The Spotted Raphael Catfish is a hardy, nocturnal, and peaceful bottom-dweller, known for the distinct clicking sounds it produces when stressed.
Overview
The Spotted Raphael Catfish, Agamyxis pectinifrons, is a popular and robust member of the Doradidae family, native to the Amazon River basin in South America. This species is renowned for its striking appearance, featuring a dark body covered in white or yellowish spots, and its ability to produce audible clicking or grunting sounds, especially when agitated, earning it the nickname "Talking Catfish." Growing to about 6 inches (15 cm), it is a nocturnal and reclusive fish that adds a lot of character to a community aquarium.
Tank Requirements
A minimum of a 30-gallon (114 liters) aquarium is recommended for a single Spotted Raphael Catfish, with a larger tank being necessary for a group. The substrate should be soft sand or smooth, fine gravel to protect their sensitive barbels as they forage. They are not demanding about water parameters but thrive in a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C), a pH of 6.0-7.5, and soft to moderately hard water.
Being nocturnal, they require a dimly lit environment with plenty of hiding places. A network of caves, driftwood tangles, and PVC pipes is essential for their well-being, as they will spend the majority of the daylight hours concealed.
Feeding and Diet
Spotted Raphael Catfish are omnivorous scavengers and are not picky eaters. Their diet should consist of high-quality sinking pellets or wafers as a staple. This should be supplemented with a variety of meaty foods, such as frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, and earthworms. They will also appreciate occasional vegetable matter. To ensure they are well-fed, it is best to offer food in the evening or after the main aquarium lights are turned off.
Care and Maintenance
This is a very hardy and long-lived species, often living for 10 years or more with proper care. Regular water changes are important to maintain good water quality. One of the most important aspects of their care is to be cautious when netting them. The sharp, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines can easily become entangled in a net, causing stress and potential injury to both the fish and the aquarist. It is safer to herd them into a solid container for transport.
Compatibility
Agamyxis pectinifrons is a peaceful and social fish that can be kept singly or in groups. They are compatible with a wide range of medium to large-sized, peaceful community fish. Good tankmates include larger tetras, peaceful cichlids like the Blue Acara, and other robust bottom dwellers. They are generally peaceful, but may eat very small fish that can fit into their mouths, so they should not be housed with tiny species like neon tetras or small fry.
Breeding
Breeding the Spotted Raphael Catfish in a home aquarium is extremely rare and not well-documented. They are believed to be egg-layers, but the specific triggers for spawning are not fully understood. The vast majority of specimens available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.