Stargazer mountain catfish (Amphilius uranoscopus)

Scientific name: Amphilius uranoscopus Pfeffer, 1889

The Stargazer mountain catfish (Amphilius uranoscopus) is a freshwater fish of the family Amphiliidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 20–25°C (68–77°F).

Stargazer mountain catfish care at a glance

Temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F)

Biology

Prefers clear, flowing water in rocky habitats. Feeds on stream insects and other small organisms off rock surfaces. Breeds in summer. Juveniles are easily mistaken for tadpoles. Preyed upon by trout and probably eels.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Amphilius uranoscopus
Family: Amphiliidae (Loach catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 19.5
Environment: Freshwater; demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Widespread in central and east Africa. Known from the Tana River, Kenya to Pongolo River, Natal. Also known from the Okavango, Zambezi systems, and east coast rivers south to the Mkuze system in northern Natal
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of potential interest; aquarium: potential
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Assuming Fec