Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Flagtail Porthole Catfish is native to shallow waters throughout the Amazon basin. This little armored catfish has been a favorite in the hobby for decades, as it adds such personality to the community aquarium! Flagtail porthole catfish are overall tan-brown in color, with a a striped caudal fin and a series of dark spots that run down the middle of the body horizontally. Popular for scavenging, this species will also hover around in the middle portion of the aquarium unlike most other catfish species that stay on the bottom exclusively. It is relatively peaceful with similarly sized tank mates, reaching an adult size of approximately 3″. Flagtail porthole catfish are very social, preferring to be kept in groups of 4 or more individuals.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Flagtail porthole catfish are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and other freshwater mixes. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Flagtail porthole catfish. This species should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium, as it is sensitive to nitrite and ammonia. The aquarium should be aquascaped with rocks and driftwood for coverage and places to hide, in addition to generous vegetation (artificial or live, but live is preferred). Catfish require a sandy to fine substrate; too coarse of a substrate could cause injury to their barbels. Like other catfish, the Flagtail porthole catfish is an opportunistic scavenger, making them very beneficial to have to forage for extra food of all kinds that has fallen to the substrate. Given their size and temperament, Flagtail porthole catfish rarely conflict with other fish but can be easily bullied by more aggressive species, especially those that also exploit the bottom portion of the aquarium. Choose tank mates accordingly, but other Amazonian species including tetras and dwarf cichlids are excellent options. Recommended water conditions, 74-78° F, KH 5-20, pH 6.5-7.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 2” to 2-1/2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
