[JessEmmyRyan]

Species Name: Trachycorystes insignis

Common Name: Wood Catfish

Size: Up To 6" (15 cm)

pH: 5.8-7.7 (6.9), 2-18 dH (10)

Minimum Recommended Tank Size: A 36" (91 cm) or 35-45 gallon (132-170 L) tank is sufficient. The substrate should be fine gravel or sand. Provide hiding places among rocks, roots, and plants.

Native Location: South America; widespread throughout Amazon watershed

Temperature: 68-77°F (20-25°C)

Diet: Live; fish, worms, crustaceans, insect larvae; tablets

Breeding: The male embraces the female by holding her between his dorsal fins. The eggs are deposited in a cleaned area and are guarded. The eggs hatch after five days and the fry can be first fed small live foods. Breeding is unusual in captivity and has only been accomplished on a few occasions accidentally.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: An elongated species having a stocky body in the frontal regions, while becoming compressed near rear parts. The back profile is straight and the dorsal fin is tall when erect. There is a small adipose fin, and the caudal fin is large and slightly forked. The first ray of the anal fin in the male is modified into a reproductive organ for internal fertilization. The rest of the anal fin has a long base and is rounded. The coloration is variable, although the back is generally dark brown and the flanks are brownish-pink with dark brown markings. The fins are similarly marked. There are three pair of barbels branching off the mouth.

DIFFICULTY OF CARE: This predatory species requires live foods.

Note: This species is the most commonly seen Driftwood catfish in the hobby. Like other Driftwood Cats, this species has a slimy coat.