Striped Woodcat

About

The Striped Woodcat (Trachelyopterichthys taeniatus) is a South American catfish from the upper Amazon basin, where it navigates slow or moderate currents among submerged wood, leaf litter, and dense vegetation. Its most recognizable feature is a contrasting pattern of dark stripes or bands running along its body, which helps it blend into the shadowy, tannin-stained waters it calls home. Like many woodcats, it has a somewhat flattened profile and carries the characteristic barbels and armored look associated with its family. In the aquarium, it tends to be most active after the lights go down, spending daylight hours tucked into a cave, hollow driftwood, or any sheltered spot it can claim as its own. Despite the nocturnal tendencies, it is not a shy or overly reclusive fish once settled in, and it generally coexists peacefully with tankmates that are too large to fit in its mouth. That last point is worth keeping in mind. This is a carnivore, and smaller fish or shrimp are likely to be viewed as food rather than neighbors. For a beginner looking to add an interesting bottom-dweller to a mid-sized community setup, the Striped Woodcat is a solid and reasonably forgiving choice.