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FACTSHEETS: September 2016 - no. 243
Pimelodella gracilis (Valenciennes, 1836) |
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Pimelodella gracilis
This genus is found on both sides of the Andes and there are approximately 78 species ranging from Panama to Paraguay and southern Brazil with one species also occurring in Central America (Pimelodella chagresi). This genus also includes two species of troglobitic catfishes, P. kronei and P. spelaea. This genus has been in confusion for a good number of years now especially with another close member of the Pimelodidae family, Pimelodus. These notes are the following distinguishing characteristics from the two genus. Pimelodella: Adipose fin long, low with a curved margin. The humeral process is long and spiky. Body usually plain with a dark lateral stripe; rather depressed body. Pimelodus: Adipose fin short, high, with a straight or sloping margin. Humeral process broad, triangular. Body variously patterned, usually quite deep.
Pimelodella gracilis - head view
The genus Pimelodella used to be a sub-family member of the Pimelodidae before being given full family status.
|
genera
we have not covered before in this factsheet series
is the Pimelodella
from the South American Heptapteridae family
and probably because there is not a lot known about
them, identification wise anyway, and although some
make it into the hobby they are not that well represented
in your local fish stores.
Pimelodella is the largest genus in the family,
however, it is very much in need of taxonomic revision.
Common Name |
Graceful pimelodella |
Synonyms |
Pimelodus gracilis |
Family |
Heptapteridae |
Subfamily |
- |
Distribution |
South America: Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata basins, Argentina, Brazil and Peru. |
Size |
17.0cm. (6¾ins) |
Temp. |
20-24°C (67-75°F) |
p.H. |
6.0-7.0. |
Characteristics |
Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 14 - 15. Adipose fin long, low with a curved margin. The humeral process is long and spiky, rather depressed body. Three pairs of barbels. Caudal fin deeply forked. |
Colouration |
Body usually plain with a dark lateral stripe running through the body from the snout to the caudal peduncle. |
Aquarium Care & Compatibility |
| Provide hiding places such as pots and rockwork and if desired, floating plant cover. Fish companions should be as large as not to be seen as potential victims in their night time forays around the tank. Treat as you would do with any member of the Pimelodus in that they will be predatory on small fishes in the aquarium and it is also better to keep them in small groups rather than singularly, as this will dilute the aggression. |
Reproduction |
Not reported. |
Sexual Diferences |
Not reported. |
Diet |
| Will eat any aquarium prepared foods such as tablets, pellets, frozen and live foods. Not fussy eaters. |
Glossary of Terms |
Adipose
fin: Fleshy finlike projection without rays,
behind the rayed dorsal fin. |
Etymology |
| Pimelodella:
Pimel = fat; odella = a little tooth,
(a little Pimelodus). |
References |
Baensch,
H.A. and R. Riehl, 1985. Aquarien atlas.
Band 2. Mergus, Verlag für Natur-und Heimtierkunde
GmbH, Melle, Germany. 1216 p. |
Photo Credits |
© Johnny
Jensen @ |
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ScotCat Sources
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