Large adult fish for sale
The Spotted Talking Catfish
Agamyxis pectinifrons
Native Location: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia & Peru
Climate: Tropical
Maximum Size: 15cm
Temperament: Peaceful - with caution
Diet: Omnivore
Breeding: Moderate
Temperature Range: 22-26℃ (71.6-78.8℉)
Preferred pH Range: 5.5-7.5
Minimum Aquarium Size 200L (120cmX40cmX40cm)
Potential Tankmates: Peaceful Cichlids, Characins and Plecos
Care Level: Easy
The spotted talking catfish, a master of adaptation, inhabits the slow-moving waters of the Amazon Basin, primarily in Peru and Brazil. It thrives in a fine sand and leaf litter substrate, often found among dense aquatic vegetation such as submerged plants and floating mats of water hyacinth. This habitat is shared with other species like tetras, cichlids, and catfish. The spotted talking catfish is notable for its striking appearance, featuring a dark brown to black body adorned with irregular white or yellow spots, giving it a distinct, speckled look. This pattern, a testament to its adaptability, provides effective camouflage among the dappled light and shadow of its natural environment.
Setting up an aquarium for the spotted talking catfish requires replicating their natural Amazonian habitat. Begin with a soft, sandy substrate and add plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, rocks, and clay pots. Incorporate dense aquatic plants like Java fern, Amazon sword, and floating water hyacinths to mimic their natural environment. Gentle lighting is ideal to simulate the dappled light of their native waters, and a good filtration system is necessary to maintain clean, well-oxygenated water.
In the wild, these catfish are omnivores, feeding on insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. At home, provide a varied diet of high-quality sinking pellets, frozen or live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, and occasional vegetable matter to keep them healthy and thriving.
Suitable tankmates include peaceful fish such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and small to medium-sized cichlids, which coexist well with the non-aggressive nature of the spotted talking catfish.
Breeding spotted talking catfish at home can be challenging but rewarding. These fish require a well-maintained environment with stable water conditions to encourage spawning. Your role in maintaining these conditions is crucial. To mimic their natural breeding conditions, simulate the rainy season by gradually lowering the water temperature and increasing water changes. Providing plenty of hiding spots, such as caves and dense plant cover, is crucial, as these fish prefer secluded areas to lay their eggs. Condition the breeding pair with a protein-rich diet, including live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Once the female lays her eggs in a chosen spot, the male will guard them diligently. After about 3-5 days, the eggs will hatch, and the fry will become free-swimming a few days later. Feed the fry with infusoria or finely crushed flake food until they are large enough to accept larger foods. Patience and careful monitoring of water quality is essential throughout the breeding process to ensure the health and survival of both the parents and the fry.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy: In the unfortunate event that your fish arrives dead, please follow these steps: Within 12 hours of the delivery, take clear, unopened bag pictures showing the deceased fish. Send these photographs and your order number to our customer service email at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or to our Facebook page, and we will then offer a refund or store credit for the cost of the fish.
Two-Week Guarantee Policy: We stand behind the health and quality of our fish, which is why we offer a two-week guarantee starting from the day of delivery. If your fish dies within this time frame, adhere to the following procedure: Take clear photos of the deceased fish. Using a reliable test kit, document water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite levels) via a dated image. Please email us the photographs, water parameters, and order number to getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or our Facebook page. After reviewing your claim, if approved, we will issue a store credit for the cost of the fish. Our two-week guarantee does not cover fish deaths due to unsuitable water conditions, incompatible tank mates or "disasters", i.e. a heater overheating. To prevent such situations, we recommend thoroughly researching each fish species' needs before introducing them to your aquarium.
Freight Charges: Please note that shipping or freight charges are non-refundable under all circumstances. We hope this guide makes our refund and guarantee process more understandable. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz. We are always happy to assist. Thank you for choosing The Fish Room. Happy fish keeping!
All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, we treat any health issues that may occur during transport and ensure each fish is eating well and looking healthy. All fish are treated with Flubendazole before finally going on sale.
