This beautiful "freshwater shark" reached us from India. Formerly the species was placed in the genus Arius. Like all these Arius-relatives Nemapteryx nenga is not a shark at all, but a catfish. N. nenga attains a length of about 30 cm and should be kept in large aquaria only.

 

These "freshwater sharks" are animals that live in the mouths of large rivers. So they can live as well in pure freshwater and in pure seawater. We recommend keeping them in brackish water with a salt content of 5-10 grams per liter.

 

Due to the nicely shaped dorsal fin the popular name "whimple freshwater shark" could be used. As far as it is known all species of the Arius-relationship are mouthbrooders. The eggs are taken by the male in the mouth until they hatch. One should keep these pretty catfish always in groups (5-10 specimens). Singly kept specimens do not thrive very well.

 

For our customers: the animals have code 438322 on our stock list. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

 

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer