大刺唇齿鲿 · Black Lancer

Overview

Bagrichthys macracanthus is a shy, nocturnal catfish associated with the elongated dorsal spine behind the lancer name. It is generally peaceful toward fishes using other parts of the aquarium, yet defends space against bottom dwellers. That distinction matters when planning companions.

Distribution & habitat

Definite records are from Sumatra, Indonesia, and the species may be restricted to that island. Traditional reports from Borneo, Java, and mainland Southeast Asia are not all confirmed. Similar fishes from the Chao Phraya and Mekong have been separated taxonomically.

Typical habitats are large, muddy-bottomed rivers with turbid water and a slow current. Adults enter inundated river margins during the wet season to reproduce.

Aquarium setup

Allow a base around 120 × 45 cm or larger. Keep lighting subdued and supply wood, pots, or pipes as retreats. Plants are optional but useful for shading the bottom. If several specimens or other comparable catfishes are housed together, use decorations to divide the available space into separate territories.

Avoid strong current. Position the heater so a resting fish cannot lie against it or squeeze behind it for prolonged contact.

Diet & feeding

Small bottom-living animals and organic debris apparently form the wild diet. Aquarium specimens accept varied foods. Small live or frozen worms and brine shrimp are useful, alongside regular servings of quality sinking food containing spirulina or other plant ingredients.

Behaviour & compatibility

Its small mouth limits the size of prey it can swallow, but it is territorial toward bottom fishes, especially its own species. Males seldom tolerate one another except in very large accommodation. Where a group is attempted, one male with at least three females offers a better chance of dispersing his attention.

Suitably sized rasboras or barbs using the upper aquarium may encourage it to emerge. Peacefulness toward these companions should not be confused with tolerance of other males.

Sexual dimorphism

Males have longer barbels and a pointed external genital papilla immediately before the anal fin. Mature females generally have a slightly larger body.

Breeding

Reliable aquarium spawning remains unrecorded. Wild adults enter temporary floodwaters around the beginning of the rainy season to breed.

Notes

Identification against similar species relies partly on the proportions of the pectoral spine, adipose fin, and tail base. A trade name alone is unreliable. Locality information helps interpret identity, and older distribution lists should not automatically be assigned to this species.