Could you ID this catfish?
Please could you tell me what species this catfish is, and why one of the two I have always seems bloated, while the other one is slim. The fish has been this way for two years.
ALISON KING, VIA EMAIL
BOB REPLIES: Your mystery catfish is a Spotted talking catfish, Agamyxis pectinifrons, and is a commonly seen ‘oddball’ community choice. These fascinating fish are native to South
America and are found in several countries in the Amazon basin, including Peru and Brazil. As their common name suggests, they are able to ‘talk’, making loud croaking/creaking noises by rubbing their serrated pectoral spines in their sockets. This is especially noticeable when they are removed from water.
The fish in your photo looks perfectly normal for the species and is probably a female. The thinner fish you mention is likely to be a male. These fish do tend to be a little on the gluttonous side and will often gorge on food, ending up looking like a spotty, spiky ball as a result. They are almost entirely nocturnal and will usually only stir from their favoured hiding places, such as pieces of bogwood and caves, if food is available. Frozen bloodworm is a particular favourite, as are small earthworms. They are slow-growing fish with a maximum size of around 15cm. While they are generally peaceful, they may take small fish at night when they are large enough to do so.