博氏兵鲶 · Boeseman's Catfish

Overview

Hoplisoma boesemani is a social catfish from Suriname that is uncommon in aquariums. Wild juveniles may form large aggregations, while adults occur in smaller groups. Adult grouping remains a reason to provide companions rather than keep a solitary fish.

Distribution & habitat

It appears restricted to the upper Suriname River, sections of which are called the Gran Río. Recorded localities are upstream of Brokopondo reservoir, rather than within the similarly named administrative district.

The water is clear, soft, and acidic. Fish have been collected in tributaries with leaf litter and overhanging vegetation, as well as around sand banks. Images suggest sandy and muddy substrates in larger channels.

Aquarium setup

Choose fine sand or carefully maintained rounded gravel. Provide cover for security. Foraging catfish do not eliminate accumulated waste or remove the need for substrate maintenance.

Diet & feeding

Feed an omnivorous variety of sinking dry foods and small live or frozen items, including bloodworms and Tubifex. Make sure the group obtains food directly rather than depending on what other fishes leave behind.

Behaviour & compatibility

Keep at least four to six together. It is peaceful and gregarious; the smaller groups formed by wild adults should not be interpreted as a preference for isolation.

Sexual dimorphism

Females tend to become larger, rounder, and deeper-bodied at maturity.

Breeding

Cooler water changes can stimulate mature fish to spawn. They apparently favor submerged leaf litter for egg deposition. Offer leaves as a possible spawning surface without treating this reported preference as an exclusive requirement.

Notes

Body plates provide protection, and occasional surface gulps support auxiliary breathing. Take care during transfer because stiff pectoral spines can snag netting or puncture skin. Possible mild toxicity of secretions at the spine bases remains uncertain.