Banded banjo (Platystacus cotylephorus)

Scientific name: Platystacus cotylephorus Bloch, 1794

The Banded banjo (Platystacus cotylephorus) is a freshwater fish of the family Aspredinidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–25°C (72–77°F). Native range: Central and South America, Venezuela to northern Brazil (including the lower portions of coastal rivers).

Banded banjo care at a glance

Temperature: 22–25°C (72–77°F)

Biology

Occurs mainly in brackish water. Found on soft bottoms of shallow turbid water near river mouths. Reported to migrate from estuary into freshwater, but actual spawning apparently takes place in brackish water. The species has a peculiar mode of egg incubation wherein the female banjo catfish carries the eggs firmly attached to the underside of the body. This seems to be an adaptation to facilitate the oxygenation of the eggs in muddy environments. Reproduction probably occurs during the earlier part of the year.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Platystacus cotylephorus
Family: Aspredinidae (Banjo catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 31.8
Common length: 15.0
Environment: Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 6.8 - 8.2; dH range: 12 - 35 demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Central and South America: Venezuela to northern Brazil (including the lower portions of coastal rivers).
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial