The Portsmouth Tropical Fish Company

Located at Fort Fareham
Tel: 01329 286431

PURCHASING CATEGORIES

Discus ---- Tetras ---- Cichlids ---- Catfish ---- Siamese Fighter ---- Clown Loach

Black Ghost Knife ---- Red Snakehead ---- Ranchu --- Ryukin

BUY DIRECT FROM US AND WE DELIVER TO YOUR DOOR

Purchasing Details

Portsmouth Tropicals has been trading for over 30 years and for 25 of those years Karen Cott has been working there. Five years ago she officially took over the business when her father in law retired.

It truly is a family run firm with Karen catching fish and Mum Glynis bagging up for Dad Dave to do local deliveries. However, deliveries don’t just have to be local as the courier company used does next day delivery ensuring the fish arrive alive and healthy. Karen supplies fish from as far apart as Guernsey to Manchester.

This small family run business has been supplying fish to the pet shop industry for all these years. They hold a pet trading licence and are a member of OATA.

They also never knowingly stock dyed fish. Whether a pet shop wants to just buy 10 goldfish or wants to fill 100 tropical tanks Karen can supply the freshwater fish and plants required.

Wholesale is the main focus of the business but at Portsmouth Tropicals it is appreciated that smaller pet shops cannot stock the specialist fish that some aquarists require. For this reason they are now offering the general public the chance to buy direct from them, those specialist fish such as Discus, L type plecs, Arrowanas and freshwater sting ray.

Corydoras

Corydoras sterbai or Sterba's Cory

Corydoras trilineatus

Corydoras

Corydoras Sterbai or Sterba's cory (common name) is a member of the South American Corydoras genus of freshwater aquarium catfish and one of the most popular species of Corydoras due to its attractive markings.

Sterba's Cory is easily distinguishable from other Corydoras species as it has white spots on its head from eyes down to snout. It is occasionally confused with Corydoras haraldschultzi; however the latter is a long nosed species whereas C. sterbai is the dome headed form. It has recently become available in an albino form.

Like many Corydoras species, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Sterba's cory is a shoaling catfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and thus should ideally be kein groups of 5 or more. In the wild it can be found in Brazil and thus, and Wholesale Tropical Fish wild caught fish prefer soft, and Wholesale Tropical Fish acidic water. However, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Sterba's cory is hardy fish and tank bred specimens have adapted to a wider range of water conditions. However, and Wholesale Tropical Fish like almost all fish it will not tolerate high levels of nitrates.

Unlike other catfish they are not good algae eaters, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but are good at 'cleaning up' leftover food and detritus from the substrate.

Coryodras Sterbai are relatively small for catfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish growing to a maximum size of only 2 - 2.6 inches.

Table of contents [showhide]

1 Feeding

2 Compatabilty

3 Furniture

4 Price

Feeding

In captivity Corydoras Sterbai readily accepts a wide variety of prepared and frozen foods. Flake food is a good staple diet (which will only be consumed once it has fallen to the bottom) as are sinking pellets/wafers. They relish live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, and Wholesale Tropical Fish daphnia and mosquito larvae, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but ideally should only be fed such foods once a week due to the high amount of protein in them.

It is often problematic to feed Corydoras in aquaria with fast feeding mid-water fish such as neon tetras as flake and sinking pellets are consumed by such fish before they have hit the bottom and sometimes, and Wholesale Tropical Fish even while lying on the substrate. However, and Wholesale Tropical Fish this problem can be overcome by placing pellets and flake on the aquarium substrate in caves or under bogwood, and Wholesale Tropical Fish or other such areas which are not regularly frequented by mid-water fish.

Compatabilty

Their compatibility is one of their main selling points as with all other Corydoras species as they are very peaceful catfish and can be kewith other peaceful fish. They should not be kewith overly aggressive bottom dwellers, and Wholesale Tropical Fish particularly if there is competition over substrate space as there would be in small tanks or tanks with a large amount of 'furniture'. Ideal companions would be similar sized tetras or particularly, and Wholesale Tropical Fish dwarf cichlids. However, and Wholesale Tropical Fish unlike the bronze corydoras, and Wholesale Tropical Fish they are not a particularly good species for the discus aquarium.

