D'Orbigny's Talking Catfish

Rhinodoras dorbignyi is a moderately large and distinctly unusual doradid recognised by its elongated, tapering rostrum — an adaptation that facilitates probing into crevices and substrate for invertebrate prey. It is native to the Paraná river drainage of Brazil and Argentina, inhabiting the slower, more turbid reaches of large rivers. The mottled brown-and-grey patterning renders it almost invisible against sandy or muddy substrates.

In the aquarium, this species is a secretive, nocturnal catfish that requires caves and shaded areas for daytime shelter. Its elongated snout distinguishes it instantly from other doradids and gives it a particularly prehistoric appearance. It is rarely exported specifically and typically reaches hobbyists through mixed catfish collections or specialist importers.

Rhinodoras dorbignyi is peaceful and appropriate for large South American community tanks. It will probe the substrate with its rostrum when foraging, and benefits from soft sand in which it can bury slightly. Feed after dark with sinking carnivore pellets, frozen prawns, and invertebrates.

Water: 20–27°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard (GH 2–15). Tank: 200 L minimum; soft sand substrate for probing behaviour; driftwood caves; low lighting. Feeding: Sinking carnivore pellets, frozen prawns, bloodworm, earthworms; probes substrate when feeding. Breeding: Not achieved in captivity; migratory spawner in the wild. Compatibility: Peaceful; suitable with large tetras, cichlids, and other robust South American species.