Currently we can offer a very seldom imported, unusual catfish from Southeast Asia (eastern Sumatra): Bagrichthys macracanthus. This catfish attains a maximum length of about 20 cm. In the wild, the species inhabits river portions with only very low current. Against conspecifics males are quite quarrelsome; kept by pair or in groups composed of one male and an overhang of female specimens they are peaceful against each other. Sexually ripe animals can be easily sexed, for the males develop a very unusual, penis-like urogenital papilla; this papilla is normal-shaped in females. However, females can be recognized even in much younger specimens (ours are about 8-10 cm long) by the much deeper body. 

 

Against tankmates Bagrichthys macracanthus - they are called Black Lancer in the trade - are peaceful. One should keep them not along with animals smaller than about one quarter of the length of the Black Lancer, for otherwise they may serve as food. Bagrichthys macracanthus is night active and needs caves and other hiding places during the day to feel comfortable. At feeding times the catfish leave their hiding places even by day. They feed readily on any type of usual food used for ornamental fishes. The chemical composition of the water is meaningless. The water temperature should be between 24 and 28°C.

 

For our customers: the fish have code 368482 on our stock list. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

 

Photos & Text Frank Schäfer

 

 

 

B. hypselopterus

 

B. macropterus

 

B. micranodus

 

B. macracanthus