Guitarrita (Bunocephalus coracoideus)

Scientific name: Bunocephalus coracoideus Cope, 1874

Guitarrita (Bunocephalus coracoideus)

The Guitarrita (Bunocephalus coracoideus) is a freshwater fish of the family Aspredinidae that grows to about 15 cm (5.9 in). It is difficult to keep, needs carefully chosen tank mates and needs water at 24–28°C (75–82°F) and a pH of 6.0–8.0. Native range: South America, Amazon River basin.

Guitarrita care at a glance

Care level
Difficult
Community tank
With caution
Adult size
15 cm (5.9 in)
Temperature
24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
5–19 dGH (89–339 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore

Biology

Occurs in ponds and forest creeks rich in plant debris. Benthic fish which feeds on a wide range of food, including organic debris from the bottom. Spawns eggs on sandy substrate, in groups. Unlike the other species of Aspredinidae, the female does not carry her eggs (4,000 to 5,000 per spawning) in bags (cotylophores). It swims with undulating motion of its body and tail, rhythmically ejecting water from its opercles, thus resulting in a forward propulsion. Aquarium keeping: needs fine gravel or sand; minimum aquarium size 80 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Bunocephalus coracoideus
Family
Aspredinidae (Banjo catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
11.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 19 demersal
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Amazon River basin.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec = 4,000)

More catfish & plecos

See all catfish & plecos

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

Last updated