Guatemalan Rhamdia

Rhamdia guatemalensis is a broadly distributed species from Mexico and Central America that occupies a diverse range of habitats including cave systems, where eyeless, depigmented populations have evolved independently in multiple locations. This makes it of considerable scientific interest beyond its aquarium appeal.

The typical surface-dwelling form is a robust, mottled grey-brown catfish with long barbels and a typical heptapterid body form. It is an opportunistic omnivore and highly adaptable to different water conditions, being found in everything from soft jungle streams to harder limestone-influenced cave systems.

In the aquarium it is straightforward to keep and accepts a wide range of foods. It is a calmer species than many of its relatives and can be housed with a variety of robust medium-large fish. The cave form is occasionally available to specialist collectors.

Water: 18–26°C, pH 6.5–8.0, adaptable to hard or soft water. Tank: Minimum 250L; hiding places among rocks or wood; cave biotope setups work beautifully. Feeding: Omnivore; sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, earthworms; readily adapts to prepared foods. Breeding: Cave populations may breed in captivity with the right setup. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; keep with medium-large robust fish.