Dianema

The porthole catfish, Dianema longibarbis, is a peaceful callichthyid catfish from the Amazon basin in Peru and Brazil. It is named for the row of spots running along the lateral line. All specimens in the trade are wild-caught and new imports tend to be delicate and susceptible to disease, but once acclimatised it usually proves very hardy and can live for over 10 years.

The flagtail catfish, Dianema urostriatum, is a peaceful callichthyid catfish from parts of the Brazilian Amazon basin. It lives away from the main river channels in slower creeks, tributaries, floodplain lakes and ponds. All specimens in the trade are wild-caught and new imports can be delicate, but once acclimatised it usually proves very hardy and adaptable, and suits the larger community tank.