SCOTCAT.COM  

he second month of the new decade (2010) brings us to another indepth look from the catfish world from regular contributor, aquarist and author, Chris Ralph. His subject is the Flyer Cat and certainly one of the more impresive members of the Loricariidae. I now hand you over to Chris.

Pseudolithoxus anthrax is a species that I have not had the pleasure to keep and in my opinion would be an unusual species to keep. It is documented that Museum records state a maximum size of 10cm/4", although it is suggested that the fish can reach twice this size. Whilst this catfish is best suited to soft and acidic water conditions it is generally recognised that as with most other loricariids it is quite adaptable to harder and slightly more alkaline waters when being kept under aquarium conditions. It is suggested that this can be a tricky species to acclimatize to the aquarium. Close attention therefore, must be given to providing this catfish with good water quality with plenty of oxygenation.

Pseudolithoxus anthrax

I would suggest a minimum size of 48” x 18” X 18” for one or two of these catfish, with plenty of hiding places amongst bogwood and plants. The ideal aquarium substrate to use would be aquarium sand such as BD Aquarium Sand. As with all other species of fish, water quality and general husbandry is very important, and I would recommend that a minimum of 25% water is changed on a weekly basis. This fish has similar requirements to other loricariids, so should do well under normal aquarium conditions.

Pseudolithoxus anthrax - head view

Pseudolithoxus anthrax belongs to the family Loricariidae from South America; namely the upper and lower Orinoco tributaries. It is documented that Museum specimens have been collected from the Rio Orinoco drainage in Venezuela, and in the Rio Caura and Rio Aro, which are tributaries of the Orinoco. The type locality is given as Río Orinoco backwater behind sand beach ca. 0.5 hr upstream from Isla Temblador, 3°04'N, 66°28'W.

Pseudolithoxus anthrax prefer to be kept in water which has a slightly acidic pH of around 6.0. A ph range of 6.0-7.2 is documented as being acceptable for this catfish. It is ideally suited to temperatures in the range of 22-25ºC or 71-77ºF.

There are three other species of Pseudolithoxus from Venezuela which were described at the same time as P. anthrax – Pseudolithoxus dumus, Pseudolithoxus tigris and Pseudolithoxus nicoi.

Flyer cat, L235

Lasiancistrus anthrax

Ancistrinae

South America: Venezuela, Upper and lower Orinoco tributaries, Caura and Aro rivers. Type locality: Venezuela, Estado Amazonas, Río Orinoco backwater behind sand beach ca. 0.5 hr. upstream from Isla Temblador, 03º04'N 66º28'W.

20.0cm. (8ins) s.l. (standard length – this is the measurement of the fish from the tip of the snout to the base of the caudal peduncle).

25-29°c (77-85°f.)

The body of Pseudolithoxus is generally described as being flattened or compressed. It is described as having two dorsal spines and seven to eight branched dorsal rays. It is described as having one anal spine and four branched anal raysand there are 24-26 lateral line plates; seven to eight dorsal plates; seven to eight adipose-caudal plates and 12-14 post-anal plates.

Wherever possible I would recommend that the aquarist keep these catfish in a community aquarium as single specimens or as sexed pairs due to their aggressive and territorial nature. These catfish should be kept with other small species of fish which are peaceful and tolerant of fast moving water.

There are no documented reports of aquarium spawnings of Pseudolithoxus anthrax as far as I am aware, most likely due to the rarity of this catfish amongst imports.

Requires a mixed and varied diet which includes meatier foods such as chopped prawns and bloodworm in addition to algae wafers to name but a few.

Adipose is defined as a second dorsal fin.
Anal fin is defined as the medial fin immediately posterior to the anus.
Caudal fin is defined as the tail fin.
Compressed is defined as flattened from side to side.
Dorsal is defined as being top or above.
Dorsal fin is defined as the medial fin on top of the back.
Lateral line is defined as a line of scutes with sensory canals running along the flanks.
Pectoral fins are defined as paired lateral fins.
Scute is defined as a bony plate.
Ventral fins are defined as the paired fins between the pectoral and anal fins.

Pseudolithoxus: Greek, pseudes meaning false + Greek, lithos meaning stone + Greek, oxys meaning sharp.

Photo Credits

Top: © Billy Grant
Bottom: © Chris Ralph