All fish / Auchenipteridae

Tatia intermedia

Tatia intermedia

Also known as driftwood catfish, intermediate driftwood catfish, snowflake woodcat, woodcat, tatia catfish, centromochlus intermedius, タティア・インターメディア, 中间塔提亚猫

A small, stocky driftwood catfish with a dark brown body sprinkled with pale spots and a broad flat head. It hides in wood crevices by day and comes out at night, so it suits keepers who enjoy shy, unusual catfish in a calm community tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Small group of 3 or more

Diet

Carnivore: frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, small insects and sinking pellets fed after lights out

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon and Orinoco basins and the Guianas (Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana)

Breeding

Males use a modified anal fin to fertilise the female internally, after which she lays eggs in a hidden crevice. Captive spawning has been reported only occasionally and is not easily planned.

Good to know

Nocturnal and rarely seen unless given tight hiding places such as hollow wood; it may eat very small fish or fry. Some authors place it in Centromochlus, so it can be sold under that name.