Habitat: Inhabits
large or small rivers, streams and lagoons. Aquarium
Care: Quite a pretty looking member of the
Pimelodidae family which can grow quite large for
your average community tank so would need a tank of
at least 5 '0" (150cm) long if kept in a group.
Provide hiding places for this 'pim' and you will
be able to see it on the odd occasions when food is
introduced. Peaceful species but not to be trusted
with small fish such as tetras as they will pick them
of at night on their forays so they must be kept with
species larger or compatible with it such as barbs,
gouramis, cichlids and other South American catfish.
Be aware of the dorsal and pectoral spines when handling
as they can inflict painful injuries. Diet:
Feeds on larvae of chironomids and ceratopogonids,
both larvae and adult terrestrial Coleoptera, ants,
mollusks and other fishes. In the aquarium feed most
aquarium fare such as tablet, flake, worm and frozen
foods. Etymology: Hidden, referring
to its misidentification as P.
maculatus (due to presence
of dots) and with species of Iheringichthys
(due to its thick lips). Remarks:
Not seen as yet in imports or misadentified as P.
maculatus.
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Pimelodidae
Distribution:
South America:
Paraná River basin, Rio Uruguay drainage (Argentina,
Brazil and Uruguay). Type locality:
Argentina, Misiones, San Javier, Uruguay River.
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