Description
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The Milky Way Wood Catfish is a somewhat uncommon, smaller catfish species with space-like markings and a very peaceful disposition!
The Milky Way Wood Catfish (Tatia galaxias) is a small catfish species that is native to Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. It is known for its overall black/dark brown coloration and white spotting, which resembles the night sky and stars. At a typical adult size of 4 inches (10 cm), it is an excellent fish for many planted and community aquariums.
The Milky Way Wood Catfish is a somewhat gregarious species, although it is also fine as a single specimen in an aquarium. It is somewhat reclusive and definitely requires ample hiding places in the form of driftwood, pipes, or other crevices. Multiple specimens will sometimes wedge into the same refuge. This fish is not particularly territorial or aggressive, but like most catfish, it will prey on anything small enough to fit in its mouth, such as tiny fish, dwarf shrimp, and fry. It will not bother plants. It is not particularly sensitive, but it does like somewhat cooler water than some other Amazon fish. Like many scaleless fish, it will deteriorate from poor water quality and maintenance. The Milky Way Wood Catfish is capable of jumping, so a lid or significantly lowered water line is necessary for its aquarium.
Feeding is very simple for the Milky Way Wood Catfish. In the wild, it mainly feeds on small crustaceans and other invertebrates. In the aquarium, it will accept most live, frozen, and dry meaty foods. It is a voracious eater, so care should be taken not to overfeed. Inserting food near the fish’s hiding place is very effective, although it will typically learn to come out of hiding with enthusiasm when food is available.
What We Like About This Fish:
Space-like markings
Completely peaceful with anything to large to be considered prey
Excellent scavenger
Will not bother plants
Somewhat uncommon
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
Temperature: 69° – 75° F (21° – 24° C)
pH: 6.5 – 7.2
KH: 2 – 12 dKH
Minimum tank size: 30 gallons for a group of 3,
CARE GUIDELINES:
Diet: Carnivorous. Will accept most dry, frozen, and live meaty foods
Social behavior: Peaceful, nocturnal, somewhat gregarious
Origin: Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil
Average adult size: 4 inches (10 cm)
Average purchase size: Juvenile: 1 – 1.5 inches (2.5 – 3.8 cm), Adult: 3 – 3.5 inches (7.6 – 8.9 cm)
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