A-acrochordon-hd
Acrochordonichthys rugosus (Bleeker, 1847)
A_rugosus-2


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 melanogaster
Acrochordonichthys platycephalus - Acrochordonichthys pleurostigma
Acrochordonichthys Varius - Acrochordonichthys zonatus