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Porthole Catfish
Dianema urostriata
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Siluriformes›Callichthyidae
📍 Rio Negro & Rio Madeira, Brazil
Graceful, whiskered catfish with a row of dark spots along the lateral line and a striking black-and-white striped tail. A mid-water swimmer unlike most callichthyids. Peaceful and active in groups.
Care Guide
Diet
Porthole catfish are omnivores that accept high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in a few minutes. Supplement with vegetable matter occasionally, such as blanched zucchini or cucumber slices.
Behavior
These catfish are unusually active mid-water swimmers for the Callichthyidae family, often seen cruising through open water rather than hugging the substrate. They are peaceful and social, thriving in groups of at least 4 individuals where they exhibit schooling behavior and reduced stress. They are primarily nocturnal but become more active during feeding times.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require specific water conditions, mature tanks with dense vegetation, and careful pair selection. Fry are extremely difficult to raise due to their small size and specific dietary requirements.
Tank Mates
Similar water parameters and peaceful temperament; small size means no predation risk
Shares preference for slightly acidic water and peaceful community environment
Peaceful algae eater with identical water requirements and non-aggressive behavior
Peaceful invertebrate that occupies different ecological niche; avoid if shrimp are very small
Peaceful dwarf cichlid with overlapping temperature range; generally ignores catfish
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature to 28-30°C gradually, perform daily 25% water changes, use ich medication as directed; maintain good water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent partial changes, reduce stocking density, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate filtration
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, torn fins
Perform 50% water change, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate if possible; maintain pristine water conditions
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, weight loss, visible parasites, clamped fins
Use anti-parasitic medication appropriate for catfish, perform frequent water changes, quarantine affected fish; avoid overfeeding
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- diet
- omnivore
- maxSize
- 4 inches
- minTankSize
- 30 gallons
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)
Temperature
72–79°F
22–26°C