Megalodoras uranoscopus Care Guide
Megalodoras uranoscopus is a large armoured talking catfish from Amazonian rivers, reaching about 60 cm and requiring very large aquaria.
Overview
Megalodoras uranoscopus is a large thorny catfish of the family Doradidae, described by Eigenmann & Eigenmann in 1888. It is native to the Amazon, Tocantins and Essequibo river basins of South America. Adults retain a marbled brown-and-black pattern throughout life and produce audible sounds, a trait common to talking catfishes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Doradidae
- Genus: Megalodoras
- Scientific name: Megalodoras uranoscopus
- Author: Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888
Habitat
The species inhabits slow-moving and standing waters including tributaries, creeks and swamps, sheltering among submerged roots and vegetation. It is reported from the Amazon, Tocantins and Essequibo systems across Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. It undertakes seasonal migrations associated with the flood cycle.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 800 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- Substrate: soft sand with driftwood; powerful filtration required
Diet
Megalodoras uranoscopus is omnivorous. In the wild it feeds on pulmonate (aquatic) snails and on fallen fruits such as those of Licania longipetala and Astrocaryum jauary. In captivity it accepts sinking dried foods, fruit and vegetables, molluscs and shellfish, and occasional live earthworms.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling, mainly nocturnal species that occurs in small groups in nature. It is compatible with mid-sized to large tankmates such as characins, cichlids and loricariids in suitably large systems. Very small fish may be eaten and should be avoided.
Breeding
The species has not been bred successfully in home aquaria. In the wild reproduction is linked to seasonal migrations.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020). It is commercially fished and has a moderate vulnerability to fishing pressure.