Acrochordonichthys Rugosus

Datasheet

General Description

The Acrochordonichthys Rugosus, commonly known as the Asian Banjo Catfish, is the most frequently encountered species within its genus in the aquatic trade. Its body coloration is highly variable, making it challenging to distinguish among individuals. These catfish are characterized by interesting adaptations, such as the ability to secrete a milky substance from an axillary pore, which can be lethal to other fish in confined environments like aquariums. They have specialized gill openings that assist in locomotion by channeling water for propulsion.

Aquarium Setup

For setting up an aquarium for Acrochordonichthys Rugosus, a clean and well-oxygenated environment is crucial, requiring an over-sized filter or a rivertank manifold for adequate filtration. The substrate can consist of fine gravel, sand, water-worn rocks, pebbles, and leaf litter. Including aged driftwood, roots, and hardy aquatic plants like Java fern is recommended. Stable water chemistry is essential, making the species unsuitable for immature setups. Regular water changes of 30-50% of the tank volume per week are necessary.

Behaviour

These catfish are not recommended for community tanks due to their predatory nature, posing a chemical risk to other species. They tend to consume smaller tankmates but can coexist with larger, non-aggressive species like members of Devario or Rasbora sumatrana. While not particularly social, they can be kept in groups if the tankmates are too large to be swallowed.

Feeding and Diet

Acrochordonichthys Rugosus are ambush predators by nature and typically accept live or frozen invertebrates like chronomid larvae, Tubifex, and small earthworms in captivity. Targeted feeding may be necessary in community settings due to their sedentary nature and poor competitiveness. Live fish are not required in their diet.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

There are no records of captive breeding for Acrochordonichthys Rugosus, and their natural reproductive behavior remains largely unknown. In terms of sexual dimorphism, males have their anus situated immediately anterior to the genital papilla, while females have a different anatomical arrangement with the anus located more posteriorly.

Habitat and Distribution

These catfish inhabit fast-flowing forest streams with transparent water, sandy or rocky substrates, and submerged driftwood or rocks for shelter. They are primarily nocturnal and have been found in various river drainages across Java, Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Peninsular Malaysia. Acrochordonichthys Rugosus has a wide distribution range from central Java to southern Thailand.