Catfishes from Asia are sadly not “en vogue” currently. On the other hand, many new, attractive species have been discovered recently, which are perfect aquarium inhabitants.
The first species of the genus Pseudolaguvia was discovered back in 1927, but only recently it was found that this genus represents a species-rich one. Pseudolaguvia are dwarf catfish that reach a maximum length of only 2-3 cm. 13 species of the 17 species known to date have been described from the year 2003 on.
A typical feature of the genus Pseudolaguvia is the adhesive apparatus on the belly which looks a broad fold. All species live in brooks or small rivers over sandy bottom. Usually the fish are found among dead plant material (detritus).
For the first time we could import now Pseudolagivia muricata. The charming animals become only 2.5-3 cm long and are no great swimmers. So they fit perfectly for small tanks. A tank for Pseudolaguvia should have fine sand on the bottom. One should also give some dead leaves in the tank. The catfish feed on almost any type of usual fish food – it has to fit the mouth, of course. Pseudolaguvia are absolutely peaceful against any tankmate, may it belong to the own or to different species. Plants are left unharmed also.
There are rather dark colored, elongate specimens and plumper ones with a lighter coloration. In all probability this represents sexual differences. Nothing is known so far regarding reproduction, but it is very likely that the eggs are deposited among plant material etc. and are left unguarded. These fish are kept best at room temperature. In the natural habitat the water is soft and neutral.