Description
Flagtail Dianema Catfish are native to the Amazon Basin and are found in slow moving creeks, streams and lagoons. This species enjoys heavily planted aquariums with lots of cover. It is best kept in groups of 3-6 but can be kept as a single specimen. This peaceful catfish is great for small to medium biotope community aquariums.
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Features of Flagtail Dianema Catfish:
- Long slender body narrowing to a large forked tail
- Dull brown base colour with irregular spots covering body
- Tail forks and is mainly transparent with dark horizontal lines giving it a "flag tail"
- Small barbels at the mouth
- Bottom dweller
- Grows up to 12cm
- Level of care: Intermediate
The Best Aquarium Size for Flagtail Dianema Catfish:
Recommended aquarium size is 150 litres. If keeping in a small group or community aquarium, a large aquarium will be required.
Check out these suitable aquarium brands:
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Tank Mate Compatibility:
Flagtail Dianema Catfish are a peaceful catfish and do not tend to bother other species, including small species. Best kept with other peaceful small to medium community aquarium species. Small fry may become a snack.
Here are some great tank mates to consider:
Diet:
Flagtail Dianema Catfish are omnivores with a primarily carnivorous diet. They will readily eat sinking pellets, live, frozen and freeze dried foods such as brine shrimp, black worms, blood worms and small earthworms. They can take some time to settle in the aquarium, but once they do they will also feed from the surface.
Check out our extensive range of aquarium fish foods, or live foods.
Flagtail Dianema Catfish Tank Setup:
Aquarium Filtration for Flagtail Dianema Catfish
A good filtration system is necessary. The Flagtail Dianema Catfish prefers slow moving water, so avoid strong water currents. Ensure your filter has an adequate flow rate to effectively remove waste from the aquarium.
Shop our comprehensive range of aquarium filters here.
Aquarium Heater for Flagtail Dianema Catfish
This fish enjoy temperatures between 25 - 28° C. If you are unable to maintain this temperature naturally, use an aquarium heater. Aquarium heaters also stabilize water temperatures. A thermometer is recommended to monitor the water temperature.
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Aquarium Plants for Flagtail Dianema Catfish
To mimic their natural habitat, we recommend adding live aquatic plants to your aquarium. The Flagtail Dianema Catfish is happiest in a heavily planted aquarium with lots of shade cover and places to shelter. Broad leaf aquatic plants suit this species well. They are known to nibble on some plant matter, so keep plants with sturdier leaves.
Here are some suitable aquarium plants:
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Aquarium Decorations for Flagtail Dianema Catfish
Flagtail Dianema Catfish love driftwood and enjoy lots of hiding spots to feel safe in an aquarium environment. Other ornaments large enough to swim around and hide around such as caves and pipes are also great options.
After more nice quality decorations? Check our Aquarium Ornaments.
Aquarium Lighting Flagtail Dianema Catfish
Flagtail Dianema Catfish prefer a more dimly lit aquarium. While, plants need sufficient light to grow LED lighting is an excellent choice to provide adjustable lighting as desired. LED lighting is also more efficient and runs cooler than traditional aquarium lights.
Substrate for Flagtail Dianema Catfish
Aquarium sand or fine smooth gravels are a good substrate to mimic their natural environment. They can be seen searching for through in the substrate.
A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.