Furniture

Ideally Coryodoras Sterbai should be housed with a fine substrate such as sandor gravel in order to avoid doing damage to their delicate barbels. However, and Wholesale Tropical Fish large gravel will suffice as long as it is not sharp edged. Their only other requirement is that shade be provided for them, and Wholesale Tropical Fish by means of overhanging rock, and Wholesale Tropical Fish large leaved plants, and Wholesale Tropical Fish arching bogwood and/ or caves.

Corydoras

Corydoras sterbai or Sterba's Cory

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Siluriformes

Family: Callichthyidae

Genus: Corydoras

Common Species

Corydoras aeneus

Corydoras metae

Corydoras paleatus

Corydoras panda

Corydoras sterbai

Corydoras trilineatus

Members of the South American Corydoras genus are popular freshwater aquarium catfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and are commonly referred to as cory catfish or simply corys. Corys typically measure around three to five centimeters in length. They are well suited to tropical freshwater community aquariums, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as they get along well with other species and are not at all aggressive. It is recommended to keep Corys in groups of six or more, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as they are shoaling fish. Corys are bottom feeders, and Wholesale Tropical Fish so they should be offered flake foods (which do sink), and Wholesale Tropical Fish sinking pellets, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and supplements of live and frozen foods.

Many Corydoras species have been described by science; in addition, and Wholesale Tropical Fish many variants exist. Several hundred Corydoras species are not yet classified by science, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but keby aquarists. These species are given C-Numbers, and Wholesale Tropical Fish originally devised by German fishkeeping magazine DATZ. There are 131 C-Numbers currently.

Corydoras are native to the rivers of South America, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and therefore most of them prefer soft, and Wholesale Tropical Fish acidic water. However, and Wholesale Tropical Fish they can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They are very sensitive to aquarium salt, and Wholesale Tropical Fish though, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and do not do well in fish tanks with high nitrate levels. This ion leads to the infection of the barbels, and Wholesale Tropical Fish which will shorten and become useless. Corydoras barbels will grow back though, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as long as the nitrate levels in their tank have been reduced. These are easy fish to keep, and Wholesale Tropical Fish being (as mentioned) peaceful, and Wholesale Tropical Fish small, and Wholesale Tropical Fish good at cleaning up leftover foods (though their keeper should ensure that they get their own food), and Wholesale Tropical Fish hardy, and Wholesale Tropical Fish active, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and entertaining to watch.

Though all Corydoras species are diurnal, and Wholesale Tropical Fish most exhibit some level of activity during the nighttime. All Corydoras love to interact with each other, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and commonly 'play games', and Wholesale Tropical Fish chasing each other around the tank, and Wholesale Tropical Fish foraging for food with their tails in the air, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and sitting on top of each other in groups. Corydoras catfish are very good choices for an aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and are widely kethroughout the world.

Catfish

For "Atlantic catfish", and Wholesale Tropical Fish see seawolf.

Catfish

Akysidae

Amblycipitidae

Amphiliidae

Ariidae

Aspredinidae

Astroblepidae

Auchenipteridae

Bagridae

Callichthyidae

Cetopsidae

Chacidae

Clariidae

Claroteidae

Cranoglanididae

Diplomystidae

Doradidae

Hypophthalmidae

Ictaluridae

Lacantuniidae

Loricariidae

Malapteruridae

Mochokidae

Nematogenyidae

Pangasiidae

Parakysidae

Pimelodidae

Plotosidae

Schilbeidae

Scoloplacidae

Siluridae

Sisoridae

Trichomycteridae

Catfish (order Siluriformes) are a diverse group of fish. Notable for their prominent barbels, and Wholesale Tropical Fish they are found in freshwater environments of all kinds, and Wholesale Tropical Fish with species on every continent exceAntarctica. Some species from the families Ariidae and Plotosidae are also found in marine environs.

Catfish belong to a superorder called the Ostariophysi, and Wholesale Tropical Fish which also includes the Cypriniformes, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Characiformes, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and Gymnotiformes (although some place Gymnotiformes as a sub-order of Siluriformes). As of 2005 there are 37 catfish families, and Wholesale Tropical Fish although this number is in constant flux due to taxonomic work on the order.

