South American catfish (Rhamdia quelen)

Scientific name: Rhamdia quelen Quoy & Gaimard, 1824

South American catfish (Rhamdia quelen)

The South American catfish (Rhamdia quelen) is a freshwater fish of the family Heptapteridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–28°C (72–82°F). Native range: Central and South America, Mexico to central Argentina.

South American catfish care at a glance

Temperature
22–28°C (72–82°F)

Biology

Occurs in littoral creeks, over sandy bottoms covered with dead leaves. Inhabits also lakes and rivers, but seems to prefer rivers with a very slight current. Prefers a muddy bottom covered with leaves and decaying wood, the latter providing for hiding places during the day. Feeds on fish and insects, benthic zooplankton and crustaceans. Omnivorous. Mainly nocturnal. Possesses poisonous spiny rays. Its sex ratio is 2:1 in favor of females. The male's reproductive apparatus includes multi-lobed testicles and accessory organs for secretion and storage. Fertilization is external. Non-sticking demersal eggs (1.1 to 2.8 mm diameter) are laid down, hatching after about 48 hours at 22?C. Ten days later, the larvae weigh approximately 100 mg but growth is slow (0.5 to 1.15 g per day).

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Rhamdia quelen
Family
Heptapteridae (Three-barbeled catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
47.4
Depth range
0–3 m (0–10 ft)
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: ? - 7.0 benthopelagic; depth range 0 - 3 m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Central and South America: Mexico to central Argentina.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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