Banded Banjo Catfish (Platystacus Cotylephorus)
The Banded Banjo Catfish, also known as Eel-tail Banjo Catfish or Whiptail Banjo Catfish, is a fascinating species that brings a unique touch to any freshwater aquarium. It's distinctive appearance and intriguing behavior makes it a standout choice for any aquarist.
The Banded Banjo Catfish mottled coloration is very variable coloration varies from a light tan to a rich brown and even black, almost to the point of no two individuals looking the same. Its body is elongated and flat, with a long slender eel-shaped tail perfect for its bottom-dwelling lifestyle. They are also able to produce bark-like sounds by quickly moving the pectorals. These sounds are probably used to locate each other during mating periods and certainly when being attacked. Adult Banded Banjo Catfish can reach a size of about 12.5 inches.
In terms of personality, the Banded Banjo Catfish is a peaceful and somewhat reclusive species. They are primarily nocturnal and spend their days buried in the sandy substrate. They are not known to be aggressive or territorial, making them a good choice for community tanks. They are solitary fish and do not require the company of their own kind, although they can coexist peacefully with other Banded Banjo Catfish if the tank is large enough.
When considering tank mates for the Banded Banjo Catfish, it's important to choose species that are also peaceful and non-aggressive. Ideal tank mates include medium-sized hardy fish that do not mind the higher pH and hardness this species prefers, such as Central American cichlids and rainbowfish. In the brackish community, it can be kept with archerfish, scats, monos, gobies, and chromides. However, they should not be kept with small fish and shrimp, which they might eat. Additionally, monitor the other tankmates and make sure they are pick away at the partly buried Banded Banjo catfish.
The diet of the Banded Banjo Catfish is carnivorous. They are bottom feeders, scavenging for food that falls to the substrate. Provide a diverse selection of small, protein-rich frozen foods like bloodworms, white and black mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and daphnia, including various sinking catfish pellets or granules for the Banded Banjo Catfish. If other fish are in the aquarium, ensure that the Banded Banjo Catfish gets their share of the food. You can achieve this by directly feeding frozen foods near their hiding spots by using a meat baster to get in closer and offer their meals after the lights have been turned off.
Creating an ideal habitat for the Banded Banjo Catfish involves replicating their natural environment. They prefer a substrate of fine sand, which allows them to burrow and hide. The tank should be decorated with plenty of hiding spots, such as caves, driftwood, slate, terracotta pipes, and smooth rock formations. While they do not require plants for their well-being, live plants can add to the aesthetic appeal of the tank and provide additional cover. The lighting should be kept on the lower side to mimic their natural, dimly lit environment.
In terms of water parameters, the Banded Banjo Catfish is quite adaptable and can live in both fresh and brackish water. The minimum aquarium size for a single Banded Banjo Catfish is 30 gallons, while a community aquarium should be at least 50 gallons to provide ample space. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 8.2, and the hardness should be within 12-25 dGH. The temperature should be maintained between 72-77°F (22-25°C). As mentioned earlier, Banded Banjo Catfish can also be kept under moderately brackish conditions but slowly acclimatize from freshwater to brackish.
To learn more about this fish, be sure to check out the Additional Information tab.
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