Dianema urostriata XL (Dianema urostriata) — XL

Overview

Striped Dianema (Dianema urostriata), also known as the Striped Talking Catfish, is a peaceful, attractive Amazonian catfish that thrives in groups and adds calm bottom-dwelling activity to a community aquarium. Native to the Amazon Basin in South America, especially slow-moving blackwater and clearwater tributaries in Brazil and Peru, this species is prized for its distinctive striped pattern, peaceful nature, and manageable size. Now available for sale UK from Tropical Fish Co (XL specimens), this charming catfish is ideal for the larger community aquarium keeper.

Appearance

The Striped Dianema typically reaches around 15 cm in total length, making it a medium-sized catfish. The body is elongated and robust, with a pale silver or beige base color marked with bold horizontal dark stripes running the length of the body, giving the species its common name. The fins are well-developed and the long barbels are used for foraging. Healthy specimens have bright, clear eyes and smooth, undamaged barbels and armor plates.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Dianema urostriata is native to the Amazon Basin in South America, especially slow-moving blackwater and clearwater tributaries in Brazil and Peru. These waters are typically soft, warm, and slightly acidic, with muddy or sandy substrates and plenty of aquatic vegetation and leaf litter providing cover. Light levels are low due to the forest canopy and tannin-stained water. The fish spend much of their time foraging on the substrate for invertebrates and organic matter.

Aquarium Setup

A spacious aquarium of at least 150 litres is recommended for a small group of Striped Dianemas (XL specimens). Use a soft sand or smooth substrate to protect their delicate barbels, and incorporate plenty of driftwood, smooth rocks, caves, and live plants to provide hiding places and visual interest. Ensure good filtration and gentle to moderate water movement to maintain high oxygen levels. Subdued lighting will help the fish settle and display their best natural behavior.

Feeding

The Striped Dianema is an omnivore and thrives on a varied sinking diet. Offer quality catfish pellets as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and occasional prepared foods. They will also accept some plant-based foods. Feed once or twice daily in small amounts, ensuring food reaches the bottom where the fish naturally forage.

Behaviour

This catfish is peaceful, active, and social, best kept in a small group where individuals will feel more confident and active. They spend much of their time foraging on the substrate, and are most active during dawn and dusk or at night. Males may engage in mild territorial displays, but serious aggression is rare. Due to their peaceful nature, they make excellent additions to community aquariums.

Tank Mates

The Striped Dianema is suitable for a peaceful community aquarium with other medium-sized fish. Good tankmates include peaceful tetras, rasboras, small peaceful cichlids, Corydoras catfish, and other peaceful bottom-dwellers. Avoid large aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping barbs, large predatory fish, highly territorial bottom-dwellers, and very boisterous species.

Breeding

Breeding the Striped Dianema is uncommon in home aquaria. Like other callichthyid catfish, they are likely egg scatterers that may use bubble nests or deposit eggs on surfaces. Soft, warm water and excellent conditioning with live foods may trigger spawning.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co is a leading UK aquatics specialist offering peaceful and attractive catfish like the Striped Dianema direct to your door. Every fish is quarantined, inspected, and dispatched with expert care to ensure it arrives in peak condition. With decades of experience, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer support, we make it easy to add peaceful, active species to your collection. Order online today and enjoy fast, reliable delivery across the UK.