{"product_id":"striped-talking-catfish-for-sale-uk-dianema-urostriata-8055","title":"Dianema urostriata XL (Dianema urostriata) — XL","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStriped Dianema\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eDianema urostriata\u003c\/em\u003e), 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 \u003cstrong\u003efor sale UK\u003c\/strong\u003e from Tropical Fish Co (XL specimens), this charming catfish is ideal for the larger community aquarium keeper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem\u003eDianema urostriata\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25-28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0-7.8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good flow, excellent oxygenation essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide a soft sand or smooth substrate to protect barbels, plenty of hiding places, and gentle filtration with good oxygenation. Best kept in a small group, as they are more confident and active when kept socially.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Striped Dianema is suitable for a peaceful community aquarium with other medium-sized fish. Good tankmates include peaceful tetras, rasboras, small peaceful cichlids, \u003cem\u003eCorydoras\u003c\/em\u003e catfish, and other peaceful bottom-dwellers. Avoid large aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping barbs, large predatory fish, highly territorial bottom-dwellers, and very boisterous species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropical 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57427518947663,"sku":"8055","price":38.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/dianema-urostriata-xl-dianema-urostriata-xl-hero-driftwood-8055.webp?v=1776550829","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/striped-talking-catfish-for-sale-uk-dianema-urostriata-8055","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}