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Knobnose Whiptail Catfish. Yes, funny name, but also a funny looking fish! Locally we call them Pinocchio Catfish, and obviously these names suggest there’s something nosy going on with this species. We’ll let the pictures decide! But, this is certainly an interesting Twig Catfish to keep in aquariums. It has a very wide distribution in the Amazon delta, and it’s certainly possible that these forms will eventually be found to be separate species. For now though, H.acipenserinus is the only representative of its genus. In captivity, they should be kept on a layer of fine sand where they can burrow themselves. They don’t compete too well for food, so keep this in mind when choosing tankmates. 

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Facts:

Name: Hemiodontichthys acipenserinus (Kner, 1854)

Trade names: Knobnose Whiptail, Pinocchio Whiptail

Origin: Widely distributed in Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and Guyana

Maximum TL: 15 cm / 6''

 

H.acipenserinus is a peaceful bottom dweller which lives a very sedate life. They only wander about when food is offered. These fish should be given calm surroundings with both open sand areas and shelter under roots. Plants are also good for shelter. Food should consist of high quality dried foods, frozen insect larvae and small crustaceans. In clean, well-conditioned water they will easily breed right on the substrate, where the male will guard the spawn. He develops a larger lower lip during the brooding season, which he uses to shelter the eggs.

 

More info:

https://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=176

http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/hemiodontichthys-acipenserinus/

http://www.l-welse.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/875

https://www.scotcat.com/loricariidae/hemiodontichthys_acipenserinus.htm