Spotted Talking Catfish Care Guide

The Spotted Talking Catfish, Agamyxis pectinifrons, is a heavily armoured doradid with a dark brown to black body covered in contrasting pale spots and short bars. Its broad head, long barbels and strongly serrated fin spines give it a distinctive, prehistoric appearance. It typically reaches about 15 centimetres in length.This species is generally peaceful and spends much of its time close to the substrate, becoming more active during twilight and darkness. It is an opportunistic feeder that uses its sensitive barbels to locate food among soft sediment, leaf litter and submerged debris.In nature, the Spotted Talking Catfish inhabits slow-moving tributaries, flooded forest areas and quiet backwaters of the Amazon and Orinoco drainage regions. These environments are often shaded, structurally complex and rich in submerged roots, fallen branches and other hiding places.Like other members of the family Doradidae, it is capable of making audible sounds by moving its pectoral-fin spines and vibrating its swim bladder. This unusual ability accounts for its common name and makes it one of the more memorable South American catfish in the aquarium hobby.The species was described by Edward Drinker Cope in 1870 and remains popular for its attractive pattern, hardy nature and calm behaviour. Its armour and defensive spines also help protect it from many potential predators in its natural environment.