H-horai-hd
Erethistes horai (misra 1976)
H.horai-1

This is the heavy weight of the Erethistini that enters our local fish stores, being overall somewhat wider, deeper and longer than any of its family members.
These catfish are in colour generally dark grey, interspersed alternatively with lighter grey and whitish bands. The pectoral fins may have brownish dappling to them. There are many fine granulations running along the body parallel either side of the lateral line, The first rows directly either side of the lateral line can be seen, if the catfish is in excellent health and condition with the naked eye, the remaining rows are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye, these granulations are evident when viewed from above. When in motion the body seems to elongate.

A substrate of fine sand and a intersperse of small rounded rocks and pebbles, with grass like plants intermittently planted amongst the substrate, makes an ideal biotype for them to live in. Medium sized fish like Barbus bimaculatus, Barbus conchonius and the like make excellent tank mates. Good water quality is essential in keeping these catfish for any length of time, as they tend not to tolerate too well nitrate levels above 25mg/l. Ideally a pH range from 6.7 to 7.2 and a GH between 6 and 12 should be provided. Temperature is not critical as long as there is a high level of dissolved oxygen present at the higher temperatures, however; they seem more at home in the cooler temperatures of between 18°C and 22°C.


A diet of varied live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, white worms and small earth worms should be provided as they tend not to feed on prepared food.

Synonyms

Hara horai