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FACTSHEETS: May 2006 - no. 119

Chrysichthys ornatus Boulenger, 1902

ur factsheet this month (May 2006) centers on a former member of the Bagridae family and one of the nicest looking "Bagrids" around as its common and specific name entails "The Ornate Bagrid". The genus Chrysichthys was split off from Bagridae by Mo in 1991 along with all of the African Bagrids bar one and is now housed in the Claroteidae family. You can find out more in the Ichthyology articles section titled The Family Claroteidae.

Chrysichthys ornatus

Chrysichthys ornatus

This is not one of your "Tankbusters" as it will grow only to 9ins (22.5cm) standard length (SL) but in saying that, this is a predator when adult in the aquarium, so you will need to account for this when purchasing this species.

It has often been confused with a South American "Pim" from the Heptapteridae family, Goeldiella eques, the "Fox Face Pimelodella". The difference of course is that the African species, C. ornatus, has an extra pair of barbels in having nasal barbels, a shorter adipose fin and a different head shape. (see below).

Goeldiella eques= larger adisose fin

Goeldiella eques - larger adisose fin

Chrysichthys ornatus = nasal barbels

Chrysichthys ornatus - nasal barbels

Goeldiella eques - no nasal barbels

Could be used in a fishhouse environment as a feeder for an overrun of Livebearer fry but would be quite happy on commercial foods. Quite tolerant of water parameters but very shy and would need the usual good husbandry and tank regime of weekly water changes and the keeping of the filtration up to the mark.

This bagrid is not usually available in aquatic outlets so would be quite a find if you could spot any on your "Fish hunting" travels.

Common Name

Ornate bagrid

Synonyms

Chrysichthys pictus

Family

Claroteidae

Subfamily

Distribution

Africa: Congo River system below Stanley Falls. Type locality: l’Ubangi à Banzyville [et] Monsembé, Haut Congo.

Size

22.5cm (9ins)

Temp

20-25°C (67-77°F)

p.H.

6.5-7.2.

Hardness

up to 17°dGH

Characteristics

Dorsal: 1/6; Anal: 11-13, 6-8 branched. Body elongate, anteriorly hardly compressed, posteriorly strongly so. Dorsal and anal fins short. Dorsal and pectoral fins with stout spines. Ventral fins inserted behind the dorsal. Adipose fin present. 4 pairs barbels ( 1 pair nasal, 1 maxillary, 2 mandibular). Jaws with teeth arranged in bands. Pallete toothed.

Colouration

Alternation of large, irregular, dark brown to black blotches and pale, yellowish to brownish blotches, with further small dark spots among them. Belly dirty white. Fins pale with irregular dark spots; each lobe of the caudal with a blurred dark longitudinal band.

Aquarium Care & Compatibility

Not to be trusted with smaller tankmates. Would do better with larger African Tetras or Cichlids. Give it a choice of hiding places to make it feel more comfortable in its surroundings as it can be nocturnal.

Sexual differences

Not recorded but I would surmise that females would be heavier when in breeding condition.

Reproduction

Not recorded.

Diet

Frozen shrimp and mussels. Frozen bloodworm pellets and tablet food.

Etymology

Chrysichthys: Chrysos = gold; ichthys = fish.
ornatus: Ornate; decorated.

Glossary of Terms

Nasal barbels: Barbels on top of the head, by the nostrils.
Nocturnal: Active at night.
Standard length (SL): Standard length as measured from the snout to the caudal peduncle.

References

Baensch, H.A. and R. Riehl 1985 Aquarien atlas. Band 2. Mergus, Verlag für Natur- und Heimtierkunde GmbH, Melle, Germany. 1216 p.
Sands, David: Catfishes of The World, Vol.5 Bagridae and Others. p. 77.
Sterba, Günther Dr.; 1 Sterba's freshwater fishes of the world.

Photo Credits

Chrysichthys ornatus: © Chris Ralph
Goeldiella eques (1): © Robin Warne
Goeldiella eques (2): © Johnny Jensen @

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ScotCat Sources

Etymology-genera

Etymology-specific name

Online Sources

Fishbase

Catalog of Fishes

GBIF

Fishnet2

iNaturalist