Care
The Colombian Shark Catfish is known from the mouths of large rivers draining into the Pacific Ocean and is common in coastal marine and brackish environments. Young fry may be found in freshwater, but these soon move into more saline waters as they mature in to juveniles. Adults must be kept in brackish to full marine conditions. For best results use a trusted synthetic marine sea salt and a hydrometer or refractometer to monitor the conditions. This is a nervous, active species which attains a large size, and is best maintained in groups of 5 or more due to a tightly shoaling nature. The aquarium must be very spacious (at least 8ft x 2ft x 2ft) and have a soft sand substrate. The tank should be aquascaped to include some shadier areas amongst large driftwood pieces, rockwork, or resin mangrove roots, with an unobstructed swimming area left along the front of the tank. If plants are desired, it is best to use plastic or silk examples, as most species will not fare well under salty conditions. A decent amount of filtration should be employed and areas of vigorous water movement created in the aquarium via additional powerheads. This will also help to keep oxygen levels high. Sensitive to pollutants, the aquarium water should be kept in excellent condition at all times with frequent partial water changes. Archer Fish, Monodactylus, and various Scats make great companions, avoiding any small fish which would be eaten. Be sure to cover the tank well as all these fish are expert jumpers. Interestingly, Colombian Shark Catfish are capable of producing audible sounds by rubbing the pectoral fins against their sockets, thought to be utilised for communication and echo-location. Take care when carrying out maintenance on the aquarium or when transferring these fish to a new tank as they possess traumatogenic venom glands in the first dorsal spine. May also be seen on sale as Black-fin Shark, Shark Catfish, Tete Sea Catfish, or White-tip Shark Catfish.
Feeding
Small frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, chopped krill & prawns etc. Some will also take sinking catfish pellets/tablets. Capable of taking small fish.
Breeding
The Colombian Shark Catfish has not been bred in the home aquarium. This species is a migratory paternal mouthbrooder. The fish spawn in the sea and the male gathers the eggs in his mouth and incubates them. He then swims upstream into freshwater to deposit the fry, where they remain for a time before migrating back to coastal brackish waters during the juvenile stage.
