Talking Catfish | Agamyxis pectinfrons

Catfish / Doradidae / Talking Catfish

Profile: White-spot Dorydid, Talking Catfish, Spotted Talking Catfish, Spotted Raphael Catfish
Agamyxis pectinfrons
Synonyms: Doras pectinfrons
Physical description: The body is black in color with an irregular pattern of white spots. The back has 6-8 ridges of spines that run from the gill cover to the caudal fin. The mouth is large and has three pairs of barbels-one on the upper jaw and two on the lower. The dorsal fin stands erect, and like all the fins, are body color.
Size/Length: To 6" (15 cm)
Similar species: None
H: Shallow flood ponds. South America; in Eastern Peru and Ecuador
A: bottom
Aquarium: 36" (91 cm) or 35-45 gallons (132-170 L) is sufficient. The tank should be well-planted with a cover of floating plants to diffuse the light. Use a fine gravel bottom and provide hiding places with caves, rocks, wood, and roots.
Water chemistry: pH 5.8-7.5 (7.0), 2-20 dH (10), 66-82°F (19-28°C)
FOOD: Live; Tubifex , insect larvae, Brine Shrimp, fish fry; tablets
Social behavior: A calm, peaceful fish that is recommended for a community tank. It can be kept with medium to large fish, but not with fish under 1.6" (4 cm), as they may be eaten. A nocturnal species.
Social behavior: South and Central American cichlids, larger characins, Pimelodus, Trichogaster.
Suggested companions: Females are plumper than males.
Breeding techniques: Spawning success has been reported, although it is usually accidental. Eggs are laid among floating plants.
Breeding potential: 10. The White Spotted Dorydid has rarely been bred in captivity. Little information is available.
Remarks: Has the ability to make an audible "growling" sound by rotating its pectoral fins. This sound is amplified by the swim bladder. No two individuals have the identical color or pattern. Like other fish of this family, the White Spotted Doradid becomes easily entangled in a net, so a glass jar or plastic bag should be used.
Difficulty of care: 3. A robust catfish suggested for a community tank.