In June, and Wholesale Tropical Fish 2005, and Wholesale Tropical Fish researchers named the 37th family of catfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Lacantuniidae, and Wholesale Tropical Fish only the third new family of fish distinguished in the last 70 years (others being the coelacanth in 1938 and the megamouth shark in 1983). The new species in Lacantuniidae, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Lacantunia enigmatica, and Wholesale Tropical Fish was found in the Lacantun river in Chiapas, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Mexico.

Catfish have no scales. All catfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish excemembers of Malapteruridae (electric catfish), and Wholesale Tropical Fish possess a strong, and Wholesale Tropical Fish hollow, and Wholesale Tropical Fish bonified leading ray on their dorsal and pectoral fins, and Wholesale Tropical Fish through which a stinging protein can be delivered if the fish is irritated. In members of the family Plotosidae, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and of the genus Heteropneustes, and Wholesale Tropical Fish this protein is so strong it may hospitalize humans unfortunate enough to receive a sting.

Catfish range in size and behavior from the largest giant Mekong catfish (Pangasius gigas) in Southeast Asia, and Wholesale Tropical Fish to detritivores (species that eat dead material on the bottom), and Wholesale Tropical Fish and even to a tiny parasitic species commonly called the candiru (Vandellia cirrhosa). Catfish are one of the few North American fish to nurse their young.

The largest wels catfish (Silurus glanis) was caught by Kevin Maddocks on August 6,1999, and Wholesale Tropical Fish recorded at 202 pounds (91.62 kilograms). Recently Tim Pruitt of Illinois caught the largest blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) in the Mississippi River on May 22nd, and Wholesale Tropical Fish 2005 that weighed in at 124 pounds (56.25 kilograms). The largest flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) ever caught was in Independence, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Kansas, and Wholesale Tropical Fish weighed at 123 pounds 9 ounces (56 kilograms). These records pale in comparision to the giant Mekong catfish (Pangasius gigas) in Southeast Asia, and Wholesale Tropical Fish which can tip the scales at more than 660 pounds (300 kilograms).

Catfish are important food fish throughout the world. Ictalurids are cultivated in North America (especially in the Deep South), and Wholesale Tropical Fish while Clariids and Pangasiids are heavily cultured in Africa and Asia. There is also a large and growing ornamental fish trade, and Wholesale Tropical Fish with catfish a popular component of many aquaria.

In the United States, and Wholesale Tropical Fish June 25 is National Catfish Day.

Examples of catfish species:

Iridescent Shark

Channel catfish

A barbel on a fish is a slender, and Wholesale Tropical Fish whiskerlike tactile organ near the mouth. Fish that have barbels include the catfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the carp and the goatfish. They house the taste buds of such fish and are used to search for food in murky water.

Barbels are often erroneously referred to as 'barbs', and Wholesale Tropical Fish which are found in bird feathers for flight.

Barbel is also the name of approximately 50 species of fresh-water fish in Europe. The English species, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Barbus Barbus, and Wholesale Tropical Fish is revered by sport fisherman. It is a large, and Wholesale Tropical Fish powerful fish that requires clean, and Wholesale Tropical Fish fast-flowing water.

Corydoras aeneus

Scientific Name: Corydoras aeneus

Common Name: Bronze Cory

Family: Callichthyidae

Subfamily: Corydoradinae

Class: Actinopterygii

Synonyms: C. macrosteus, and Wholesale Tropical Fish C. microps, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Hoplosoma aeneum.

Country of Origin: South America

Adult Size: 6.5cm (Male), and Wholesale Tropical Fish 7.0cm (Female)

Temperature range: 22-28C

pH: 6.0-8.0

Hardness: 2-30 dGh

Salinity: none

Breeding: Egg-layer

Feeding: Omnivore

Lifespan: 15 years

Tank level: Bottom

Social: Peaceful

Care: Easy. Prefers being kein shoals of 6 or more.

Notes: Very popular fish in aquariums. This fish will gulp air from the surface of the water to aid its respiration. It can also 'wink', and Wholesale Tropical Fish as it can tilt its eyes downwards.

Unlike other catfish they are not good algae eaters, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but are good at 'cleaning up' leftover food and detritus from the substrate.

