Acrochordonichthys Septentrionalis

Datasheet

General Description

Acrochordonichthys septentrionalis, commonly known as the Mae Klong Chameleon Catfish, belongs to the family Akysidae. These catfish are known for their variable body coloration, shedding their skins periodically, and possessing unique adaptations such as the secretion of a milky substance as a defensive mechanism. They are relatively small with a maximum size of around 10.0cm and fall under the classification order Siluriformes.

Aquarium Setup

For maintaining Acrochordonichthys septentrionalis in captivity, an aquarium with a minimum size of 80 litres is recommended. The tank should have clean, well-oxygenated water, and using an oversized filter or a rivertank manifold for filtration is essential. The recommended water parameters include a hardness of 0-179ppm, pH ranging from 5.0-7.0, and a temperature between 17.5-24°C (see table). A substrate of fine gravel or sand, water-worn rocks, pebbles, leaf litter, aged driftwood, and aquatic plants like Java fern, Crinum, and Anubias are suitable for their habitat. Regular water changes of 30-50% tank volume per week are crucial for maintaining stable water conditions.

Behaviour

Acrochordonichthys septentrionalis is not recommended for community tanks due to their predatory nature and the chemical risk they pose to other species. They tend to consume smaller tankmates and are best kept in larger setups with non-aggressive species like Devario or members of the Rasbora sumatrana group. These catfish are not highly social but can coexist with conspecifics if they are large enough to avoid being preyed upon.

Feeding and Diet

Being ambush predators by nature, these catfish accept live or frozen invertebrates such as chronomid larvae, Tubifex, and small earthworms in captivity. Specifically targeting feeding is necessary in a community setting since these catfish are sedentary and poor competitors. They do not require live fishes for sustenance and tend to respond well to food placed directly in front of them.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

There are no records of captive breeding for Acrochordonichthys septentrionalis, and their natural reproductive behavior remains largely unknown. In terms of sexual dimorphism, males have the anus situated immediately anterior to the genital papilla, which is positioned posterior to the pelvic fin base, while females have a different anatomical configuration.

Habitat and Distribution

These catfish are native to the Mae Klong River, originating from the Khwae Noi River in western Thailand. They are possibly endemic to the Mae Klong drainage basin, and there are questionable records of their presence in other rivers in Peninsular Malaysia. In their natural habitat, A. septentrionalis prefers fast-flowing forest streams with transparent water, sandy or rocky substrates, and submerged driftwood or rocks for shelter. Observations suggest they are primarily nocturnal in both captivity and the wild.