Care
The Dwarf Anchor Catfish is known from relatively cool, slow-moving hill-streams with sandy substrates. This sedentary species is ideal for smaller aquaria that houses other small, peaceful fish. There should be a soft sand substrate in which the catfish may wallow and in which it may search for food items with its sensory barbels. Provide shady hiding places and shelters from the current, in the form of pieces of driftwood, smooth pebbles, and robust aquatic plants. Dried Indian Almond leaves on the bottom of the tank in calmer areas also provide naturalistic refuges (these will need replacing periodically). It is important that the water is kept comparatively cool and is high in dissolved oxygen, in order to replicate the natural habitat and for the continued wellbeing of these delicate bottom dwellers; they will not fare well in warm, oxygen-depleted waters. Dwarf Anchor Catfish should always be maintained in good sized groups of 6 or more due to their gregarious nature. Tankmates must be petite, peaceable, and enjoy the same water conditions - some of the smaller danionins, diminutive coolwater barbs such as
Pethia gelius, or badis species such as
Dario dario would make ideal companions. Boisterous bottom dwellers should be avoided, as they will intimidate and outcompete the Dwarf Anchor Catfish for food. Be sure to feed just after lights out, as these shy fish are nocturnal feeders and will not usually eat during daylight hours. Capable of minor colour change, depending on surroundings. May also be seen on sale as Anchor Catfish, Asian Stone Catfish, or Moth Catfish (although the latter is also often applied to other
Hara and
Erethistes spp. in light of the fact they appear moth-like when viewed from above). May be told apart from other species in the
Hara genus by the elongated pectoral spines, that form an anchor shape. Not suitable for beginners.
Feeding
Nocturnal feeders that prefer small, meaty frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp (
Artemia nauplii) etc. Will browse on sinking catfish pellets, but does best when a large proportion of the diet is composed of meaty frozen fare. Always ensure that these catfish receive a feeding after lights out.
Breeding
There are reports of Dwarf Anchor Catfish having been bred in the home aquarium, but few details seem to be available. This species would make an excellent breeding project for the serious hobbyist.
