Quick Care Details (Table)
| Livestock Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Maximum Size | 4 Inches |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 Gallons |
| Plant Safe | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 75-82F |
| PH Range | 5.5-7.5 |
| KH Range | 9-12 |
Species Specific Categories
Helpful Video
Care Details, Temperament, Diet, and Aquarium Requirements
Aquascape:
- Porthole Catfish love an underwater garden. So, set up your tank with lots of greenery and hiding spots.
- They're fans of cozy nooks, so add driftwood, caves, and some rocky corners to remind them of their Amazon River basin home.
- Live plants are a plus, providing not only shelter but also a buffet for grazing.
Substrate:
- Keep things comfy for these catfish. A soft, sandy or gravelly bottom is the way to go. It helps protect their little barbels (those cute whiskers) while they hunt for snacks.
Disease Prevention:
- Think of your aquarium as an exclusive club. Quarantine newcomers to ensure no unwelcome surprises.
- Regular water changes and a top-notch filter are your best allies in keeping the water clean and your catfish healthy.
Filtration:
- A good filter is like having a housekeeper for your tank. Opt for a reliable system to keep the water in top-notch condition.
- Don't forget to cover the filter's intake to save your little fish friends from getting stuck.
Lighting:
- These catfish are like twilight stars - they shine in the morning and evening. They don't need any special lighting.
- Stick to soft to moderate lighting to give them a natural day-night cycle.
Water Flow:
- Porthole Catfish like their water like a lazy river, not a raging torrent. So, keep the flow gentle to prevent stress.
- If you have strong currents, consider using plants or barriers to tone it down.
Hardiness:
- These catfish are like low-maintenance houseplants. They're tough when you keep their water conditions stable.
- They're pretty flexible with water parameters but prefer things a bit soft and a tad acidic.
Acclimation:
- When moving them into their new digs, take it slow. Drip water from your tank into their bag to help them get used to the change.
- It's all about making their transition smooth and stress-free.
Special Requirements:
- Porthole Catfish are social butterflies, so invite some friends. Keeping them in groups of three or more is ideal.
- They're bottom-dwellers, and they can be a bit shy, so go for friendly tank buddies to keep the peace.
- Oh, and be gentle when handling them - those barbels are sensitive and can be easily hurt.
Behavior and Social Interaction:
- Porthole Catfish are the gentle giants of the fish world. They're super chill and friendly, never starting any fishy feuds.
- They're night owls, so don't be surprised if they're more active in the evening and early morning.
Aggression:
- There's not a mean bone in their little fish bodies. Porthole Catfish are incredibly peaceful and won't be bullies in your tank.
Breeding:
- Breeding these catfish can be a bit like a science project. They lay eggs, and the males take their job as egg protectors pretty seriously.
- If you're interested in breeding, you'll need a separate setup and the right conditions to encourage them.
Compatibility:
- They're like the social butterflies of the tank. Porthole Catfish get along with pretty much any peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and other friendly community fish.
- Just remember, they're not fans of tank mates with a mean streak.
Activity Level:
- These catfish aren't exactly party animals. They prefer quiet evenings, and that's when they're most active.
Clean-Up Crew:
- Think of them as your live-in housekeepers. They'll nibble on algae and leftover scraps to help keep your tank tidy.
- They won't do the heavy lifting, but they're definitely little helpers.
Schooling or Shoaling Behavior:
- Porthole Catfish are like the cool kids in groups. They enjoy hanging out with at least a couple of their buddies.
- Being in a gang makes them feel safer and more confident, so they tend to be more active and visible.
Coral Reef Compatibility:
- These catfish are the perfect guests for your coral reef. They won't rearrange your carefully crafted coral setup.
- Their gentle nature and small size make them a great addition to a reef tank without causing any trouble.
Dry Foods:
- Porthole Catfish can munch on high-quality dry foods like sinking pellets and flakes.
- Look for products specifically designed for bottom-dwelling catfish.
Frozen Foods:
- Treat your catfish to frozen delights like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
- Thaw and rinse frozen foods before feeding to remove excess salt or other residues.
Live Foods:
- Live foods like blackworms and small aquatic invertebrates can be a delightful occasional treat.
