• Scientific name: Agamyxis pectinifrons
• Common name: Spotted talking catfish, Spotted Raphael catfish
• Group: Catfishes
• Habitat: South America; Ecuador, Peru
• Size: 16 cm
• Biotope: Widespread throughout tropical South American rivers
• Social behavior: Peaceful, a bit shy and does well in a community tank. May eat very small fish.
• Diet: Omnivorous; small worms, tablets.
• Breeding: Have not reportedly been bred in captivity so far.
• Tank: Minimum 100 litres
• Population: 2-3 fish for 100 litres
• Decoration: Use fine gravel or sand for substrate, and some plant cover and roots for hiding places
• Temperature: 22-28 °C
• pH: 6-7
• Hardness: 0-20 NK°
• Lifespan: 16 years

Description: The base color of the Spotted talking catfish is dark brown to blue-black, with numerous pale blotches/spots on the head and body. The light coloured spots that make this fish so attractive range from brilliant white to pale yellow. The fins dark, with pale stripes and spots which may run together to form transverse bars. Does not like bright light, but once acclimatized it often leaves its hiding place during the day. Prefers peat-filtered, slightly acid water and with low hardness. It likes to burrow so give it a corner without plants. This fish will not eat plants. The Spotted talking catfish can tolerate temperatures to 15 °C for short periods, because the shallow flood waters of its homeland can cool off drastically at night. It is best to catch the Spotted talking catfish with a glass rather than a net as they are prone to sticking out their side spines when they are stressed. A prick from the spines of this fish is quite painful!