Care
Amblyceps foratum is a torrent catfish known from rivers and streams with swift current and substrates of sand or smooth rocks. This fish is rarely seen in the trade, but is well worth looking out for if you have a mature hillstream style set-up. These shy bottom dwellers have evolved to live in subtropical, fast-flowing, highly oxygenated waters - and this specialised habitat must be replicated in the home aquarium if they are to thrive. Extra powerheads (in addition to the return flow from filters) can be used to create a river type effect; the surface of the water should be visibly moving to ensure that there is a high amount of oxygenation within the water at all times. An additional air-pump is also a handy back-up (but should not be relied upon as the sole means of oxygenation, as it is not enough). Without such a combination of cooler-than-average water temperature and high level of oxygenation, these catfish will not fare well. It is important to provide a soft sand substrate in order to protect the impressive but delicate sensory barbels, and be sure to make a good number of shady hiding places available such as slate caves, driftwood, and PVC pipes for these nocturnal fish to take refuge in during the day - as they do not enjoy bright lighting. This is a fairly territorial species which will fight with its own kind and with other members of the same genus, so space and a copious number of caves/visual barriers are essential if more than one is to be kept in the same aquarium. Adding a blue moon light to your aquarium (which switches on just before the main lights go out) will allow you to spend time observing them under their preferred subdued lighting. Adding some suitable "dither fish" to the aquarium may also encourage them to venture out a little more during the daytime, and some of the medium sized species from the barb, Barilius, Danio, and Rasbora families make great companions. However, be aware that A. foratum are micro-predators which do actively hunt at night, so be sure that any tankmates are not of such a small size that they would become an easy snack. Plants can be incorporated into this type of specialist aquarium, but not all species will cope well with fast current. Having said this, many aquarists have had a good deal of success with Anubias species, Java moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri), Java fern (Microsorum sp.) and some species of Cryptocoryne. Plants are not found in great abundance in the natural habitat of A. foratum, so are not considered essential, but they will help with water quality and will make the aquarium look more aesthetically pleasing. Frequent partial water changes are essential for keeping nitrogenous wastes to a minimum. Finally, handle with much care - these fish are traumatogenic, which means they are capable of inflicting a painful sting with their dorsal and pectoral spines, with much swelling and excruciating pain in the afflicted area for several hours.
Feeding
Must be provided with a variety of small, meaty frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, black mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, finely chopped prawns etc. Over time, some specimens may eventually take sinking pellets, but most tend to shun dried foods so make sure you always have plenty of frozen foods to hand. If there are other fish present in the tank, make sure your A. foratum are not missing out, target feeding near their caves using a baster if necessary, and offering some foods after lights out.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
