What's my woody?

[Viktor Jarikov]

...

[Bijn]

as far as I can see:

Trachelyopterus galeatus

[Marc van Arc]

Confirmed.

[Viktor Jarikov]

Thank you, guys! Wow, huge coloration variations.

Cat-eLog: Colouration is key to this fish; it has set out to imitate a piece of wood and certainly succeeds. Youngsters especially are hard to spot and spend most of their time crammed into woody crevices. The pattern and colouration of this fish is very variable. Firstly, amongst individuals as environmental parameters such as water and lighting change. Secondly, in the wild it has a huge distribution range of pretty much most of tropical South America. This gives rise to many regional colour variations.

[Viktor Jarikov]

After two years and some months, I got to see this fish again (http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/view ... =4&t=36786). Would appreciate the ID confirmation.

[Marc van Arc]

Confirmed.

[Viktor Jarikov]

Out of the four galeatus we obtained when still in New York State 12 years ago, one is still with us. It's probably the smaller male (if our 12"-er was a female), perhaps around 6"-7", missing an eye - a work of a gar pond mate of 9 years ago.

So the cat is around 12-13 years old.

Doesn't matter the age of the number of eyes, hates the daylight still the same. Jams in a crevice somewhere all day long.

[bekateen]

12-13 years old! Impressive. Thanks for sharing.

Yeah, as socialites go, wood cats suck (as do Microglanis).

Cheers, Eric

[Viktor Jarikov]

That's funny.

...

IDK what happened but our last galeatus developed some form of bloat or swelling and died. I never saw it in the last tank where it's been hiding in decorations for the last half a year. Literally, never. I even thought it wasnt feeding either, but apparently it was as it hasnt lost any weight.

It made a showing only a few days, surprisingly during the day, before perishing. Now I know why. It was unwell.

Final size 8", about 12-13 years old.