Thorny catfish - Agamyxis albomaculatus

Scientific name: Agamyxis albomaculatus

Common name: Thorny catfish

Family: Doradidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 12 - 14 cm (4.72 - 5.51 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 12°N (142.86 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 20 - 26 °C (68 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Origin

The Thorny catfish, native to South America, primarily inhabits the Amazon River basins in Brazil and Peru. These fish thrive in areas with dense vegetation, where they find ample cover and food.

Short Description

Although not commonly found in the aquarium trade, the Thorny catfish, also known as the Spiny catfish, is a captivating species worth seeking out. They are distinguished by their dark brown bodies adorned with yellow or off-white speckles, and their barbels feature contrasting stripes. Adults typically grow to about 10 cm (~4 inches) in length, though wild specimens can be larger. While they are not highly aggressive, Thorny catfish can become territorial if their space is too small. This species belongs to the Doradidae family and is scientifically named Agamyxis albomaculatus. They closely resemble Agamyxis pectinifrons, with the main difference being their specific locations in the wild. Both species require similar conditions in the aquarium.

Before purchasing Thorny catfish, observe their swimming and feeding behavior. Specimens with sunken bellies may be undernourished and in poor health.

Lifespan

With proper care, Thorny catfish can live up to 17 years, making them a long-term commitment in your aquarium.

General Care

Thorny catfish require a minimum aquarium size of 120 cm x 30 cm (4 feet x 1 foot). Ensure the tank is well-established before adding these fish, as they need stable water conditions and high-quality filtration. Maintain a temperature range of 20-26°C (68-79°F) and a pH between 6.0-7.5. Decorate the tank with rocks or wood, and choose a substrate that is smooth if using gravel. Plants enhance their environment, and floating plants like Amazon Frogbit can help keep lighting subdued. Low-light plant species such as Anubias will thrive under these conditions. Maintain high water quality with weekly water changes of at least 10%. Avoid adding Thorny catfish to new setups as they do not tolerate fluctuating water parameters well.

Feeding

Thorny catfish are nocturnal and are most active after dark. Feed them just before the lights go out. Offer a diet of sinking catfish pellets or quality flakes, supplemented with meaty foods like live or frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp. Ensure they get their fair share of food, as those higher up in the tank might eat first. Remove any uneaten food promptly to avoid decaying matter, which can affect water quality.

Sexing

Sexing Thorny catfish is quite challenging, but it is generally believed that females have a rounder body shape compared to males.

Breeding

There are currently no reliable reports of Thorny catfish breeding successfully in aquariums. In the wild, they are substrate spawners, with both parents involved in caring for the eggs and the nest.