| 'Catfishology' |
General articles from authors who just want to write about catfish in the aquarium and the wild. The 'Catfish Basics' series is especially useful for the aquarist new to the catfish hobby.
- A catfish keepers guide to dissolved oxygen by Shane Linder
The importance of DO is often overlooked or misunderstood. As more and more delicate species of catfish become available, understanding this aspect of their husbandry becomes increasingly useful.
- A Room With A View by Clare Dignall
Pier Aquatics in Wigan, UK invited the authors along to the opening of their new 'South American' room. This is their account of an evening spent in a catfish wonderland.
- Apisto Heaven by Clare Dignall
Want to see catfish, first hand, in their natural habitats? This article introduces a Brazilian option for the budding aqua-tourist looking further much further afield than their LFS.
- Catfish Legends & Lore
- Pt 1 • How the catfish got a flat head by Heok Hee Ng
This is a series on folklore and legends from around the world that feature catfishes as their main characters. People usually do not think that catfishes are not prominent (or interesting) enough animals to be featured in folklore, but a careful search reveals that there are still some interesting stories, as the first of this series will show.
- Pt 2 • Fishy tales of the namazu (Silurus asotus) by Heok Hee Ng
Off to the Far East in part two of the continuing seris examining catfish in myth and legend.
- Feeding Plecos
- Pt 1 • Types of food by Mats Petersson
The first part of this two part article deals with food preparation and what types of food can be offered.
- Fishkeeping Basics by Rupert Collins
New to keeping aquariums? Start here! An entry level guide for new hobbyists.
- Getting into a sticky situation: methods of adhesion in catfishes by Heok Hee Ng
This fascinating article describes the various devices employed by fast water catfishes to stay put.
- How to tell a ''real'' from a ''fake'' by Heok Hee Ng
Discussion and examples of hybrid Synodontis appearing in the hobby.
- Hydroelectric dam constructions in Amazonas by Janne Ekström
A conservation piece looking at the impact of proposed dam constructions in the Amazon basin that suggests what the hobbyist might do about it.
- In Search of the World's Largest Catfish by Shane Linder
As many heated debates in the forums will testify, there are many catfish species out there that grow well beyond our ambitions to keep them in captivity. Shane goes in search of the biggest of them all.
- Just Say Pleco by Shane Linder
An introductory look a why we call these fish 'Plecos' and other associated nuggets of knowledge.
- Keeping and spawning Peckoltia sabaji by Janne Ekström
Not one of the commonly spawned species, Janne takes us through the spawning of this most courteous of plecos.
- Keeping Catfish With Large Cichlids by Chris Ralph
We are often asked what catfish that can be kept with the larger cichlids, herein lies a few suggestions.
- L's Belles - Loricariid Analysis by Julian Dignall
Graphical analysis of the introduction rate of new 'L' numbered Loricariids from inception to end 2004.
- L15 and L80, Two similar Peckoltia species by Janne Ekström
As the author explains, these two species are excellent candidates for someone just starting off breeding some of the less commonly bred plecos.
- Natural Catfish Aquarium
- Pt 1 • Understanding habitats by Shane Linder
Thoughts on how to make you aquarium more appealing to both you and your catfishes. The first part looks at habitats and how to go about recreating them.
- Pt 2 • Materials and Techniques by Shane Linder
The second part of this series tackles some of the practicalities of creating a natural set-up.
- On Cephalosilurus nigricaudus and C. apurensis by Wolfgang Ros
In which the author describes the differences that can be used by the aquarist to identify the former species.
- Otocinclus - ''Little Monkeys'' in the planted aquarium by D & R Lalkaka
Originally written for publication in a 'planted aquaria' magazine, this article deals with the taxonomy of these and related species along with some very help advice on acclimatization to the planted tank.
- Pimelodid Crosses by Lee Finley
List of all known hybrids amongst these large amazon predators.
- Plants and Plecos by Shane Linder
An introductory look at what plecos will and won't view most of the contents of your superb planted tank as lunch.
- The Catfish Basics Series
- Pt 1 • Choosing and Housing Your Catfish by Julian Dignall
So you want some catfish for your community tank? This is the article for you.
- Pt 2 • Feeding Your Catfish by Chris Ralph
So, you've got some catfish swimming around in your aquarium. What should you feed them? The same as the other fish? Do all catfish have the same dietary requirements? Of course not! Read on.
- Pt 3 • How To See Your Catfish by Chris Ralph
Many catfish encountered by the newbie, perhaps within their first few catfish purchases will never been seen again once they enter the realms of a well-planet or decorated tank. Here we offer some advice on dealing with the fact that often a catfish is happiest when you can't see it.
- Pt 4 • How to spot a catfish geek! by Shane Linder
We've talked about how to spot your catfish, now follows a lighthearted 'intermission' in the series where Shane (with a little help from others) observes what it means to be well on the way to being a true catfish geek (or, for UK readers, a catfish anorak).
