All fish / Callichthyidae

Flagtail Porthole Catfish

Dianema urostriatum

Also known as flagtail catfish, stripe-tailed catfish, striped tail catfish, flag tail porthole catfish, dianema, flagtail cat, ディアネマ・ウロストリアータ, 旗尾鲶, 条纹尾鲶

This is a slim armoured catfish with a light brown body dotted with small dark spots and a striking forked tail crossed by bold black and white horizontal stripes. Unlike most callichthyids it often hovers in midwater, and keepers value it as a hardy, peaceful shoaling fish for community tanks with South American species.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets and wafers, bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: middle Amazon basin, lower Rio Negro around Manaus

Breeding

Males build bubble nests under floating leaves or plants, where the eggs are laid and then guarded. It is occasionally bred in captivity, usually prompted by cooler, softer water changes that imitate the rainy season.

Good to know

It is timid and does poorly when kept alone or with boisterous tankmates, so provide cover and keep it in a group. Do not confuse it with the porthole catfish Dianema longibarbis, which lacks the striped tail.