Coryodras Sterbai are relatively small for catfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish growing to a maximum size of only 2 - 2.6 inches

General articles from authors who just want to write about catfish in the aquarium and the wild. The 'Catfish Basics' series is especially useful for the aquarist new to the catfish hobby.

A catfish keepers guide to dissolved oxygen by Shane Linder

The importance of DO is often overlooked or misunderstood. As more and more delicate species of catfish become available, and Wholesale Tropical Fish understanding this aspect of their husbandry becomes increasingly useful.

A Room With A View by Clare Dignall

Pier Aquatics in Wigan, and Wholesale Tropical Fish UK invited the authors along to the opening of their new 'South American' room. This is their account of an evening spent in a catfish wonderland.

Apisto Heaven by Clare Dignall

Want to see catfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish first hand, and Wholesale Tropical Fish in their natural habitats? This article introduces a Brazilian option for the budding aqua-tourist looking further much further afield than their LFS.

Catfish Legends & Lore

1 :: How the catfish got a flat head by Heok Hee Ng

This is a series on folklore and legends from around the world that feature catfishes as their main characters. People usually do not think that catfishes are not prominent (or interesting) enough animals to be featured in folklore, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but a careful search reveals that there are still some interesting stories, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as the first of this series will show.

2 :: Fishy tales of the namazu (Silurus asotus) by Heok Hee Ng

Off to the Far East in part two of the continuing seris examining catfish in myth and legend.

Feeding Plecos

1 :: Types of food by Mats Petersson

The first part of this two part article deals with food preparation and what types of food can be offered.

Fishkeeping Basics by Rupert Collins

New to keeping aquariums? Start here! An entry level guide for new hobbyists.

Getting into a sticky situation: methods of adhesion in catfishes by Heok Hee Ng

This fascinating article describes the various devices employed by fast water catfishes to stay put.

How to tell a ''real'' from a ''fake'' by Heok Hee Ng

Discussion and examples of hybrid Synodontis appearing in the hobby.

In Search of the World's Largest Catfish by Shane Linder

As many heated debates in the forums will testify, and Wholesale Tropical Fish there are many catfish species out there that grow well beyond our ambitions to keep them in captivity. Shane goes in search of the biggest of them all.

Just Say Pleco by Shane Linder

An introductory look a why we call these fish 'Plecos' and other associated nuggets of knowledge.

Keeping Catfish With Large Cichlids by Chris Ralph

We are often asked what catfish that can be kewith the larger cichlids, and Wholesale Tropical Fish herein lies a few suggestions.

L's Belles - Loricariid Analysis by Julian Dignall

Graphical analysis of the introduction rate of new 'L' numbered Loricariids from inception to end 2004.

L15 and L80, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Two similar Peckoltia species by Janne Ekström

As the author explains, and Wholesale Tropical Fish these two species are excellent candidates for someone just starting off breeding some of the less commonly bred plecos.

Natural Catfish Aquarium

1 :: Understanding habitats by Shane Linder

Thoughts on how to make you aquarium more appealing to both you and your catfishes. The first part looks at habitats and how to go about recreating them.

2 :: Materials and Techniques by Shane Linder

The second part of this series tackles some of the practicalities of creating a natural set-up.

Otocinclus - ''Little Monkeys'' in the planted aquarium by D & R Lalkaka

Originally written for publication in a 'planted aquaria' magazine, and Wholesale Tropical Fish this article deals with the taxonomy of these and related species along with some very help advice on acclimatization to the planted tank.

Pimelodid Crosses by Lee Finley

List of all known hybrids amongst these large amazon predators.

Plants and Plecos by Shane Linder

An introductory look at what plecos will and won't view most of the contents of your superb planted tank as lunch.

The Catfish Basics Series

1 :: Choosing and Housing Your Catfish by Julian Dignall

So you want some catfish for your community tank? This is the article for you.

2 :: Feeding Your Catfish by Chris Ralph

So, and Wholesale Tropical Fish you've got some catfish swimming around in your aquarium. What should you feed them? The same as the other fish? Do all catfish have the same dietary requirements? Of course not! Read on.