- Pt 5 • The Families of the Order Siluriformes by Shane Linder
An overview using the latest review of the classification of all catfish families. This article (in contrast to the previous) is a serious must for all catfish fans looking to the wider picture and setting out on gaining some appreciation of the diversity of catfishes worldwide. If you're OK with this article then you're no longer a catfish newbie.
- Pt 6 • Filtration by Shane Linder
Each type of filtration has distinct advantages and disadvantages to the catfish hobbyist and this article explains how to choose the best type of filtration for specific type of catfish.
- Pt 7 • Selection, Acclimatization, and Quarantine by Shane Linder
OK, so you've seen the fish in a book, you've seen the fish at your LFS. Read this before you make your next move.
- Pt 8 • Telling the Boys From the Girls by Shane Linder
Curious about the gender of your catfish? This introductory articles looks at some of the differences you can expect to find and provides pointers in determining if a successful breeding project might be on the horizon.
- Pt 9 • An Attempt to Spawn On Demand by Adrian Taylor
Selecting the Peppered Cory, Corydoras paleatus, as an example, the author discusses the basics of captive spawning attempts and his results with a commonly bred "entry level" species.
- The Colours of Corydoras by Don Kinyon
Analysis and comparison of the various colour forms of 'Corydoras aeneus' available.
- The Eel-tail banjo catfish Platystacus cotylephorus by Ingo Seidel
An extraordinary 'frying pan catfish' with a spectacular secretive strategy for care of its young.
- The identity of the common bristlenose by Ingo Seidel
Here the author examines the origins and lookalikes of this commonly encountered but still fully undetermined pleco.
- The mysteries of the Blue Eyed Pleco
- Pt 1 • Panaque cochliodon by Shane Linder
In part one, Shane delves into what we know about this enigmatic species.
- The Proper Way To Condition Plecos by Larry Vires
It's not all cucumber and lettuce you know - the lowdown on what to feed your Plecos.
- The White Seam Bristlenoses by Ingo Seidel
The author discusses catfish of the so-called Ancistrus hoplogenys group in depth.
- The yellow seamed “Golden Nugget” – a problem pleco? by Ingo Seidel
An in-depth on this group of l-numbered plecos that provides solid information for those wishing to keep them correctly.
- Triggering reproduction with the Walking Catfish (Clarias batrachus) by Wolfgang Ros
A second report on the reproduction of this species from the same author who investigates further the triggers and behaviour of these charismatic bruisers.
- Water Chemistry and the Catfish by Rupert Collins
A look into the terms often used in aquatic conversations, but sometimes without as much understanding as this article seeks to provide.
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| Reproduction |
Articles on the reproduction of individual species with details from the aquarists that have kept them.
- A Chance Spawning of Chaetostoma by Rob Torrens
Notes on an community tank chance spawning of the most common rubbernose or bulldog pleco.
- All About Zebra Plecos by Christophe Girardet
One man's experiences with selecting, keeping and breeding the enigmatic Hypancistrus zebra.
- Ancistrinae Internet Lecture by Ingo Seidel
The seminal transcript of an online lecture giving a vast amount of information and pictures concerning this group of plecos. Want to breed L-numbers? Read on...
- Breeding Aspidoras pauciradiatus by Don Kinyon
General information on spawning this species.
- Breeding Brochis splendens by Don Kinyon
General information on spawning this species.
- Breeding Corydoras aeneus 'Peru Green' by Don Kinyon
General information on spawning this colour variation of the every popular Bronze Cory.
- Breeding Corydoras axelrodi by Don Kinyon
- Breeding Corydoras duplicareus by Don Kinyon
- Breeding Corydoras gossei by Don Kinyon
- Breeding Corydoras habrosus by Don Kinyon
- Breeding Corydoras napoensis by Yann Fulliquet
- Breeding Corydoras oiapoquensis by Don Kinyon
- Breeding Corydoras pygmaeus by Kaycy Ruffer
- Breeding Corydoras sterbai by Don Kinyon
- Breeding Peckoltia vittata by Janne Ekström
The author describes why this is a great choice of pleco for a breeding project with "mid-range experience" aquarists in mind.
- Breeding Peckoltia sp. L134 by Janne Ekström
Spawning account and information on rearing this beautiful L number.
- Breeding Scleromystax barbatus by Don Kinyon
- Breeding Scleromystax prionotos by Adrian Taylor
A thorough spawning report on this Corydoras-like species.
- Breeding Ancistrus sp. `Rio Tocantins` by Yann Fulliquet
More breeding successes like that documented herein may see this attractive and prolific species establish itself as a popular aquarium catfish.
- Breeding Hypancistrus sp. Queen Arabesque L260 by Janne Ekström
Account of multiple spawning of this pretty species including spawning set-up and trigger information.
