Often confused with its congener L. oncinus, the false jaguar cat can be distinguished by its less attractive, duller patterning. It's a good bottom dweller for the larger community….

This species is also known by the alternative vernacular name of ‘Zamora woodcat’, and is often misidentified as A. thoracatus. The latter is a valid species and very similar to A. coracoideus in that the coracoid bone is exposed ventrally and covered only by a thin layer of integument in both species. The two differ principally in the number of anal fin rays…

This species may also be seen on sale as 'Guyana slopehead catfish' 'dolphin catfish' or 'hammerhead catfish'. The attractive juvenile patterning is largely lost as the fish grow but this nevertheless remains an impressive predatory species for the larger aquarium.

The genus Ageneiosus was at one point classified in the family Ageneiosidae alongside the genus Tetranematichthys, but this was not accepted by all…

A rarely seen species in the trade, although it's kept quite often by Australian hobbyists. Members of this genus are thought to have a more ancient association with Australian freshwaters than most others found in these habitats. Craterocephalus also contains the most species of any Australian freshwater fish genus.

It has been shown that there are quite large genetic differences between groups of the species living in close proximity to each other, and even sharing the same waters. In …

Not a particularly good catfish for the general community tank, as it's a largely inactive, secretive species that will only emerge and become active under cover of darkness. It is, nonetheless, an interesting aquarium subject for the enthusiast, exhibiting an incredible degree of camouflage. It's designed to resemble a dead leaf, and usually will not even swim to escape a net. When released into the aquarium will simply drift in the current until it hits the bottom. All members of the…

Bunocephalus is the largest genus within the Aspredinidae family and there are several undescribed species. B. coracoideus is the most common member seen in dealers' tanks. Its native name "Guitarrita" translates as "little guitar" and refers to the shape of the fish when viewed from above.

Despite the regularity with which it is seen for sale, it isn't really a good catfish for the general community tank because it's a largely inactive, secretive species, …

Rare in the hobby, the bowfin is a stunning specimen fish for the aquarist with the means to house it properly. It is the sole remaining species in the family Amiidae, an ancient and primitive group that is related to the garfish. It possesses the ability to breathe atmospheric air, via an enormous, highly vascularised accessory breathing organ that extends throughout the entire body cavity. The gills are stiffened in order to prevent them collapsing outside the water and, provided it's kep…

The vernacular name of this fish is derived from its appearance and behaviour, rather than a genetic association with the marine barracuda, and it’s also sometimes referred to as ‘pike characin’ or ‘spotted cachorro’ with local vernacular names including ‘Grand dent-chien’ (French Guiana), ‘ Cachorrinho’ or ‘Ueua’ (Brazil).

Although most species of Acestrorhynchus appear superficially similar to one another most exhibit distinguishable external chara…

Puffer fish are so called as they have the ability to inflate their elastic stomachs with water or air. This is usually a response to some kind of threat, although in the aquarium many specimens appear to inflate themselves for no apparent reason. The fish becomes 2 or 3 times its normal size, big enough to scare away many potential predators, or difficult to swallow.

Puffers also have several other interesting adaptations. They are one of the few fish that can actually blink or close their …

Puffer fish are so called as they have the ability to inflate their elastic stomachs with water or air. This is usually a response to some kind of threat, although in the aquarium many specimens appear to inflate themselves for no apparent reason. The fish becomes 2 or 3 times it's normal size, which makes the fish both big enough to scare away many potential predators, and difficult to swallow.

Many parts of the body of puffers contain the deadly neurotoxin tetrodoxin. This is the same …