• Name:

    Oil catfish

    (View AKA's)
  • Family: Auchenipteridae
  • Species: Catfish
  • Scientific Name: Centromochlus perugiae
More Details

Also Know As:

| Honeycomb catfish

| Perugia's catfish

| Centromochlus catfish

General info about Oil catfish

The Oil catfish is a freshwater catfish that is native to South America, specifically the Amazon River Basin. It has a distinctive appearance, with a long and slender body, a flattened head, and a long and pointed snout. The body is covered with a smooth and oily skin, which gives this species its common name. The Oil catfish is a nocturnal species and is usually found hiding in crevices and under rocks during the day.

Oil catfish Diet & Nutrition

The Oil catfish is a carnivore and primarily feeds on small invertebrates and insects in the wild. In the aquarium, they will accept a variety of live or frozen meaty foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small pieces of shrimp or fish. It is important to provide a varied and balanced diet to keep them healthy.

Determining Sex of Oil catfish

Determining the sex of the Oil catfish can be difficult. Males are usually slimmer and smaller in size compared to females. During the breeding season, males develop slightly thicker and longer pectoral fins than females.

Breeding & Spawning Oil catfish

Breeding and spawning of the Oil catfish in captivity are difficult, and there is limited information available. In the wild, this species breeds during the rainy season, and the male will guard the eggs until they hatch. The fry feed on small zooplankton.

Common Diseases with Oil catfish

The Oil catfish is generally hardy and not prone to specific diseases. However, like all fish, they are susceptible to bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections if water quality is not maintained. To prevent diseases, maintain good water quality and avoid overcrowding.

Oil catfish Origin

The Oil catfish is native to South America, specifically the Amazon River Basin in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.

Caution with Oil catfish

The Oil catfish is a peaceful species and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish. However, they are nocturnal and prefer to hide during the day, so provide hiding places such as caves or driftwood in the aquarium. They can become stressed if there is too much light, noise or activity around the aquarium. This species can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length, so be sure to provide enough space in the aquarium.

Acclimating Oil catfish

When introducing the Oil catfish to a new aquarium, it is important to acclimate it slowly to avoid stress and shock. Float the bag in the aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize the temperature, then gradually add small amounts of aquarium water to the bag over the course of 30-40 minutes. Once acclimated, release the fish into the aquarium.
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Original Detail

Name Species Family Scientific Name More Detail Added by
Oil catfish Catfish Auchenipteridae Centromochlus perugiae The Oil catfish is a freshwater catfish that is native to South America, specifically the Amazon River Basin. It has a distinctive appearance, with a long and slender body, a flattened head, and a long and pointed snout. The body is covered with a smooth and oily skin, which gives this species its common name. The Oil catfish is a nocturnal species and is usually found hiding in crevices and under rocks during the day. PalaciosAn

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