3 :: How To See Your Catfish by Chris Ralph

Many catfish encountered by the newbie, and Wholesale Tropical Fish perhaps within their first few catfish purchases will never been seen again once they enter the realms of a well-planet or decorated tank. Here we offer some advice on dealing with the fact that often a catfish is happiest when you can't see it.

4 :: How to spot a catfish geek! by Shane Linder

We've talked about how to spot your catfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish now follows a lighthearted 'intermission' in the series where Shane (with a little help from others) observes what it means to be well on the way to being a true catfish geek (or, and Wholesale Tropical Fish for UK readers, and Wholesale Tropical Fish a catfish anorak).

5 :: The Families of the Order Siluriformes by Shane Linder

An overview using the latest review of the classification of all catfish families. This article (in contrast to the previous) is a serious must for all catfish fans looking to the wider picture and setting out on gaining some appreciation of the diversity of catfishes worldwide. If you're OK with this article then you're no longer a catfish newbie.

6 :: Filtration by Shane Linder

Each type of filtration has distinct advantages and disadvantages to the catfish hobbyist and this article explains how to choose the best type of filtration for specific type of catfish.

7 :: Selection, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Acclimatization, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and Quarantine by Shane Linder

OK, and Wholesale Tropical Fish so you've seen the fish in a book, and Wholesale Tropical Fish you've seen the fish at your LFS. Read this before you make your next move.

8 :: Telling the Boys From the Girls by Shane Linder

Curious about the gender of your catfish? This introductory articles looks at some of the differences you can expect to find and provides pointers in determining if a successful breeding project might be on the horizon.

9 :: An Attemto Spawn On Demand by Adrian Taylor

Selecting the Peppered Cory, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Corydoras paleatus, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as an example, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the author discusses the basics of captive spawning attempts and his results with a commonly bred "entry level" species.

The Colours of Corydoras by Don Kinyon

Analysis and comparison of the various colour forms of 'Corydoras aeneus' available.

The Proper Way To Condition Plecos by Larry Vires

It's not all cucumber and lettuce you know - the lowdown on what to feed your Plecos.

Triggering reproduction with the Walking Catfish (Clarias batrachus) by Wolfgang Ros

A second report on the reproduction of this species from the same author who investigates further the triggers and behaviour of these charismatic bruisers.

Water Chemistry and the Catfish by Rupert Collins

A look into the terms often used in aquatic conversations, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but sometimes without as much understanding as this article seeks to provide.

Reproduction

Articles on the reproduction of individual species with details from the aquarists that have kethem.

A Chance Spawning of Chaetostoma by Rob Torrens

Notes on an community tank chance spawning of the most common rubbernose or bulldog pleco.

All About Zebra Plecos by Christophe Girardet

One man's experiences with selecting, and Wholesale Tropical Fish keeping and breeding the enigmatic Hypancistrus zebra.

Ancistrinae Internet Lecture by Ingo Seidel

The seminal transcriof an online lecture giving a vast amount of information and pictures concerning this group of plecos. Want to breed L-numbers? Read on...

Breeding Aspidoras pauciradiatus by Don Kinyon

General information on spawning this species.

Breeding Brochis splendens by Don Kinyon

General information on spawning this species.

Breeding Corydoras aeneus 'Peru Green' by Don Kinyon

General information on spawning this colour variation of the every popular Bronze Cory.

Breeding Corydoras axelrodi by Don Kinyon

Breeding Corydoras duplicareus by Don Kinyon

Breeding Corydoras gossei by Don Kinyon

Breeding Corydoras habrosus by Don Kinyon

Breeding Corydoras napoensis by Yann Fulliquet

Breeding Corydoras oiapoquensis by Don Kinyon

Breeding Corydoras pygmaeus by Kaycy Ruffer

Breeding Corydoras sterbai by Don Kinyon

Breeding Peckoltia vittata by Janne Ekström

The author describes why this is a great choice of pleco for a breeding project with "mid-range experience" aquarists in mind.

Breeding Peckoltia sp. L134 by Janne Ekström

Spawning account and information on rearing this beautiful L number.

Breeding Scleromystax barbatus by Don Kinyon

Breeding Scleromystax prionotos by Adrian Taylor

A thorough spawning report on this Corydoras-like species.

