Pareutropius buffei · Three Striped African Glass Catfish

Overview

A small, daytime-active catfish, Pareutropius buffei occupies midwater and displays three lengthwise stripes. A proper shoal and access to shelter help this gentle, easily frightened fish remain visible and feed confidently.

Distribution & habitat

Its range includes Nigeria, Niger, Benin, Mali, and Guinea. Rivers and their floodplains provide its natural habitat.

Aquarium setup

Combine sheltered, densely planted corners with unobstructed swimming space. Aim the stronger circulation through the open part of the aquarium while retaining quieter retreats. Floating vegetation, wood, and a dark bottom offer further security. Effective biological filtration matters greatly because deteriorating water quality is poorly tolerated.

Diet & feeding

Wild feeding is dominated by insects. Captive fish usually accept prepared foods as well as frozen or live offerings, with bloodworms particularly appealing. Rotate foods to maintain a varied diet.

Behaviour & compatibility

Choose peaceful companions of suitable size, including those appropriate for a West African habitat display. Large or aggressive neighbors can intimidate it. Maintain at least six together: isolation can cause withdrawal and refusal of food.

Sexual dimorphism

Egg-filled adult females develop a noticeably fuller abdomen. Outside that condition, the sexes show no obvious external distinction.

Breeding

Aquarium reproduction is uncommon but achievable. Provide a dedicated spawning tank with fine vegetation, such as moss, to receive scattered eggs. Condition the adults beforehand, then transfer two rounded females and a well-conditioned male.

Spawning generally occurs around dawn and can produce about one hundred white eggs among the plants. Remove the adults afterward because they may consume eggs. Hatching takes roughly seventy-two hours. Leave the young in the spawning aquarium and, after their yolk is exhausted, introduce newly hatched brine shrimp or microworms.

Notes

Trade labels often confuse this fish with the less frequently imported Pareutropius debauwi. Adults of P. buffei have three flank stripes, dark marks on both tail lobes, rounded tail tips, and a transparent front edge to the adipose fin. Juveniles are much harder to distinguish, so a sales name alone is insufficient.