Auchenoglanis Biscutatus
Auchenoglanis Biscutatus occurs naturally in the Niger, Nile and Lake Chad basins. There are reports that these fish have also been found in Lake Tanganyika in Africa. These catfish prefer to stay in fast currents and in lakes with clear water.
The Auchenoglanis Biscutatus has an elongated body with an elongated head. The coloration is gray with numerous brown spots. The body of large specimens is brown on the sides and white above and below. The fins have distinct small, closely spaced spots that do not merge to form stripes. The mouth is small. The whiskers are dark. The lower part of the head is white, including the lower lip. Sexual differences are not expressed. In nature reach a length of over 50 cm.
Auchenoglanis biscutatus can be kept in an aquarium of at least 200 liters. As a substrate using fine sand, poured a layer of 3-4 cm from the top of the sand poured a small amount of fine pebbles, because catfish during feeding take it in his mouth sucking a variety of small micro-organisms living on them. The fish are very fond of digging in the substrate, which, in principle, they do during the activity period. Place large stones and snags along the back wall of the aquarium as a refuge for the fish. Various plants, e.g. ferns such as Microsorum "Windelov", etc., can be tied to the snags.
Auchenoglanis bicutatus are peaceful fish. They can be kept singly or in groups of 3 or 4. During recreation, each fish sits in its own shelter driving out of it all his relatives. Possible content in a common aquarium with Distichodus decemmaculatus, various cichlids. Should not be kept with labeos, which depress catfish, up to death.
Auchenoglanis bicutatus have a crepuscular lifestyle, but may be kept even during the day if you carefully position shelters, as the fish do not hide.
Water parameters: temperature 22-25° C, hardness dH 5-20°, pH 7,0-8,0. Requires filtration, aeration and weekly replacement of 1/5 of the aquarium water with fresh. Also in the aquarium, create a small water current by directing the withdrawal nozzle of the water filter along the back wall of the aquarium.
Auchenoglanis bicutatus feed on silt, litter, insects, particularly chironomid larvae and molluscs. In aquariums, they can easily become accustomed to their meal, e.g. fish pieces, shrimps and mussels. Feed the fish in the evening once a day.
Reproduction
Auchenoglanis bicutatus do not breed in the aquarium. All fish that occasionally appear in trade are supplied to the domestic market from their natural habitat.