Breeding Hypancistrus sp. Queen Arabesque L260 by Janne Ekström

Account of multiple spawning of this pretty species including spawning set-up and trigger information.

Breeding L147 by Janne Ekström

Apparently the first documented spawning of this attractive pleco. An in-depth article with plenty of images too.

Breeding LDA25, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Parotocinclus jumbo by Kim Mathiasen

A short set of notes on breeding this interesting dwarf utility pleco.

Care and breeding of the oil catfish Tatia perugiae by Achim Werckenthin

Keeping and Breeding Sturisomatichthys leightoni by Paul E. Turley

Detailed article on maintenance, and Wholesale Tropical Fish care and breeding this elegant loricariid. Pretty much everything you need to know about the dwarf royal twig catfish.

Keeping and Breeding Corydoras zygatus by Yann Fulliquet

L174 and L316, and Wholesale Tropical Fish two small and similar Hypancistrus species by Janne Ekström

L28, and Wholesale Tropical Fish an undescribed species of Hypancistrus from the Rio Guamá by Yann Fulliquet

Spawning account including the trials and tribulations of raising fry.

Maintaining and Spawning Albino Ancistrus by Don Danko

First class photography by the author accompanies this thorough article on spawning the albino bristlenose.

My experiences breeding L144 by Knut Kjesbu

Another Ancistrus species, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but one that has more than it's fair share of mystery.

Notes on a spawning of Dianema urostriata by Dennis Rawlinson

Discussion of an, and Wholesale Tropical Fish unfortunately, and Wholesale Tropical Fish unsuccessful attemto rear the eggs of the flag-tailed porthole cat after a spawning.

Notes on a spawning of Loricaria simillima by Andy White

Detailed article on maintenance, and Wholesale Tropical Fish care and breeding this variable Loricariid.

Notes on Breeding Sturisoma by Shane Linder

Well researched background information on the royal whiptail catfish.

Notes on keeping and spawning L102 by Haakon Haagensen

Information on this distinctive L - number.

Observations of Breeding Corydoras weitzmani. by Paul Belanger

Notes from one of the first aquarium spawnings of this very attractive species that is surely to become an aquarium staple.

Pleco Breeding Techniques by Larry Vires

The transcriof an online lecture given in the PlanetCatfish chatroom by Larry on Saturday 24th January 2004.

Reproduction in Microglanis by Des Penny

Background information on a chance spawning of the South American bumblebee catfish.

So you want to breed Corys? by Ian Fuller

THE introductory article on this subject from one of the world's foremost Corydoras breeders.

Spawning Synodontis multipunctatus & S. lucipinnis by Jerry Miranda

A pictorial account of the spawning of these two Tanganyikan species including adult fry & spawning shots. Also with an article with thoughts on the spawning of the former.

Spawning Hemiloricaria by Shane Linder

Spawning Hypancistrus zebra by Kevin Korotev

An in-depth article on spawning this enigmatic species.

Spawning Parotocinclus spilosoma by Derek Heath

This species is an occasionally imported hardy Dwarf Sucker that should be much more popular than it is, and Wholesale Tropical Fish here is a spawning account.

Spawning L066 by Andy White

An in-depth account of the spawning of the King Tiger Pleco, and Wholesale Tropical Fish L066 including pictures from the spawning tank.

Spawning The Dwarf Hoplo, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Lepthoplosternum sp. by Reet Thomas

General information on the spawning of this smaller armoured catfish.

Spawning, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Embryo & Fry Development in Farlowella vittata by Bruce Brethauer

Breath-taking close-up photography compliments this account of multiple Twig Catfish spawning.

Spawning, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Embryo & Fry Development in Sturisoma panamense by Bruce Brethauer

Once again, and Wholesale Tropical Fish superb close-up photography compliments this account of spawning.

Successful Spawning of L092 by Pete Liptrot

A report on the chance, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and perhaps first, and Wholesale Tropical Fish spawning of this loricariid.

Successful spawning of the wonderful WanderWels, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Clarias batrachus by Wolfgang Ros

An in-depth account of the spawning of the walking catfish with many instructive photos.

The Dwarf Sucker, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Otocinclus vestitus by Paul Kjærland

Information and pictures on the simple and successful spawning of this diminutive delight.

