£10.00
Out of stock
Upperside brownish, flanks yellow-brown, underside yellowish. 5 transverse stripes composed of large, dark blotches which may more or less run together. A few rows of prominent spots between the bolder rows of blotches. Fins yellowish to reddish-brown. Dorsal and caudal fin with rows of dark spots.
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The dwarf giraffe catfish was formerly placed in the genus Parauchenoglanis, but was placed in a separate genus on the basis of distinct (mostly osteological) morphological differences. Because of the taxonomic history, the dwarf giraffe catfish has often been confused with Parauchenoglanis guttatus (which is very rarely imported for the aquarium trade, if at all).
Like many other catfishes, dwarf giraffe cats are very shy and will spend most of the daylight hours hiding (although they can be coaxed out by food). The dwarf giraffe cat enjoys digging the substrate in search of food, like its bigger cousin, the giraffe catfish (Auchenoglanis occidentalis), so it is a good idea to make sure that any plants in the tank are potted (or otherwise well secured). Like many other catfishes, they are greedy eaters and have little trouble with most foods (including smaller tankmates if possible). They are not too particular about water conditions and will do well in mildly acid to mildly alkaline conditions.
Although dwarf giraffe cats are reportedly territorial in small groups, they have been successfully maintained so in aquaria. The secret to maintaining them happy and harmonious is to provide enough hiding spaces for all so that they can mark out enough territory. Of course, the sizes that the fish can grow to usually means that it is practical to keep only one or two fish in the average home aquarium. Apart from fishes small enough to be eaten, they get along well with other fish (provided that there aren’t too many bottom dwellers competing for hiding spaces in the tank). They feel right at home in a west African concept tank, together with fishes such as Synodontis, Alestes, Barbus, Ctenopoma, and Pelvicachrormis.
