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Steven Grant (3) Karsten Schönherr (1) Devya Hemraj (1) Erling Holm (1)

Description: The caudal fin is somewhat variable, usually scalloped with rounded (or at least not very sharp) lobes, the upper one the larger. Colouration: Dark brown markings on a light brown background. The pale band across the nape is irregular, running zigzag and in a few specimens it is actually interrupted, the dark area on the head and predorsal region being in contact across it. The dark area below the dorsal fin is a peculiar four cornered shape when the fish is viewed from above. A dark area on the adipose fin and just below, with a light patch at the origin of the adipose fin. The dark band across the caudal peduncle is always more or less triangular in shape. The dark markings on the body are enhanced by the fact that just around them the background is paler than elsewhere on the body, almost white instead of light brown. Dorsal fin with a dark bar about one third halfway up, caudal fin with a dark vertical bar about one third from end, all the fins are minutely spotted. Habitat: Occurs in forest creeks with little current; living on the bottom which is covered with decaying leaves. Aquarium Care: Hiding places such as rockwork, plants and or wood will benefit this species and help, along with regular water changes, to keep it happy in its surroundings. A good addition to the medium sized community tank, and will not harm the occupants unless they are small enough to fit into its mouth such as newly born fry and young fish. If you keep livebearers such as Guppies and Platies in with them you will very rarely be overrun with fry as the Dwarf marbled catfish will promptly finish them off on its night time prowls. Diet: Can be fed a varied diet of tablet food, pellets, worm foods and frozen food such as bloodworm.

Dwarf marbled catfish

None

Pseudopimelodidae

South America: Essequibo River basin and rivers of French Guiana. Type locality: Below Packeoo Falls, British Guiana.

7.0cm. (3¾ins)

21-25°C (69-77°F)

6.0-7.5.

Catfish Association of Great Britain: Information Book 4. 1978. 23p.
Ferraris, C.J. Jr., 2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628.