Scientific Name
Phyllonemus typus
Common Name
Spatula-barbeled catfish
Biology
Inhabit inshore waters to 20 m deep (Ref. 3236), and restricted to the rocky littoral zone (Ref. 38677). Rest on the bottom with the modified maxillary barbels (Ref. 6868). Nocturnally active meanwhile resting beneath rocks and within interstices in the rock or rubble substrata during the day (Ref. 38677). Oviparous (Ref. 205). First report of bi-parental mouthbrooding among catfishes (Ref. 38677). No value as food (Ref. 4967). Stomach contents examined consist of shrimps, occasionally debris from larval insects, and fish remains which apparently are clupeids (possibly Limnothrissa. Aquarium conditions: pH7.6; hardness of water 12; temperature tolerance 25?C; tank capacity, 60L; food, e.g. live worms, Daphnia; aquarium lighting, as dark as possible as long as fishes are visible; a peaceful, bottom-swimming fish which prefers a set-up with rocks, plants, and driftwood in an aquarium (Ref. 6398).