Platysilurus mucosus ID?

[Neighlass]

Hi there,

I've been offered this little chap as a porthole shovelhead catfish however after a bit of Google image searching I think it's a platysilurus mucosus? I just wondered if I could get your expert opinion please?

I'm in the UK, are they rare over here? Can't say I've seen any I'm my lfs

Thanks

 

[kno4te]

I have a small porthole cat and mucosus. Looks like a mucosus catfish to me. Think just whited out bc of the sand.

 

[Neighlass]

I have a small porthole cat and mucosus. Looks like a mucosus catfish to me. Think just whited out bc of the sand.

Thanks. There isn't a huge amount on the net about them it seems (some but not lots). Do you have any pictures of yours?

 

[Fallen_Leaves16]

I agree with kno4te on Platysilurus; usually "porthole shovelnose catfish" is used for Hemisorubim (which looks similar enough, but with a markedly different pattern and facial structure, amongst other things).
Not a common catfish overall; they're decently rare and very nice fishtank inhabitants due to their smaller adult size. The filaments and elongate barbels are quite pretty in mature fish; almost reminiscent of a juvenile Brachyplatystoma.

 

[Fishman Dave]

Well done finding that here in the uk Emma. Yes it is indeed P. mucosus. The link below might help. https://www.planetcatfish.com/platysilurus#1641
Not a particularly needy catfish in its requirements providing you get it to eat. Its whiskers are long so it appreciates a bit of space , but it’s not a large growing fish so a typical uk living room fitting sized tank will keep it for life.

 

[kno4te]

Thanks. There isn't a huge amount on the net about them it seems (some but not lots). Do you have any pictures of yours?

From one of my threads. This guy is about 7 inches I’d say.

 

[Neighlass]

Thanks folks. Going for a look at him tomorrow. Will let you know if he comes home with me