his
species from the Auchenipteridae family was known
for many years as Tatia creutzbergi. It wasoriginally described by Eigenmann & Allen
in 1942 as Centromochlus gyrinus based on
a single specimen from Iquitos, Peru. Nearly a decade
latter, Boeseman (1953) described Centromochlus
creutzbergi based on a specimen from Suriname,
but without a comparison to Centromochlus gyrinus.
Mees in 1974 transferred both species to the genus
Tatia, based on similarities in fin ray counts
and the shape of the adipose fin. For many years the
Amazonian T. gyrina was known only from its
holotype. The holotype of T. gyrina is old
and has lost its colour. The specimen, however, is
a mature male, with a modified anal fin that is similar
in appearance to the anal fin of specimens from Suriname
identified as T. creutzbergi.
Tatia
gyrina
Recent sampling of Amazon
igarapés has made available more specimens,
including adults, which has allowed for a more detailed
morphological comparison of Amazon and Suriname
populations. The new material indicates that T.
creutzbergi from Suriname and T. gyrina
from the Amazon are morphologically very similar
and hereby considered conspecific under the older
name of Tatia gyrina. (Soares et.al.)
This is a very nicely marked
small species which is not that common in the hobby.
In the Amazon populations, however, the dark stripe
is interrupted in some specimens, whereas in all
Suriname specimens examined the dark stripe is always
present and conspicuous. In some Suriname specimens
the pelvic-fin base has a characteristic darkened
area, with paired brown spots. These markings are
especially obvious in specimens recently captured.
Tatia
gyrina
- showing close up of the
dark brown lateral stripe
Available field
data indicate these catfish typically occur in water
with low pH, low conductivity and low level of dissolved
oxygen (J. Zuanon & H. Nijssen).
Remarks:
In some quarters Tatia creutzbergi (from
Suriname) is not viewed as a junior synonym of T.
gyrina and is held up as a species in its own
right.
South America:
Upper and central Amazon, in Peru, Colombia and Brazil.
It is also found in rivers of northern Suriname.
Type locality:
Rio Itaya, Iquitos, Peru (type locality of T.
creutzbergi is Djaikreek, Suriname River system,
Suriname).
Size
5.0cm
(2ins)
Temp.
21-24c (69-75f)
p.H.
5.5-6.5.
Characteristics
8-11 anal fin rays; pectoral
fin rays 1,4; dorsal and pectoral fin spines with
well developed teeth and hooks; upper surface of head
and nuchal region covered with bony plates; caudal
fin shallowly forked.
Colouration
Body colouration diagnostic
with upper surface of heads and back dull brown and
sides longitudinally marbled brown and white, a conspicuous
broad blackish longitudinal band on the sides.
Aquarium
Care & Compatibility
Good filtration with a moving
surface are recommended to keep the oxygen levels
high. Peaceful species that will hide away during
the day. Best kept in small groups. Give them small
pipes, and they do seem to like to hide in the crevices
of bogwood as well. They appear to be happier if they
can jam themselves in with the use of their pectoral
fins. Community tanks are fine for this species, they
come well recommended but don't expect to see them
too often.
Reproduction
Internal fertilisation.
The female usually place its adhesive eggs on the
underside of wood with no broodcare after the event.
Sexual
Differences
The anal fin is the key to
the sexual dimorphism of this genus, if you think of
the male and female of most livebearer fish (Goodeidae
family) and you will not be too far away with this assumption.
The female has a normal anal fin but the males are modified
into a copulatory organ with the first and second ray
thickened and longer, it is thought that the male uses
this to clasp the female during the spawning embrace.
Diet
In its native habitat they
feed on small invertebrates and crustaceans and in
the aquarium they will eat anything given such as
frozen bloodworm inserted in to their hideaway, catfish
tablets, white worm (sparingly) and prawns and shrimp.
They do like their food and you can see them shooting
out of their hideouts and swimming in a frenzied manner
to try and take all for themselves, especially when
you feed them their favourite food, frozen bloodworm.
Glossary
of Terms
Anal fin:
The median, unpaired, ventrally
located fin that lies behind the anus, usually on the
posterior half of the fish. Caudal fin:
The tail. Dorsal fin: The primary rayed fin(s)
on top of the body. Nuchal:
Area between the skull and dorsal fin. Pectoral fins: The paired fins just
behind the head.
Etymology
Tatia:
In honour of Mr. C. Tate Regan. gyrina: Latinisation of
gyrinos, tadpole, presumably referring to its tadpole-like
shape.
References
Baensch,
H.A. and R. Riehl,
1991. Aquarien atlas. Bd. 3. Melle: Mergus, Verlag
für Natur-und Heimtierkunde, Germany. 1104 p.
Mol, H.A. Jan, The Freshwater Fishes
of Suriname. BRILL, Leiden Boston, 2012. 889 p. Sarmento-Soares, Luisa
Maria; Martins-Pinheiro, Ronaldo Fernando
A systematic revision of Tatia (Siluriformes:
Auchenipteridae: Centromochlinae) Neotropical Ichthyology,
6(3):495- 542, 2008.
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