Honeycomb Driftwood Catfish
Duringlanis perugiae
(72-79°F)
Care Requirements
💧 Water Parameters
🏠 Tank Setup
🍽️ Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; prefers live and frozen foods, with some vegetable matter.
🐟 Community Compatibility
A peaceful bottom dweller, best kept with small to medium peaceful community fish.
⚥ Sexual Dimorphism
Difficult to distinguish sexes outside of breeding.
🌍 Origin
South America
About Honeycomb Driftwood Catfish
The Honeycomb Driftwood Catfish, scientifically named Duringlanis perugiae, is an intriguing and less commonly known species within the aquarium hobby, originating from the river basins of South America, including the Amazon and Orinoco. This species belongs to the Auchenipteridae family, which is distinguished by its members' woodcat or driftwood catfish monikers, owing to their affinity for hiding among driftwood and other submerged structures.
The Honeycomb Driftwood Catfish is particularly noted for its striking appearance. It exhibits a unique pattern that resembles a honeycomb, with a series of dark markings over a lighter background, contributing to its common name. This cryptic patterning not only provides excellent camouflage in the wild but also makes it a fascinating addition to the home aquarium.
One of the defining characteristics of Duringlanis perugiae is its peaceful and nocturnal nature. They are most active during the night when they come out to feed. During the day, they prefer to stay hidden among the aquarium's decor, mimicking their behavior in natural habitats. This shy and retiring disposition makes them suitable for community tanks with other peaceful species, provided there are enough hiding spots to make them feel secure.
Caring for the Honeycomb Driftwood Catfish requires creating an environment that resembles their natural habitat. This includes a soft, sandy substrate and an abundance of hiding places such as driftwood, caves, and dense plantings. These features not only support their natural behaviors but also contribute to the overall health and stress reduction of the fish.
In terms of water parameters, they prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water that is clean and well-oxygenated. Regular water changes and a reliable filtration system are essential to maintain these conditions and ensure the well-being of the Honeycomb Driftwood Catfish.
Their diet in the wild consists mainly of small invertebrates and organic detritus. In captivity, they should be offered a variety of foods to mimic this diet, including sinking pellets, freeze-dried foods, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. Given their nocturnal feeding habits, it's best to feed them in the evening or at night, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition.
Breeding the Honeycomb Driftwood Catfish in captivity is considered to be challenging, as it requires precise conditions and a well-established tank. Little is known about their breeding behavior in the aquarium setting, which makes successful breeding attempts rare and noteworthy among hobbyists.
Overall, the Honeycomb Driftwood Catfish is a captivating species that can add a touch of mystery and beauty to the aquarium. Its unique appearance, combined with its peaceful demeanor, makes it a desirable choice for aquarists seeking to diversify their tank inhabitants. However, its care and requirements are best suited to more experienced fish keepers who can cater to its specific needs and behaviors.
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