Common Name: South American Talking Catfish
Scientific Name: Rhinodoras dorbignyi
Other Names: Dorbigny's Rhinodoras, Talking Thorny Catfish
The South American Talking Catfish is a medium-to-large, armored catfish species known for its ability to produce sounds using specialized pectoral fin movements. This nocturnal bottom-dweller has an elongated body covered with bony scutes, giving it a rugged appearance and added protection against predators. Its muted brown or gray coloration helps it blend into its natural riverbed surroundings. It is a peaceful, slow-moving species that thrives in well-oxygenated, structured environments.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to the Paraguay, Paraná, and Uruguay River basins in South America, Rhinodoras dorbignyi inhabits slow-moving freshwater rivers, floodplains, and tributaries with sandy or muddy bottoms. It is often found near submerged driftwood, leaf litter, and rock formations, where it hides during the day and scavenges for food at night. These waters are typically warm, slightly acidic to neutral, and well-oxygenated.
Size and Lifespan:
This species can grow to about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in captivity. With proper care, it can live for 10-15 years.
Diet and Behavior:
The South American Talking Catfish is an omnivorous scavenger that primarily feeds on detritus, small invertebrates, and plant matter in the wild. In captivity, it should be provided with a diet of high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, and chopped shrimp, as well as occasional vegetable matter like blanched zucchini or peas. It is primarily nocturnal and prefers to stay hidden during the day, becoming more active at night to forage for food.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Rhinodoras dorbignyi in captivity is extremely rare, with little documentation of successful spawns. Like other Doradidae species, they are believed to be egg scatterers that deposit their eggs in secluded areas with soft substrates. Most individuals in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 75 gallons is required for a single specimen, with a larger tank (100+ gallons) recommended for multiple individuals. Their ideal tank setup includes a fine sand or smooth gravel substrate to prevent barbel damage, ample hiding spots using driftwood, caves, and large rock structures, moderate filtration with high oxygenation, gentle to moderate water flow, and dim lighting to support their nocturnal nature.
Ideal Tank Mates:
The South American Talking Catfish is peaceful and does well in community tanks with other similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include Silver Dollars, Severums, Geophagus Cichlids, Larger Tetras, Peaceful Plecos, and other Doradidae species. Avoid housing them with highly aggressive cichlids or fin-nipping fish.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate. They require a well-maintained tank, a soft substrate, and stable water parameters to thrive.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
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pH: 6.5-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 4-15 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-10 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- A well-structured tank with hiding places is essential to reduce stress.
- They are not highly active during the day but will become more social at night.
- Due to their armored bodies, they are resistant to minor injuries but still require clean water conditions.
- Their "talking" ability is most often heard when they are disturbed or interacting with tank mates.
The South American Talking Catfish is a hardy and fascinating bottom-dweller that adds a unique presence to larger aquariums. With proper care, it will thrive and exhibit its natural scavenging behaviors for many years.
