Flagtail Dianema Catfish 7cm

Flagtail Dianema fish

The Flagtail Dianema stands out because it’s very different in comparison to other catfish. It has a very unique torpedo like body shape with a very wild looking colour palette. The most striking feature with this catfish is the black and white striped caudal fin which is why it’s called the ‘Flagtail’ catfish. These stunning wild colours on this fish are present from juvenile till adult size which is always a good benefit because you know exactly how your fish will look! Trying to find the males and females in this species is slightly difficult as there are no strikingly distinguishing features however when the Flagtail Dianema reaches adult size the females are often more rounded and thicker in comparison to the males. The Flagtail Dianema is a shy species and like many other catfish species it will appreciate other members of its species greatly as they provide security. This species will also actively stick together and school in its natural habitat. The Flagtail Dianema Catfish is found in the amazon basin of South America.

Tank Recommendations for your Flagtail Dianema 

The Flagtail Dianema needs a tank that is at least 40 gallons (151.42 liters).

A sand substrate is advisable as these catfish actively forage through the sand looking for food and will make them feel comfortable as they will try camouflaging against the sand.  Flagtail’s will also love some pieces of driftwood to hide amongst however any natural hiding places such as rock caves, terracotta pots and pipes will suffice. This species is mostly active during the afternoon and as the lights go out in the aquarium however they will also actively school at times during the day so having open swimming space will be appreciated. There should also be a secure lid on the tank to prevent jumping.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Flagtail Dianema is very peaceful. They get along with a wide range of peaceful fish species and would make a great addition to a planted aquarium or South American biotope. They will really need other members of their species to thrive and will be far more active during the day if this is the case. They have relatively small mouths and are quite slow moving however they will quickly consume shrimp and possibly present a risk to very slow moving small species.

Usually Compatible

Suitable tank mates include Discus, Large Angelfish, Geophagus, dwarf cichlids, and most fast swimming fish

Sometime Compatible

Large semi aggressive fish such as Synspillum, jack depmsey and black belt cichlids .

Rarely Compatible

Extremely small slow moving fish such as cardinal tetras, neon tetras, glow light tetras and heavily aggressive fish such as oscars, jaguar cichlids and Red Devils.

Feeding your Flagtail Dianema

Flagtail Dianema are carnivores and they will readily prefer meaty foods. They will consume a wide range of dry and frozen foods. Their diet should contain good quality sinking pellets or flake and be supplemented with frozen foods such as blood worms, daphnia and brine shrimp. Feeding should occur one a day and it is best to do so prior to the lights turning off.