- Breeding L147 by Janne Ekström
Apparently the first documented spawning of this attractive pleco. An in-depth article with plenty of images too.
- Breeding LDA25, Parotocinclus jumbo by Kim Mathiasen
A short set of notes on breeding this interesting dwarf utility pleco.
- Care and breeding of the oil catfish Tatia perugiae by Achim Werckenthin
- Keeping and Breeding Sturisomatichthys leightoni by Paul E. Turley
Detailed article on maintenance, care and breeding this elegant loricariid. Pretty much everything you need to know about the dwarf royal twig catfish.
- Keeping and Breeding Corydoras zygatus by Yann Fulliquet
- L174 and L316, two small and similar Hypancistrus species by Janne Ekström
- L28, an undescribed species of Hypancistrus from the Rio Guamá by Yann Fulliquet
Spawning account including the trials and tribulations of raising fry.
- Maintaining and Spawning Albino Ancistrus by Don Danko
First class photography by the author accompanies this thorough article on spawning the albino bristlenose.
- My experiences breeding L144 by Knut Kjesbu
Another Ancistrus species, but one that has more than it's fair share of mystery.
- Notes on a spawning of Dianema urostriata by Dennis Rawlinson
Discussion of an, unfortunately, unsuccessful attempt to rear the eggs of the flag-tailed porthole cat after a spawning.
- Notes on a spawning of Loricaria simillima by Andy White
Detailed article on maintenance, care and breeding this variable Loricariid.
- Notes on Breeding Sturisoma by Shane Linder
Well researched background information on the royal whiptail catfish.
- Notes on keeping and spawning L102 by Haakon Haagensen
Information on this distinctive L - number.
- Observations of Breeding Corydoras weitzmani. by Paul Belanger
Notes from one of the first aquarium spawnings of this very attractive species that is surely to become an aquarium staple.
- Pleco Breeding Techniques by Larry Vires
The transcript of an online lecture given in the PlanetCatfish chatroom by Larry on Saturday 24th January 2004.
- Reproduction in Microglanis by Des Penny
Background information on a chance spawning of the South American bumblebee catfish.
- So you want to breed Corys? by Ian Fuller
THE introductory article on this subject from one of the world's foremost Corydoras breeders.
- Spawning Synodontis multipunctata & S. lucipinnis by Jerry Miranda
A pictorial account of the spawning of these two Tanganyikan species including adult fry & spawning shots. Also with an article with thoughts on the spawning of the former.
- Spawning Hemiloricaria by Shane Linder
- Spawning Hypancistrus zebra by Kevin Korotev
An in-depth article on spawning this enigmatic species.
- Spawning Panaque maccus by Erlend D Bertelsen
An uncommon spawning record of this common pleco.
- Spawning Panaque sp, L204 by Janne Ekström
Detailed account of spawning one of the prettiest L-number plecos.
- Spawning Parotocinclus spilosoma by Derek Heath
This species is an occasionally imported hardy Dwarf Sucker that should be much more popular than it is, here is a spawning account.
- Spawning L066 by Andy White
An in-depth account of the spawning of the King Tiger Pleco, L066 including pictures from the spawning tank.
- Spawning The Dwarf Hoplo, Lepthoplosternum sp. by Reet Thomas
General information on the spawning of this smaller armoured catfish.
- Spawning, Embryo & Fry Development in Farlowella vittata by Bruce Brethauer
Breath-taking close-up photography compliments this account of multiple Twig Catfish spawning.
- Spawning, Embryo & Fry Development in Sturisoma aureum by Bruce Brethauer
Once again, superb close-up photography compliments this account of spawning.
- Successful Spawning of L092 by Pete Liptrot
A report on the chance, and perhaps first, spawning of this loricariid.
- Successful spawning of the wonderful WanderWels, Clarias batrachus by Wolfgang Ros
An in-depth account of the spawning of the walking catfish with many instructive photos.
- The Dwarf Sucker, Otocinclus vestitus by Paul Kjærland
Information and pictures on the simple and successful spawning of this diminutive delight.
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| Geography |
A collection of articles by various authors on the catfish of different regions of the world. Features Shane's Venezuela Diary.
- Brazilian Parotocinclus by Hans-Georg Evers
A large article on certain representatives of this small suckermouth genus. Also includes discussion of a few other loricariids.
- Catfish Spelunking in Mexico by Shane Linder
Spelunking is the pursuit of exploration of caves, pot-holes and, in this case, Mexican cenotes with their own peculiar catfish in residence.
- Catfishes From The Rift Lakes Of Africa by Shane Linder
List of the various catfishes known to exist in these huge lakes.
- Collecting Noturus by Shane Linder
Similar to the ''Collecting Ictalurids'' article, but with specific habitat information for this North American native.
