Liosomadoras morrowi

The Río Ucayali basin, Peru.

The main river and its tributaries.

120 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm48 ∗ 12 ∗ 12 in - ~108 litres~29 US gal, larger if more than one is to be kept.

This is a nocturnal fish, so dim lighting is required to make it feel secure. Plenty of cover should also be provided, particularly if you're keeping several fish together. Smooth rocks, driftwood, lengths of pvc piping and plants that can survive under low levels of light, such as Anubias sp., java fern and Vallisneria can all be used.

Temperature: 20 – 25 °C68 – 77 °F

pH: 6.0-7.0

Hardness: 2-10°H

Unfussy. It relishes live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, earthworms etc., as well as sinking dried foods. Add food after lights out to ensure it receives its share.

Peaceful and shy, but will eat small fish during the hours of darkness. Ideally, keep it in a South American biotope aquarium, with similarly-sized characins, cichlids and other peaceful catfish such as Corydoras sp. and Loricariids. It is sometimes territorial with its own kind, but several can be kept in a suitably-sized aquarium if lots of cover is provided.

Males have an extended anal fin, which is used in a similar fashion to the gonopodium possessed by livebearers.

Not thought to have been achieved in aquaria. Fertilisation occurs internally.

Often confused with its congener L. oncinus, the false jaguar cat can be distinguished by its less attractive, duller patterning. It's a good bottom dweller for the larger community.