PlanetCatfish.com - Trachelyopterus fisheri (Auchenipteridae) Cat-eLog

Male
Female
Female
Female
Male
Pair, male in foreground
Mating behaviour
Close-up of head
Video: Spawning embrace

Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name	**Trachelyopterus fisheri** (Eigenmann, 1916)
Common Name	Fisher's Woodcat
Type Locality	Río Sucio, Colombia.
Synonym(s)	Parauchenipterus fisheri, Trachycorystes fisheri
Pronunciation	fish err eye
Etymology	Trachelyopterus: From the Greek, trachelos, meaning neck and pteron, meaning fin; in reference to the long cranial shield, which gives the appearance that the dorsal fin originates at the neck region. The specific epithet is named after the American entrepreneur Carl Graham Fisher.
Articles	- CotM 2007 March
Species Information
Size	280mm or 11" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification	This is by far the most slender of all Trachelyopterus species. Another feature that gives its identity away is the terminal mouth, whereas other Trachelyopterus species have a slightly superior mouth (see also General notes).
Sexing	Males have a genital papilla, thickened maxillary barbels, spawning tubercles on the barbels and on top of the head and a curved, enlarged dorsal spine which can be moved up and forward. Also their nape is bent upwards, as can be seen in Tetranematichthys and Ageneiosus spp. Females grow larger and display a plainer colour pattern.
General Remarks	In terms of general captive behaviour, this species doesn't resemble its congeners, but is more easily compared to the larger Auchenipterichthys and smaller ageneiosids. It's a very gentle species that glides through the water and never displays the hastiness which is so typical for other members of its genus. Moreover, the nape and the enlarged dorsal spine make it look more like an Ageneiosus or a Tetranematichthys. See also TFH August 1982, pages 84-89, Burgess and Azuma: The first spawning of the woodcat, Trachycorystes insignis [sic] The same pictures and a very short summary of the article can be found in An Atlas of Marine and Freshwater Catfishes (1989), pages 586-589, Burgess. In this book, the fish is named Parauchenipterus fisheri, which was the correct name at the time.
Habitat Information
Distribution	South America: Suico River basin. Colombia Caribbean Rivers, Atrato, Sucio (click on these areas to find other species found there) Login to view the map.
IUCN Red List Category	Least Concern , range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2014.
pH	6.0 - 7.0
Temperature	22.0-32.0°C or 71.6-89.6°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters	Generally undemanding.
Husbandry Information
Feeding	This species is not shy and can regularly be seen during the day, especially when being fed. All prepared and frozen foods are taken. Like all Auchenipterids - being surface feeders - they are particularly fond of insects and their larvae. User data.
Furniture	Large pieces of driftwood as hiding places. See to it that there is also plenty of swimming space. The aquarium shouldn't be too brightly lit.
Compatibility	Despite their size these fish are very gentle, social and peaceful. Smaller fish may, however, be eaten, due to the fact that they rest at night while these woodcats are on the move.
Suggested Tankmates	Non-agressive fish and fishes that aren't too small.
Breeding	Has been recorded (see Reference notes). Like other Auchenipterids, these fish have internal fertilization. The bodies are wrapped around each other and to stay in position the male uses its barbels, dorsal spine and spawning tubercles. The actual mating lasts for about 30 seconds or less. Four weeks later the female lays her eggs. The parents will neither look after their eggs nor eat them.
Breeding Reports	There are 7 breeding reports, read them all here.
Further Information
Reference	Annals of the Carnegie Museum v. 10 (nos 1-2) (art. 6), pp 82.
Registered Keepers	There are 43 registered keepers, view all "my cats" data.
Wishlists	Love this species? Click the heart to add it to your wish list. There are 10 wishes to keep this species, see who wants what.
Spotters	Spotted this species somewhere? Click the binoculars! There are 29 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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Last Update	2025 Jan 02 01:38 (species record created: 2003 Aug 24 00:00)