, bloodworm, artemia, earthworms, lancefish.....

Sexing and breeding: Males are reportedly smaller than females, but breeding is generally unknown.



This post has been edited by OohFeeshy: Feb 24 2008, 03:44 PM