Get a Huge Tank

All fish

Porthole Catfish

Dianema longibarbis

Freshwater South America Usually captive bred

A sociable armoured catfish notable for hovering midwater rather than strictly scuttling across the bottom. A distinctive row of dark spots runs along its flanks like ship portholes. Keep it in a settled group over a soft sand substrate so its delicate sensory barbels remain undamaged.

Also called: Porthole catfish, Slender catfish.

9.5 cm adult length, drawn to scale. torpedo body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 5 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 9.5 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 120 L, at least 80 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 15 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 2 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 22 to 28 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 6 to 7.5 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 4 to 15, KH 2 to 8 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Low Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Moderate Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size At least 5, ideally 6 Kept alone or in small numbers it hides, fades or turns on tankmates.
Temperament Peaceful Not territorial.
Swims in All levels Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 7 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Suits a first tank A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.
Jumps Yes Keep the tank covered.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Porthole Catfish is an omnivore that swims in all levels of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it some cover.

Tankmates

Works with

No close matches in the data. Check the pair tool.

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.