Acrochordonichthys
rugosus (Bleeker,
1847)
This is one of the larger Akysidae catfishes. Overall colouration
and markings vary from specimen to specimen, but generally, the
head and body is brown, occasionally with small darker brown
patches randomly scattered on the head, with a brown ‘saddle’ over
the adipose fin; in some specimens this saddle is replaced by a
series of brown spots or patch. The underneath is without spots and
somewhat lighter in colour. The head is covered with small randomly
placed granulations, with the body having five or six longitudinal
rows of these granulations on it. A substrate of sand, mixed with
small rounded stones and pebbles, and containing some dried oak or
beech leaves would make an ideal biotype for these fishes. In the
wild these fishes are ambush predators that feed on small loaches
and the like, so care should be taken when selecting tank mates,
fish such as Rasbora rasbora and medium sized barbs make ideal take
mates. These catfishes do better in water among the cooler
temperature ranges (18ºC to 24ºC) having neutral pH and plenty of
water movement. However, it is important to note that very good
water conditions are paramount if one wishes to keep these
catfishes in the best possible condition. These Asian banjo’s as
they are often referred to, do not accept prepared foods, therefore
a diet of live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworm, white worm and
earthworms should be offered.
Synonyms
Acrochordonichthys
buettikoferi - Acrochordonichthys
melanogasterAcrochordonichthys
platycephalus - Acrochordonichthys
pleurostigmaAcrochordonichthys
Varius - Acrochordonichthys zonatus