Striped Woodcat

Auchenipterus nuchalis is a streamlined, mid-water auchenipterid catfish found across a wide range of South American river systems including the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo. Its elongated, silvery body bears a prominent dark lateral stripe extending from the snout to the tail base, and the deeply forked caudal fin provides swift propulsion when hunting. Males of this family are notable for internal fertilisation — females store sperm and can lay fertile eggs months after mating.

In the aquarium, Auchenipterus nuchalis is primarily a crepuscular and nocturnal hunter that shelters among roots and driftwood by day. At dusk it becomes active and will pursue smaller fish, making it incompatible with nano species. It is best housed in a dimly lit aquarium with large pieces of wood and minimal bright lighting during the day.

This species requires meaty foods — live or frozen fish fry, large bloodworm, prawns, and earthworms are all accepted. Feed in the evening for best response. It is an interesting and elegant species for the intermediate to advanced aquarist maintaining a large South American predator setup.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 5.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard (GH 2–15). Tank: 150 L minimum; large driftwood; subdued lighting; avoid small tankmates that may be eaten. Feeding: Carnivore; frozen fish fry, large bloodworm, prawns, earthworms; feed at dusk. Breeding: Internal fertilisation; females store sperm; rarely bred in aquaria. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive toward small fish; house only with similarly sized or larger species.