- These provide a closer-to-natural hunting experience for your catfish.
Vegetables:
- Veggies? Yes, please! Porthole Catfish can nibble on blanched vegetables like zucchini and cucumber.
- Just make sure to remove any uneaten portions to keep the tank clean.
Algae:
- They're pretty good at nibbling on soft algae, but they're not heavy-duty algae eaters. So, don't rely solely on them to keep your tank algae-free.
Feeding Schedule:
- Stick to a consistent feeding schedule. These catfish are usually more active during the night and at dawn, so consider feeding them when the tank is dimly lit.
- Feed them once or twice a day, offering an amount they can consume in a few minutes.
Supplemental Foods:
- To ensure a well-rounded diet, consider occasional supplements like sinking wafers, which are designed for bottom-dwellers.
- Variety is the spice of life for your catfish, so mix things up from time to time.
Tank Size:
- A tank size of 20 gallons or larger is a suitable home for a small group of Porthole Catfish.
Tank Length and Measurements:
- Opt for a tank that's about 24 inches (61 cm) in length or more to give these catfish room to explore.
Water Temperature:
- Keep the water cozy, around 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C), which falls within the typical range for most tropical community fish.
pH (Acidity/Alkalinity):
- Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally around 6.5 to 7.5, to replicate their Amazon River habitat.
KH (Carbonate Hardness):
- Maintain a moderate KH level, typically between 3 to 8 degrees of carbonate hardness (dKH) for a stable pH.
GH (General Hardness):
- General hardness should be around 4 to 12 dGH (degrees of general hardness) to create water conditions suitable for these catfish.
Hardiness:
- Porthole Catfish are known for their resilience when kept in stable water conditions. They are considered a hardy species.
Nitrate (NO3) Levels:
- Keep nitrate levels in check, ideally below 20 ppm, to maintain good water quality. Regular water changes and effective filtration can help with this.
History, Popularity, History and Species Variety Details
History: The flagtail porthole catfish, or Phynosoma notialis, is a species with a rich history in the aquarium hobby. These fish have been popular among aquarists for many years, owing to their unique appearance and interesting behavior. They were first discovered in South America, particularly in Brazil and Venezuela, where they've been a part of the local aquatic ecosystems for a long time.
Popularity: Flagtail porthole catfish have gained popularity among aquarium enthusiasts due to their striking appearance and peaceful nature. Their translucent, elongated pectoral fin that resembles a flag and the distinctive porthole-like markings on their body make them stand out in any tank. They are particularly favored by hobbyists who appreciate visually captivating fish. Their social and non-aggressive behavior also makes them a desirable choice for community aquariums, where they can peacefully coexist with other fish species.
Natural Habitat: In their natural habitat, flagtail porthole catfish inhabit slow-moving and heavily vegetated rivers and streams in South America. They prefer areas with abundant hiding spots, and their unique porthole-like skin openings help them navigate and find safe places to shelter, especially in low-light conditions. These features are well-adapted to their environment, allowing them to thrive in the wild.
Back to topVariation of the Flagtail Porthole Catfish
- Albino Flagtail Porthole Catfish: Albino variations of these catfish lack the typical dark pigmentation. They have a lighter, almost translucent appearance, with pink or red eyes. Their porthole-like markings are often less prominent due to their lack of coloration.
- Leopard Flagtail Porthole Catfish: This variation features a more pronounced and distinctive pattern of spots or blotches that resemble a leopard's spots, superimposed over the porthole markings. The combination of spots and portholes gives them a unique and attractive appearance.
- Gold Flagtail Porthole Catfish: Gold variations of these catfish have a bright, golden-yellow coloration, making them highly sought after by hobbyists. Their portholes and fins maintain their characteristic translucency but with a golden hue.
- Long-Finned Flagtail Porthole Catfish: Some individuals may exhibit longer and more elaborate fins, including the pectoral and dorsal fins. This variation is especially popular among aquarists who appreciate the graceful and flowing appearance of the extended fins.
- Hybrid Variations: Crossbreeding of flagtail porthole catfish with other catfish species or even within the same species can result in unique hybrid variations that may have a mix of characteristics from both parent species. These hybrids can display a wide range of colors and patterns.
