African Shovelnose, Dotted Catfish

OohFeeshy

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Common name/s: African Shovelnose, Dotted Catfish

Scientific name: According to Fishbase the valid name is now Parauchenoglanis loennbergi, but Planet Catfish is still listing Parauchenoglanis guttatus.

Family:Claroteidae

Origin: Africa

Maximum size: Reported 10"- but since not many people keep them I'd dispute this and put it nearer 8" TL.

Care: Minimum tank size around 48"x12"x12", larger is better. Care is identical to the 'normal' dwarf giraffes. Can get terratorial, especially with similar species, so ensure there are plenty of hiding spots (such as mopani or large rocks).

Feeding: Omnivorous, supply with high protein food for best growth. Tends to 'scavenge' after lights out so ensure there's enough food.

Sexing and breeding: Unknown. Males are probably larger, probably spawn under rocks or in caves.

Other: Can be differentiated from the normal Dwarf Giraffe best by the dorsal- P. Guttatus has a dorsal with large brown spots, on dwarf giraffes these are much smaller or absent. Colouring is also different but these catfish change markings to suit, so that's not the best method.

P8040091.jpg


Same individual as a juvenile

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P1070117.jpg


The difference is pretty visible here.
Note, perspective makes the dwarf giraffe look about the same size. It isn't. By quite a long way.
 

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