Family: Bagridae
Distribution: Bagrichthys hypselopterus, more commonly known as Black Lancer Catfish, is found in the main rivers of Sumatra and Borneo. It mainly dwells in deep waters with a swift current.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 23°C -28°C (74 – 84F)
Hardness: 6 – 16 dH
Description: The Black Lancer Catfish measures a sizeable 40 cm in length. It has a humpbacked appearance which distinguishes it from the other Black Lancer catfish, Bagrichthys macracanthus. Adults of this species are mostly black and will develop a white stripe down their bodies. The Black Lancer can live from 5 – 8 years.
Diet: These fish aren’t fussy eaters and will accept anything offered to them. It is nocturnal, however, so you should feed it a nightly serve of vegetable and animals foods, including bloodworms and catfish tablets.
Breeding: Bagrichthys hypselopterus has apparently never been spawned in aquaria, which may be due to its spawning habits in the wild. This species, like all Bagrichthys species, spawns at the start of the rainy season in flooded forests which are subject to several environmental changes. The water, given the great deal of rain, becomes softer, while oxygen levels in the water are also raised. Insects are swept into the rivers which in turn provide a food source and a trigger for reproduction. As such, this species is very difficult to breed in an aquarium environment.
Comments: Bagrichthys hypselopterus is a large catfish species which should be housed in a tank no less than 100 gallons in volume. It should be provided with quality water, smooth gravel or a sand substrate to emulate its natural environment. You should also provide the Black Lancer with plenty of vegetation in your tank. This species requires some maintenance and is best suited to experienced hobbyists.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Bagrichthys species should be kept in a tank with non-aggressive fish. The Black Lancer has a small mouth which makes it an ineffective predator of large fish. If you choose to put your Black Lancers in a one-species tank, make sure you only put one male in with a group of females. Males can become territorial towards each other and will fight.
Originally posted 2010-01-05 11:06:14. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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