Edit Cetopsis coecutiens
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Name
Scientific name
Cetopsis coecutiens
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cetopsidae
Common names
Blue Whale Catfish
Photograph credits
All 2 credited
Summary
The blue whale catfish, Cetopsis coecutiens, is a cetopsid catfish from the Amazon, Tocantins and Orinoco river basins. In the wild it swim…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
265mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 45 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 22–26°C, pH 6–7.4
Hardness
2–15dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Species tank only
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Amazon, Orinoco, Tocantins
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Has a widespread natural range, inhabiting areas of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Bolivia. It's found in the Amazon, Tocantins, and Orinoco Ri…
Habitat
Predominantly swims in open water in large, flowing rivers.
Aquarium size
An active species that needs a tank measuring at least 120 ∗ 45 ∗ 45 cm - ~243 litres when fully grown.
Maintenance
Decor isn't particularly critical but water movement is. It does best with a good degree of flow running through the tank. Try to position the filter return so…
Water conditions
Temperature: 22 – 26 °C pH: 6.0-7.4 Hardness: 2-15°H
Diet
There's no need to provide live fish, as it is an eager and aggressive feeder. Offer a meaty diet of frozen and live foods such as prawns, mussel, cockle, lanc…
Behaviour and compatibility
Best kept alone, as not only will it eat smaller tankmates, it will often bite chunks out of larger fish as well. In nature, it has been seen ripping pieces of…
Sexual dimorphism
Females are fuller-bodied than males, and males develop a pointed dorsal fin as they mature.
Reproduction
Unknown. Certainly not achieved in the hobby to date.
Notes
An infrequently seen but very interesting oddball species for those who are looking for something a little different. To others, it might appear to be a rather…
References
References
No references