Pin Catfish

Adults grow to about 8 cm in length. Their coloration is pale gray, with a lighter stripe running through the middle of the body, crossed by a thin black line at the base of the tail. This pattern resembles a needle or pin, which gave the species its name. Males and females are almost indistinguishable, as sexual dimorphism is extremely subtle.

The species originates from South America, although its exact habitat range is still undetermined. These catfish were first exported from the city of Belém, located at the mouth of the Amazon, in the mid-1980s. There is evidence that they are found throughout the region; for example, several individuals identified as Brachyrhamdia meesi were found in the Madre de Dios River, in the upper Amazon basin in northern Bolivia.

This species is characterized by a calm and non-aggressive nature. Nevertheless, like many catfish, it may eat small fish due to its indiscriminate feeding habits. Interactions with conspecifics are not particularly social, but no conflicts are observed among them. These catfish can be kept either individually or in groups, if the aquarium size permits.

For a single fish, the minimum tank volume should be at least 80 L. The aquarium setup is quite simple: the main element is a sandy substrate, supplemented by several hiding places made of driftwood. Plants are not mandatory, but floating plants can create the desired shading in the aquarium. Pin Catfish prefer subdued lighting and will spend more time in hiding under bright light. The water should be slightly acidic in pH and have low carbonate hardness. Special attention should be paid to water quality: catfish do not tolerate the accumulation of organic waste, so an efficient filtration system and weekly water changes of 15–20% of the volume are essential.

In their natural habitat, the diet of these fish consists of aquatic invertebrates. In the aquarium, it is recommended to regularly include live and frozen foods in their menu, such as bloodworms and small earthworms, which will serve as an excellent supplement to dry sinking foods.

Successful breeding of the Pin Catfish in aquarium conditions has not been recorded. Most individuals entering aquariums come from the wild.

The species is sensitive to water quality and does not tolerate the accumulation of organic waste, which can lead to bacterial infections and damage to their sensitive barbels. Prevention involves maintaining a clean environment, regular water changes, and using a soft sandy substrate to prevent injury to the mouth. If maintenance conditions are violated, the fish become susceptible to skin diseases and fin erosion.

When selecting individuals, attention should be paid to the fish's activity and the integrity of its skin. A healthy fish should exhibit exploratory behavior, actively move along the bottom, and have clean, undamaged barbels. Avoid purchasing specimens with signs of emaciation, sunken bellies, spots on the body, or clamped fins. Since the species often enters the trade as bycatch, it is important to carefully inspect the fish for any injuries sustained during transport.