Acestridium dichromum

About This Species

Basic Description

The Chameleon Whiptail Catfish is a small, peaceful fish from South America. Also known as the Green Chameleon Whiptail, it enjoys a diet of algae, vegetables, and prepared foods like wafers. It's best kept in small groups and prefers aquariums with gentle water movement. This bottom-dweller is a great addition to a community tank as it helps keep surfaces clean by consuming biofilm and algae. Despite its small size, it requires a carefully maintained environment, making it a challenge for new aquarists.

Detailed Description

The Chameleon Whiptail Catfish, Acestridium dichromum, is a fascinating but demanding species for the experienced aquarist. Hailing from South America, it requires soft, acidic water with minimal flow to replicate its natural habitat. Its name hints at its ability to change colour to blend with its surroundings, often clinging to driftwood or plant leaves. This sedentary fish spends most of its time in the lower to middle sections of the tank. As an omnivore, its diet should be varied, mimicking its natural foraging on biofilm and aufwuchs. Keeping them in a small school is essential for their well-being, as they are social with their own kind but can be very shy. Their low metabolism results in minimal waste, making them a low-bioload species, but breeding them in captivity remains a significant challenge.

Scientific Description

Acestridium dichromum is a small species within the Loricariidae family, native to South American freshwater systems. Its classification places it within the Siluriformes order. This species is physiologically adapted to specialized habitats characterized by soft, acidic water (low pH and water hardness) and low current, conditions that must be meticulously replicated in captivity. Its diet is primarily omnivorous with a strong tendency towards consuming aufwuchs and biofilm, classifying it as a micro-predator of microorganisms within these layers. The species exhibits sedentary behavior and a correspondingly low metabolic rate, resulting in low oxygen consumption and minimal waste production (low bioload). Socially, it is gregarious, requiring conspecifics for security. Captive propagation is notably difficult, likely due to complex nutritional or environmental triggers necessary to initiate spawning behavior.