Porochilus rendahli

[snowball]

As suggested by Mats here is updated information for Porochilus rendahli, listed incorrectly in the catelog as Neosilurus rendahli.

Much of this is taken from the reference book Freshwater Fishes of North-Eastern Australia (Pusey, Kennard & Arthington, 2004), and incorporated with my own observations (it is not taken verbatim).

cheers,
Andrew


Cat-eLog Data Sheet

Scientific Name: Porochilus rendahli

Common Name(s): Rendahl's Catfish

Synonymns: Neosilurus rendahli, Tandanus rendahli, Copidoglanis rendahli.


Species Information

Size: 240mm TL

Identification: Distinguished from other species in the genera by its concave head that rises ahead of the dorsal fin, giving the fish a hump back appearance. The eyes are positioned closer to the tip of the snout than in other related species.

Appearance can vary from a mottled light grey, typically seen in younger specimens, to smooth dark colour. A light gold / tan hue may be apparant in some specimens, this may be influenced by enviromental factors.


Habitat Information

Distribution: Tropical Northern Australia. Uncommon throughout range.

pH: 5.0 - 8.3

Temperature: 15-34°C or 59-93.2°F

Other Parameters: Best kept in warm water between 26-30°C or 78.8-86°F with a slow current. Tolerant of low pH and low disolved oxygen levels.


Husbandry Information

Feeding: Accepts most prepared and live or frozen foods in captivity. Natural diet predominantly aquatic insects (midge larvae) and micro crustaceans.

Furniture: Studies indicate this species frequently associated with aquatic vegetation. In captivity they prefer to rest in dense bunchs of plants such as Limnophila and Vallisneria. These fish can be prone to sudden bursts of speed when startled so avoid sharp rocks that could cause injury.

Compatibility: Peaceful, one of the less active Plotosidaes kept in captivity. Not an agressive fish, but larger specimens may be territorial amongst themselves.

Suggested Tankmates: Has been recorded in the wild as occuring alongside related species Neosilurus ater, N. hyrtlii and N. mollespiculum. Avoid keeping with agressive fish. Dither fish from the families Melanotaeniidae (rainbowfishes) and Ambassidae (glassfish) are recommended. Smaller Elotridae (gudgeons) from the families Hypseleotris & Morgunda would also be suitable.

Breeding: Not know to have been bred in captivity and little is know of its reproduction in the wild. Matures at 100mm TL for males and 110mm TL for females. Rising temperatures and onset of wet season trigger migration to spawning areas in muddy lowland lagoons. Females contain several hundred to a few thousand eggs, approximately 1.3mm in diameter.

[MatsP]

Thanks for the extra data, that's very useful.

I have updated this for all changes above, except the change of name (something only Jools can do) and the synonym of the current name in the Cat-eLog (as I think that will just confuse things). Oh, and I retained the 200mm SL, as I think that's roughly right with a 240mm TL.

Once Jools does the name-change, I'll move this to resolved.

--
Mats

[Jools]

Once Jools does the name-change, I'll move this to resolved.

Done.

Jools