Geography

A collection of articles by various authors on the catfish of different regions of the world. Features Shane's Venezuela Diary.

Brazilian Parotocinclus by Hans-Georg Evers

A large article on certain representatives of this small suckermouth genus. Also includes discussion of a few other loricariids.

Catfish Spelunking in Mexico by Shane Linder

Spelunking is the pursuit of exploration of caves, and Wholesale Tropical Fish pot-holes and, and Wholesale Tropical Fish in this case, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Mexican cenotes with their own peculiar catfish in residence.

Catfishes From The Rift Lakes Of Africa by Shane Linder

List of the various catfishes known to exist in these huge lakes.

Collecting Noturus by Shane Linder

Similar to the ''Collecting Ictalurids'' article, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but with specific habitat information for this North American native.

Exploring West Bengal for aquarium fishes by Antti Vuorela

India is a remarkable country, and Wholesale Tropical Fish equally remarkable are its aquarium fishes. Specifically catfishes are detailed by our intrepid correspondents in this report from but a corner of this vast country.

Indian Subcontinent Catfish Bibliography by Shane Linder

Brief notes on a selection of books and papers containing more information on these fish.

The Catfishes of Asia Series

1 :: Family Bagridae by Shane Linder

A five page article introducing the various families from this geographic region with emphasis on the taxonomy of the fishes involved.

2 :: Family Bagridae (contd.) by Shane Linder

3 :: Family Bagridae (contd.) by Shane Linder

4 :: Family Chacidae by Shane Linder

5 :: Exotic Imports by Shane Linder

The Peru 2000 Series

1 :: Overview by Julian Dignall

2 :: Fish List by Julian Dignall

A pictorial account of our webmasters first visit to South America. Plenty of catfish and much more besides.

3 :: Jools' Pictures by Julian Dignall

4 :: Robin's Pictures by Robin Warne

The Venezuelan Diary Series

1 :: Beginnings by Shane Linder

Everything has to start somewhere.

2 :: Around the Rio Guaire by Shane Linder

First encounter with Corydoras and more besides.

3 :: Return to the Rio Zuata by Shane Linder

Where our intrepid host encounters some Loricariids and enlists the help of some locals in their capture.

4 :: Cano Canoa by Shane Linder

In which more catfish captures are made at a different location in Northern Venezuela.

5 :: Rio Guarico by Shane Linder

More catfish collections and thoughts on a river biotope set-up.

6 :: Rio Zuata and Giant Chaetostoma by Shane Linder

A surprise awaits in this diary entry - the collection of a giant Chaetostoma - this prompts thoughts on a biotope aquarium for it.

7 :: Fishing for Hypostomus by Shane Linder

A fascinating account of how locals fish for Hypostomus catfish burrowed in river bank walls.

8 :: Rio Tarma by Shane Linder

More catfish catches including an encounter with a broody bristlenose.

9 :: L106, and Wholesale Tropical Fish L122 and other adventures by Shane Linder

10 :: Notes on some Venezuelan fishes by Shane Linder

A chance encounter with another Aquarist brings some interesting information to light.

11 :: Casa Maria by Shane Linder

Where Shane finds 'paradise' in a surprising location.

12 :: Rio Guarico in the Dry Season by Shane Linder

Large whiptails abound as Shane enlists the help of some locals in catfish collection.

13 :: Rio Santo Domingo / Rio Tinaco :: I by Shane Linder

More collecting turns up some Corydoras, and Wholesale Tropical Fish which prompts a discussion on wild fish colouration.

14 :: Rio Santo Domingo / Rio Tinaco :: II by Shane Linder

Great Pleco collecting is the order of the day in the second instalment of this article.

15 :: The hunt for Farlowella acus by Shane Linder

An excellent account of this locate and collect mission to document the habitat of this commonly misidentified catfish.

16 :: Rios Tuy and Guare by Shane Linder

17 :: Rio Guapo and Cano Mendoza by Shane Linder

Shane takes a new recruit in search of fish (namely Piranha or Caribe as they are known locally) and gets a local lesson in biological filtration.

18 :: The Flooded Llanos by Shane Linder

Some fascinating notes on this seasonal habitat and some somber ones on Sept. 11th.