Male gender vs Female gender (Sexual Dimorphism)
- Size: In many cases, male flagtail porthole catfish are slightly smaller than their female counterparts. This size difference may not be very noticeable, and it can vary among individual fish.
- Fin Length: Males often have slightly longer and more elaborate dorsal fins compared to females. This difference in fin length is one of the more noticeable aspects of sexual dimorphism in this species.
- Coloration: While there can be subtle variations in coloration, it's not a reliable indicator of gender in flagtail porthole catfish. Both males and females typically have similar coloration with the distinctive porthole-like markings and translucent fins.
- Genital Papillae: To definitively determine the gender of flagtail porthole catfish, you would need to examine the genital papillae. In males, the papilla tends to be more pointed and developed, while in females, it is rounder and less pronounced.
Breeding Tips and Conditions for the Flagtail Porthole Catfish
1. Sexing the Fish:
- To breed these catfish, you'll need a male and a female. As mentioned earlier, males typically have slightly longer and more elaborate dorsal fins and a more pointed genital papilla, while females have rounder, less pronounced genital papillae.
2. Breeding Tank Setup:
- Prepare a separate breeding tank. A tank size of around 20-30 gallons should suffice.
- Provide plenty of hiding spots, such as caves, PVC pipes, or other suitable materials. Flagtail porthole catfish prefer laying their eggs in these secure, dark spaces.
- Use a sponge filter or a gentle filtration system to maintain good water quality without creating strong currents, which can harm the eggs or fry.
3. Water Parameters:
- Maintain stable water conditions with a temperature of around 78-82°F (25-28°C).
- Keep the pH level in the slightly acidic to neutral range, between 6.5 and 7.0.
- The water should be soft to moderately hard, with a general hardness (GH) of 2-10 dGH.
4. Diet and Conditioning:
- Prior to breeding, condition the male and female with a high-quality diet of live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
- Ensure they are in optimal health and well-fed to increase the chances of successful breeding.
5. Spawning Behavior:
- Monitor your catfish closely for spawning behavior. This typically involves the male leading the female to a suitable breeding site.
- The female will lay adhesive eggs inside a cave or on the chosen substrate, while the male fertilizes them. Flagtail porthole catfish are known for their unique "porthole" appearance, which is particularly noticeable during spawning.
6. Care of Eggs and Fry:
- Once the eggs are laid and fertilized, it's best to remove the adults to prevent them from eating their own eggs or fry.
- The eggs will hatch in about 5-7 days, and the fry will initially feed on their yolk sacs. After that, you can start offering them infusoria, small live or powdered fry food.
- Maintain excellent water quality and ensure the tank remains free of potential predators.
7. Patience and Observation:
- Breeding flagtail porthole catfish may take some patience, as successful breeding can sometimes be unpredictable. Be prepared for multiple attempts and observations.
Health Care and Disease Prevention
Back to topFrequently Asked Questions
What should I feed them?
Offer a varied diet, including high-quality dry foods, frozen options like bloodworms, and occasional live foods. They also appreciate vegetables for variety.
Can they peacefully coexist with other fish in a community tank?
Yes, Flagtail Porthole Catfish are known for their peaceful nature and get along well with non-aggressive tank mates.
How big do Flagtail Porthole Catfish typically grow?
These catfish typically reach a size of 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) when they're fully grown.
What's the ideal tank size for Flagtail Porthole Catfish?
Flagtail Porthole Catfish thrive in a tank of 20 gallons or more, providing them with ample space to explore.
How many Flagtail Porthole Catfish should I keep together?
They're social creatures and do best in small groups of three or more to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
Do they prefer a strong water flow in the tank?
No, they generally prefer slow to moderate water flow. If your tank has strong currents, consider using baffles or plants to reduce water movement in their area.
What is the expected lifespan of Flagtail Porthole Catfish?
When well cared for, they can live for several years, typically around 5-8 years or more.
Can I keep Flagtail Porthole Catfish in a planted tank?
Yes, they do well in planted tanks, but be mindful that they may occasionally uproot smaller plants.
