🐟 Porthole Catfish (Dianema longibarbis)
Amazon Armoured Catfish • A Charming Air-Breather • Peaceful Group Fish
 
📋 The Porthole Catfish is a peaceful, Corydoras-like armoured catfish from the slow creeks, ponds, and floodplain lakes of the Amazon basin in Brazil and Peru. Its body carries dark spots that vary in number and size, giving it the "porthole" name, and it has large eyes and long barbels. It's easy to keep in a calm community tank and won't bother even tiny tankmates.
It breathes air through its intestine, so leave a small gap between the water surface and the lid and never seal the tank completely. It's sociable and does better in a group of at least four, since single fish tend to sulk. It's a midwater-to-bottom swimmer that likes to dig, so secure your décor, and soft sand protects its barbels. Acclimatise it slowly and keep up regular water changes, since it reacts badly to a build-up of organic waste.
 
💡 Highlights
⚪ Spotted "Porthole" Pattern: Dark spots along the flanks
🫁 A Charming Air-Breather: Needs surface access for gulping air
👥 Social: Best in a group of four or more
🕊️ Very Peaceful: Safe with small, calm tankmates
🧪 Loves Clean Water: Acclimatise slowly and keep water clean