Lince Catfish - Platynematichthys notatus

[Mentzer]

How many MFK's have one of these guys? Is it not a truly beautiful catfish?
There is wide variance on maximal size - quoted from 24" (Orinoco) to 39" (Amazon). A minimum tank size, assuming you don't know the precise origin of the fish if you are lucky enough to get one, would probably be 10' x 3.5 x 2.5 (approx 548 UK Gallons / 2487 Litres). Most I have seen are primarily silver with very slight blue hues, however the speciment in the pic, owned by a UK hobbist, is the first I have seen with so much blue in it's tones. It's in a 12.5' x 4.5' x 3' (5000 litre) tank!

 

[T1KARMANN]

my freind has 2 of them he paid $800 each for them

they can grow to 3ft+ and they are very active

 

[benzjamin13]

That looks like a sweet catfish!

 

[Mentzer]

my freind has 2 of them he paid $800 each for them

they can grow to 3ft+ and they are very active

Yes, biggest I have verified is 40". Around £450 each is not too bad a price, I thought they would be more. If I had the space available I would rather buy a Lince than a juvenile B.tigrinum for that money.

 

[killerfish]

wow cool catfish any more pics?

 

[shallow]

i think ultimatejay has one in his 750.

 

[shoefreak03]

those are a must have for any monster size tank. i love how active they are. like sharks on the prowl.

too bad no one imports them at smaller sizes. i've only seen 18"+ size for sale. hint hint to the sponsors.. something to shoot for.

 

[Mentzer]

i think ultimatejay has one in his 750.

You are correct, and it's primarily silver, unless it's colouration is changing. This is the only one I have seen with so much blue in it. They all look great but this ones my preference. Perhaps a regional colour variance? Orinoco v. Amazon? Or perhaps the blues tones develop with size and age?

 

[DJC776]

Mentzer,
Cheers for the pm. Platynematichthys notatus is definitely on my want list, I agree they are pretty awesome especially as so active.
Regards

 

[lgarruda]

This fish fades while ages. That is why it is not seen in aquariums here, and it is not due to exportation demands, like happens to Brachyplatystoma tigrinum, or Liosomadoras oncinus.