Banded African Whiptail Catfish (Phractura ansorgii) Care Guide
Phractura ansorgii is a small West African whiptail catfish of the family Amphiliidae, associated with flowing waters in Nigeria and Togo.
Overview
Phractura ansorgii is a small, slender catfish of the family Amphiliidae (loach catfishes) from West Africa. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 9 cm. The species is often associated with the vegetation of flowing waters.
Taxonomy
- Family: Amphiliidae
- Genus: Phractura
- Scientific name: Phractura ansorgii
- Authority: Boulenger, 1902
Habitat
According to FishBase the species is recorded from the lower Niger and Niger delta and the Oshun River in Nigeria, and from the Mono River basin in Togo. It is a freshwater, demersal fish that lives among the vegetation of flowing waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L (40 gal)
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- Substrate: soft sand; well-oxygenated, moving water
Diet
Phractura ansorgii is an omnivore. It is a bottom-feeder best offered small sinking foods; in nature small whiptail catfishes of flowing waters graze on biofilm and small invertebrates among submerged vegetation.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling and nocturnal species. It is best kept in a group in a well-aerated tank with current and gentle tankmates that will not outcompete it for food.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (EN), assessed 2019 according to FishBase.