Un peu plus d'informations...

The Agamyxis pectinifrons, also known as the Spotted Talking Catfish, is a South American armored catfish valued for its spotted appearance and unusual vocalizations. This nocturnal species spends much of the day concealed, then explores the bottom in search of food. It suits a peaceful community aquarium with hiding places, a soft substrate, and stable water conditions. The specimens offered are collected from the wild. Fairly common in the aquarium trade, this catfish remains an appealing choice for aquarists who enjoy observing the discreet behavior of bottom-dwelling fish.

General species description

The Agamyxis pectinifrons is a South American catfish in the family Doradidae, recognizable by its sturdy body protected by rows of bony plates. It is primarily a nocturnal, bottom-dwelling fish, spending the day inside a shelter, beneath roots, or among fallen leaves. After dark, it becomes more active and searches the substrate with its barbels. Its English name refers to the sounds it can produce when handled or when moving its pectoral fins. In an aquarium it is generally peaceful, although adequate bottom space is important, and tank mates small enough to be swallowed should be avoided.

Geographical origin and habitat

This species comes from the Peruvian Amazon basin and nearby areas of the western Amazon. It inhabits slow to moderately calm waters, often colored by organic matter and decomposing leaves. Its habitat may include flooded forest margins, backwaters, areas filled with roots, and bottoms covered with plant debris. The water is usually soft, slightly acidic to neutral, and warm. To recreate these conditions, an aquarium with wood, shelters, and subdued lighting is more suitable than a very open display with little cover.

Precise location and local name

In Peru, the Agamyxis pectinifrons is associated with lowland Amazonian environments and forested tributaries on the eastern Andean slope. Dense riparian vegetation often casts considerable shade over the water and contributes leaves and branches to the submerged habitat. In Portuguese-speaking Amazonian regions, doradid catfish of this type are commonly called cuiu-cuiu, a vernacular name associated with their characteristic sounds. The English name, Spotted Talking Catfish, refers to both its spotted pattern and its ability to produce audible noises. In an aquarium, these sounds are normal and do not necessarily indicate a problem.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is stout, slightly flattened along the underside, and covered with bony plates. The base coloration ranges from grayish brown to dark brown, with numerous irregular pale spots across the body and fins. The head is broad, the eyes suit mainly crepuscular and nocturnal activity, and several barbels surround the mouth. The pectoral fins have reinforced, sharp rays and should be handled carefully because they can become caught in a net. Adults reach a moderate length, but their robust build still makes adequate bottom area important in the aquarium.

General diet

The Agamyxis pectinifrons is an opportunistic omnivore that searches for food on the bottom. Its natural diet includes aquatic invertebrates, small organisms associated with plant debris, and various organic materials. In aquaria, it readily accepts sinking wafers, bottom-feeder pellets, and frozen foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp. Feeding is best done after the lights go out, when the species becomes active. A varied diet supports good condition. Uneaten food should be removed to protect water quality, especially in an aquarium where other fish quickly consume food offered near the surface.

Essential data

• Native river name: Peruvian Amazon basin
• Local name used: Cuiu-cuiu
• Origin of the scientific name: The genus name is associated with Greek roots referring to body texture or structures; the specific epithet describes the frontal region of the head.
• Full-name etymology: Agamyxis is formed from Greek roots; pectinifrons refers to a comb-like structure on the forehead.
• Common/vernacular names: Spotted Talking Catfish, spotted talking catfish, cuiu-cuiu
• Family: Doradidae
• Subfamily: Doradinae
• Name pronunciation: ag-ah-MIX-iss - pek-tin-ih-fronz
• Discovery: Edward Drinker Cope, 1870
• Maximum adult size: About 15 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 22 to 28 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Shaded, slow-moving water bordered by forest, with submerged roots, branches, and leaves
• Typical tank mates: Corydoras agassizi, Otocinclus cocama, Pterophyllum scalare, Hemigrammus rhodostomus
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful, secretive, and nocturnal; may produce sounds and hide during daylight
• Water depth: Shallow to moderately deep areas near submerged structures
• Sexual dimorphism: Limited; mature females may have a rounder belly
• Bottom structure and flow: Sandy or muddy bottom covered with leaves and debris; slow to moderate flow

In your aquarium

For successful care of the Agamyxis pectinifrons, provide a mature aquarium with a non-abrasive substrate, several shelters, and effective filtration without excessive current. Roots, tubes, and pieces of wood allow it to remain hidden during the day. Because it is a spiny and vocal catfish, use a suitable net and avoid trapping it in the mesh. Warm, stable, well-oxygenated water combined with sinking evening meals supports acclimation. Take care when choosing very small fish or aggressive tank mates, since either combination can create problems over time.