Species profile

Flagtail Catfish

Dianema urostriatum

Common names: Flagtail Catfish, Flagtail Porthole Catfish, Stripedtail Catfish, Striped-Tailed Catfish

Recognized speciesCatfish

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Adult size

Up to 12.5 cm

Countries of origin

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Good fit for

A keeper who has researched this fish and can match its needs

Think carefully if

You only want to keep one or two, because this fish needs a group of 5 or more
You keep shrimp you want to protect

A peaceful, armoured catfish with a bold black and white striped tail, from the Amazon. Keep a group of at least 5 in 173 litres or more.

Appearance and Identification

A peaceful, armoured catfish with a bold black and white striped tail, from the Amazon. It suits a larger community tank in a group. New imports can be delicate, as they are wild-caught.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Sexes can be hard to tell apart, although females are often rounder.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 690–870 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 175–250 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 173 litres
Minimum tank length: 120 cm
Minimum group size: 5
Recommended group size: 8
Activity level: Low
Flow preference: Low to moderate
Planting preference: Moderately planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: Moderate

Provide caves, wood and shade, because many catfish are active mostly at night.

Behaviour and Tankmates

Usually most active at dusk and after dark, and it hides during the day.

Social needs vary, so see the notes for this species.

Can defend a favourite hiding place.

Check adult size before choosing tankmates, because a catfish may eat anything that fits in its mouth at night. It is likely to eat shrimp.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 25–28 °C
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–20
Stability importance: Important

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable. Keep the temperature steady.

Parameter caveat

Keep up regular water changes, and acclimatise new fish slowly.

Feeding

Diet types: Omnivore
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Sinking pellets or wafersFeed after lights-out if faster fish take everything first.
Frozen bloodworm and brine shrimpOffer several times a week.
Blanched vegetablesCourgette or cucumber add variety for fish that graze.

Feed sinking foods, ideally after lights-out, so that it gets its share.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

Breeding

Breeding type: Bubble Nest
Breeding difficulty: Moderate
Parental care: Bubble-nest care
Baby foods: InfusoriaNeeded for the first days, because most fry are very small.
Newly hatched brine shrimpIntroduce as soon as the fry can take it.

A bubble nester. The male builds a floating nest among plants, spawns with the female beneath it, then guards the eggs and fry. Remove the female afterwards. Fry need tiny foods, and warm, humid air above the water.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Brazil, South America
Natural habitat: Floodplain, Lake, Pond, River
Aquarium contexts: Planted Aquarium
Audience level: Intermediate

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Dianema
Family: Callichthyidae
Species group: Catfish, Fish, Other Catfish

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Good fit for your tank?

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Appearance and Identification

Tank Requirements

Behaviour and Tankmates

Water Parameters

Feeding

Breeding

Habitat and Origin

Classification

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