Driftwood Catfish (Tatia perugiae) Care Guide
Tatia perugiae is a small Amazonian driftwood catfish from swift river margins, peaceful and best kept with caves and wood.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Tatia perugiae is a small driftwood catfish of the family Auchenipteridae from the upper Amazon River basin. FishBase records a maximum size of 5.0 cm SL. It is a wood-associated species that shelters during the day and forages at night.
Taxonomy
- Family: Auchenipteridae (driftwood catfishes)
- Genus: Tatia
- Scientific name: Tatia perugiae
- Note: FishBase currently lists the valid name as Duringlanis perugiae (formerly placed in Centromochlus)
Habitat
FishBase reports the species inhabiting large rivers with swift currents, favoring littoral zones near shorelines with hard, sandy bottoms devoid of vegetation. The species epithet honors the Italian ichthyologist Alberto Perugia.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
FishBase reports the species feeds on insects, mostly ants, beetles and mayflies. In the aquarium it accepts small sinking foods and frozen or live items such as bloodworms, fed after dark.
Compatibility
Peaceful and bottom-dwelling, it suits a community of similarly sized, calm fish with plenty of caves and driftwood. Avoid much larger or aggressive tankmates and very small fish or fry that could be eaten at night.
Breeding
FishBase notes the female guards the brood. Auchenipterids are known for internal fertilization.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020).
Tatia perugiae Breeding Guide
Overview
Tatia perugiae (now widely catalogued as Centromochlus perugiae / Duringlanis perugiae) is a small South American driftwood catfish of the family Auchenipteridae, distributed in Ecuador, Colombia and Peru. Unlike most catfishes it reproduces by internal fertilisation, and it is considered one of the more readily bred members of its group in home aquaria.
Sexing
Mature males develop a modified, extended anal fin that functions in a manner similar to the gonopodium of livebearers and is used to transfer sperm internally. Females are noticeably rounder and stockier in the body, particularly when carrying eggs.
Conditioning
Condition adults on meaty, insect-based foods such as frozen mosquito larvae and other small invertebrate items, which match the nocturnal surface-insect diet of wild fish. Maintain temperatures within roughly 24-30 °C and a near-neutral pH; the species tolerates a wide pH band (reported about 5.0-8.0) and soft to moderately hard water.
Breeding Setup
Provide a moderate to strong water flow and abundant small crevices in which eggs can be deposited; narrow caves, driftwood gaps and lengths of PVC tube are all readily used. Good oxygenation suits the species, which naturally occupies swift river margins over sandy substrate.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Fertilisation takes place internally via the male's modified anal fin, typically at night. The female then deposits eggs into a cave or crevice some days after fertilisation. Because females can retain viable sperm, fertile eggs are sometimes laid without a male present at the moment of spawning. Spawns frequently go unnoticed until fry appear.
Egg & Fry Care
A clutch is on the order of about one hundred eggs. Reported incubation is roughly four to seven days depending on temperature; the female may guard the eggs in the crevice. After the yolk is absorbed, free-swimming fry take small live foods such as microworm and newly hatched brine shrimp. Fry feed in darkness and tend to shelter near the surface, so fine floating cover helps. Adults may eat fry, so separating eggs or young improves survival.
Common Challenges
The main difficulties are confirming sex on quiet, nocturnal fish, providing the flow and crevices needed to trigger spawning, and protecting eggs and fry from being consumed. Stable water quality and consistent feeding of small live foods are the key levers for raising fry.