More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 3000 litres / 792.52 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 47.0cm / 18.50inches |
| Temperature | 22.5°C / 72.50°F - 26°C / 78.80°F |
| Hardness | 1.01dgH / 18ppm - 20.00dgH / 357ppm |
| pH | 5.5-7.5 |
General Description
The Ageneiosus Inermis, commonly known as Manduba, belongs to the family Auchenipteridae in the order Siluriformes. It can grow up to 47.0 cm in size and is characterized by a truncate caudal fin, absence of mental barbels in adults, and tooth-like odontodes formed by outgrowths of the maxillae on the dorsal margin of the maxillary barbels in breeding males.
Aquarium Setup
For tank setup, the Ageneiosus Inermis prefers dim lighting and access to refuges like driftwood, large rocks, or plastic piping. A large filtration system, regular water changes, and maintaining high dissolved oxygen levels are crucial due to its habitat preferences and inability to respire atmospheric oxygen. (See table for specific water conditions.)
Behaviour
The Manduba species feeds on invertebrates and other fishes, with larger individuals being obligate carnivores capable of consuming large prey items. They are best housed with similarly-sized catfishes or pelagic characins like Brycon, Colossoma, or Piaractus, which is usually feasible only in public aquarium settings.
Feeding and Diet
Ageneiosus Inermis typically feed on live fishes initially but can be transitioned to thawed frozen whitebait, shellfish, or carnivorous pellets. It is advised to avoid mammalian/avian meat or feeder fish like livebearers to prevent disease introduction and ensure adequate nutrition.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
Reproduction in captivity is largely unrecorded, although courtship behavior and mating involve internal fertilization in males using modified genital papillae. Adult males show seasonal sexual modifications, such as extended maxillary barbels with tooth-like odontodes, and structurally modified anal fin rays for mating.
Habitat and Distribution
The Manduba is distributed widely in South America, particularly in river systems like the Amazon and its tributaries, as well as the ríos Tocantins, Orinoco, and Paraná. It inhabits lower sections of river channels and prefers swiftly-flowing stretches with submerged structures or vegetation as observed by sport fishermen.