- Exploring West Bengal for aquarium fishes by Antti Vuorela
India is a remarkable country, equally remarkable are its aquarium fishes. Specifically catfishes are detailed by our intrepid correspondents in this report from but a corner of this vast country.
- Indian Subcontinent Catfish Bibliography by Shane Linder
Brief notes on a selection of books and papers containing more information on these fish.
- The Catfishes of Asia Series
- The Peru 2000 Series
- Pt 1 • Overview by Julian Dignall
- Pt 2 • Fish List by Julian Dignall
A pictorial account of our webmasters first visit to South America. Plenty of catfish and much more besides.
- Pt 3 • Jools' Pictures by Julian Dignall
- Pt 4 • Robin's Pictures by Robin Warne
- The Venezuelan Diary Series
- Pt 1 • Beginnings by Shane Linder
Everything has to start somewhere.
- Pt 2 • Around the Rio Guaire by Shane Linder
First encounter with Corydoras and more besides.
- Pt 3 • Return to the Rio Zuata by Shane Linder
Where our intrepid host encounters some Loricariids and enlists the help of some locals in their capture.
- Pt 4 • Cano Canoa by Shane Linder
In which more catfish captures are made at a different location in Northern Venezuela.
- Pt 5 • Rio Guarico by Shane Linder
More catfish collections and thoughts on a river biotope set-up.
- Pt 6 • Rio Zuata and Giant Chaetostoma by Shane Linder
A surprise awaits in this diary entry - the collection of a giant Chaetostoma - this prompts thoughts on a biotope aquarium for it.
- Pt 7 • Fishing for Hypostomus by Shane Linder
A fascinating account of how locals fish for Hypostomus catfish burrowed in river bank walls.
- Pt 8 • Rio Tarma by Shane Linder
More catfish catches including an encounter with a broody bristlenose.
- Pt 9 • L106, L122 and other adventures by Shane Linder
- Pt 10 • Notes on some Venezuelan fishes by Shane Linder
A chance encounter with another Aquarist brings some interesting information to light.
- Pt 11 • Casa Maria by Shane Linder
Where Shane finds 'paradise' in a surprising location.
- Pt 12 • Rio Guarico in the Dry Season by Shane Linder
Large whiptails abound as Shane enlists the help of some locals in catfish collection.
- Pt 13 • Rio Santo Domingo / Rio Tinaco :: Pt I by Shane Linder
More collecting turns up some Corydoras, which prompts a discussion on wild fish colouration.
- Pt 14 • Rio Santo Domingo / Rio Tinaco :: Pt II by Shane Linder
Great Pleco collecting is the order of the day in the second instalment of this article.
- Pt 15 • The hunt for Farlowella acus by Shane Linder
An excellent account of this locate and collect mission to document the habitat of this commonly misidentified catfish.
- Pt 16 • Rios Tuy and Guare by Shane Linder
- Pt 17 • Rio Guapo and Cano Mendoza by Shane Linder
Shane takes a new recruit in search of fish (namely Piranha or Caribe as they are known locally) and gets a local lesson in biological filtration.
- Pt 18 • The Flooded Llanos by Shane Linder
Some fascinating notes on this seasonal habitat and some somber ones on Sept. 11th.
- Pt 19 • The Rios Aragua and Tuy by Shane Linder
Collecting these locations turns up more Chaetostoma and leads the author to further ID successes.
- Wild Caught Ictalurids by Shane Linder
Insight into a collecting trip (October 1998) for native fishes in South East Virginia, USA. This has been updated with more information from another trip (July 1999) to the same locality.
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| Species |
Articles on individual and groups of species with notes from the aquarists that have kept them.
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The Siluriformes are a large and diverse group of fishes consisting of over 30 families and 2,500 species. They can be found on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Their habitats range from the frozen rivers of Siberia to the steamy swamps of Borneo. Species have been found in the Himalayas and Andes at altitudes of over 14,000 feet, while others live in the oceans among the coral reefs. Catfishes range in size from some of the smallest known fishes to the largest. Scoloplax dicra is fully-grown at 1/2 inch while the European wels (Silurus glanis) grows to 16 feet and can weigh 650lbs. These amazing fishes reproduce in about every way we know fishes reproduce. Among the Siluriformes we find mouthbrooders, livebearers (of a sort), bubblenest builders, egg scatterers, cuckoo spawners, nest builders, fish that carry their eggs attached to their mouth, and even catfishes that feed their fry with a body slime.
With so many species coming from such diverse locations and habitats, it is no wonder that finding good solid information about a certain catfish can be nearly impossible! The articles beyond this page come from myself and others with an interest in these fascinating fishes. Among the authors are well known aquarists and scientists, but I want to stress that it is not necessary to be an expert or have a Ph.D. to contribute to the world's collective knowledge on catfishes. If you believe you have something to contribute to this forum please drop me a line.
Shane Linder
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