African Wood Catfish (Amarginops ornatus)

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African Wood Catfish

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African Wood Catfish

Amarginops ornatus

208 Litres (55 US G.)

25-26 cm (9.8-10.2")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.5 - 7.2

20 -25 °C (68-77°F)

8-17 °d

1:1 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods
Other (See article)

5-8 years

Family

Claroteidae



Additional names

African Wood Catfish, Ornate Bagrid

Additional scientific names

Chrysichthys ornatus


Sexing[edit]

Males are more slender than females. No other external differences.


Tank compatibility[edit]

These fish are predators so are best kept in species tanks. They will tolerate their own kind. They may work with robust but peaceful larger fish such as Tinfoil Barbs.


Diet[edit]

A voracious eater accepting most foods including meaty foods like bloodworm, prawn, mussels and sinking catfish wafers.


Feeding regime[edit]

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics[edit]

Prefers a spacious well-filtered tank with plenty of hiding places amongst bogwood and rocks.


Behaviour[edit]

A predatory fish towards smaller fish and invertebrates.


Identification[edit]

A long and compressed body with a wide head and large equally wide mouth. The fins are short, the dorsal being pointed and the caudal being forked. The dorsal and pectoral fins have spines which means they can get caught up and tangled in fish nets. This fish has 4 sets of barbels around the mouth. The body is pale yellow/brown in colour with large dark irregular blotches across the whole body. The caudal fin is pale with two dark bands on either lobe from the peduncle to the tip. This colouration provides perfect camouflage when hiding in tree roots and wood.

Pictures[edit]

External links[edit]