Liosomadoras oncinus

Jaguar Catfish

Classification

Auchenipteridae. ubfamily: Auchenipterinae

Distribution

Ucayali, Amazonas and Negro river basins, Brazil.

Habitat

Large rivers, streams, lakes and flooded areas.

Maximum Standard Length

10″ (25cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

48″ x 18″ x 18″ (120cm x 45cm x 45cm) – 255 litres.

Maintenance

This is a nocturnal fish, so dim lighting is required to make it feel secure. Plenty of cover should also be provided, particularly if you’re keeping several together. Smooth rocks, driftwood, lengths of pvc piping and plants that can survive under low levels of light, such as Anubias sp., Java fern and Vallisneria can all be used.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 68-82°F (20-28°C)

pH: 4.8-7.2

Hardness: 0-15°H

Diet

Unfussy. It relishes live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, earthworms etc., as well as sinking dried foods. Add food after lights out to ensure it receives its share.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

Generally peaceful and shy, although it can sometimes be a little territorial with other benthic species. Small fish will be eaten during the hours of darkness. Ideally keep it in a South American biotope aquarium, with similarly-sized characins, cichlids and other peaceful catfish and and Loricariids. It’s quite gregarious and appears to be happier in the company of conspecifics, so keep a small group if space allows.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males have a highly modified anal fin, which is used in a similar fashion to the gonopodium possessed by livebearers. When mature, they also develop thicker dorsal and pectoral fins than females.

Reproduction

Not thought to have been achieved in aquaria. Fertilisation occurs internally.

NotesTop ↑

Often confused with its congener, L. morrowi, the jaguar cat can be distinguished by its more attractive, brighter patterning and larger adult size. It’s an ideal and good looking bottom dweller for the larger community. Previously considered a member of the Doradidae, due to the opercular spines, it has now been reclassified. It occurs over a wide range in nature, hence its apparent tolerance to wildly different water chemistry. In reality, its requirements are determined by collection locality, so it’s best to ask your dealer what water conditions they are being kept in when buying.