Flagtail Catfish Care Guide
Dianema urostriatum is a South American armored catfish with a striped caudal fin, native to the Amazon basin of Brazil.
Overview
The flagtail catfish (Dianema urostriatum) is a South American armored catfish of the family Callichthyidae and subfamily Callichthyinae, named by Miranda-Ribeiro in 1912. It is closely related to Corydoras and is distinguished by a boldly striped caudal fin. It is a mid-water, sociable species kept in groups.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Dianema
- Scientific name: Dianema urostriatum
- Synonym: Decapogon urostriatum
Habitat
The species occurs in South America in the Amazon River basin of Brazil.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (record); Wikipedia cites 25-28 °C
- pH: 6-7.5 (Wikipedia: 6.0-8.0)
- GH: 2-12 °dGH (Wikipedia: 5-19 dH)
- Maximum size: up to 12.5 cm (Wikipedia)
- School size: 5 or more
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
It is an omnivore. In aquariums it forages in the open water and along the substrate, accepting prepared and live foods.
Compatibility
The flagtail catfish is peaceful and should be kept in a group. The record lists tetras, Corydoras, angelfish and rasboras as suitable tankmates, while aggressive cichlids and large predatory fish are best avoided.
Breeding
According to the species record, it builds bubble nests under floating plants for breeding.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.