19 :: The Rios Aragua and Tuy by Shane Linder

Collecting these locations turns up more Chaetostoma and leads the author to further ID successes.

Wild Caught Ictalurids by Shane Linder

Insight into a collecting trip (October 1998) for native fishes in South East Virginia, and Wholesale Tropical Fish USA. This has been updated with more information from another trip (July 1999) to the same locality.

Species

Articles on individual and groups of species with notes from the aquarists that have kethem.

''Madtoms'' in Asia by Heok Hee Ng

An overview of the Catfishes of the family Amblycipitidae

Ancistrus 101

1 :: The Basics by Shane Linder

The lowdown on Ancistrus covering most of the common questions regarding these excellent community plecos.

2 :: Spawning Techniques and Fry Rearing by Shane Linder

Once you've keeping them hale and hearty, and Wholesale Tropical Fish this article takes you to the next level - how to become a pleco breeder.

A voracious ambush-predator not without charm by Wolfgang Ros

The husbandry of one of the more unusual big cats, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Cephalosilurus apurensis is discussed in detail.

Feeding Chaca chaca by Shane Linder

Angler or Ambusher? How to ensure your frogmouth catfish remain well fed.

L014: The Sunshine Pleco from the Rio Xingu by Shane Linder

The low down on one of THE species responsible for 'L' number pleco popularity.

Los Panaques, and Wholesale Tropical Fish The Canoe-Eating Catfish of South America

1 :: How Many Panaque? by Shane Linder

The first part of this article deals with some background, and Wholesale Tropical Fish taxonomy and discusses all varieties currently known.

Madtom links by Shane Linder

A collection of links to other sites featuring these North Americans.

Notes on Planiloricaria cryptodon by Shane Linder

General notes on maintaining this fish.

Notes on Noturus exilis, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the Slender Madtom by Bill Hoppe

Insight into collecting and maintaing this small North American native catfish.

Notes on L280 by Erwin Schraml

The questionable introduction of a new L Number.

Notes on the Lancers of the genus Bagrichthys by Heok Hee Ng

An overview of this small but much sought after genus of Asian catfish.

Parasitic Catfishes in the Aquarium by Shane Linder

Surrounded in fearsome myth and lore, and Wholesale Tropical Fish this family of catfish actually contains many benign species; Shane recounts his experiences with one species that certainly is not.

The genus Microsynodontis by Steven Grant

A pictorial guide to the genus.

The long-tail Sturisoma: Pterostursoma microps by Haakon Haagensen

Information on this infrequently imported whiptail Loricariid.

Yet another bumblebee: miniature catfishes of the genus Akysis by Heok Hee Ng

Heok Hee takes a look at this group of catfish that has increased both in terms of size and availability to the aquarist.

The Siluriformes are a large and diverse group of fishes consisting of over 30 families and 2,500 species. They can be found on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Their habitats range from the frozen rivers of Siberia to the steamy swamps of Borneo. Species have been found in the Himalayas and Andes at altitudes of over 14,000 feet, and Wholesale Tropical Fish while others live in the oceans among the coral reefs. Catfishes range in size from some of the smallest known fishes to the largest. Scoloplax dicra is fully-grown at 1/2 inch while the European wels (Silurus glanis) grows to 16 feet and can weigh 650lbs. These amazing fishes reproduce in about every way we know fishes reproduce. Among the Siluriformes we find mouthbrooders, and Wholesale Tropical Fish livebearers (of a sort), and Wholesale Tropical Fish bubblenest builders, and Wholesale Tropical Fish egg scatterers, and Wholesale Tropical Fish cuckoo spawners, and Wholesale Tropical Fish nest builders, and Wholesale Tropical Fish fish that carry their eggs attached to their mouth, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and even catfishes that feed their fry with a body slime.

With so many species coming from such diverse locations and habitats, and Wholesale Tropical Fish it is no wonder that finding good solid information about a certain catfish can be nearly impossible! The articles beyond this page come from myself and others with an interest in these fascinating fishes. Among the authors are well known aquarists and scientists, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but I want to stress that it is not necessary to be an expert or have a Ph.D. to contribute to the world's collective knowledge on catfishes. If you believe you have something to contribute to this forum please drop me a line.