Rama chandramara (Hamilton, 1822)
This small bagrid is the only species in its genera, and is often called by its common name of ‘head-stander catfish’, due to it often being seen foraging and feeding in amongst the substrate in a head down position; although it is comfortable feeding in a horizontal position on free swimming insect larvae and daphnia.
A substrate of Small rounded stones and pebbles; on a base of sand, with small clumps of broad leafed plants and a few pieces of bog wood would make an ideal bio-type for these fishes, as they are not very active unless they are in search of food, and like something to hide in amongst. As these catfish are noted as being slightly timid, tank mates of similar disposition and size should be kept with them.
Water conditions are not crucial as long as it is well filtered, with temperatures between 18°C and 26°C, with pH values between 6 and 7. These little bagrids tend to be at their best when a high level of dissolved oxygen is present in the water. A diet of varied live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, bloodworms, white-worms and grindal- worms should be provided, as they tend not to feed on prepared food. May accept frozen bloodworms.