Jewel Spotted Catfish (Wertheimeria maculata)

Jewel Spotted Catfish — Wertheimeria maculata

Brazil’s armored river gem

The Jewel Spotted Catfish is a rare Brazilian species that blends rugged armor with elegant patterning. A deep slate-to-bronze body is covered in scattered pale spots that resemble tiny jewels against dark plating. Thick pectoral spines, pronounced odontodes, and a broad armored head give this fish serious river presence, while the speckled pattern keeps it refined rather than flashy.

Endemic to eastern Brazilian river systems, Wertheimeria maculata inhabits flowing, oxygen-rich waters with rocky structure. In the aquarium it prefers shaded retreats during the day, emerging to patrol the bottom at dusk. It is deliberate and steady rather than frantic — a confident bottom-dweller that commands space without constant aggression.

Growing to approximately 12–16 inches, the Jewel Spotted Catfish becomes a substantial showpiece in large South American or river-style predator setups.

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Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons (larger preferred long-term)

• Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel

• Flow: Moderate to strong current

• Décor: Driftwood, rock caves, shaded areas

• Lighting: Moderate to dim

• Oxygen: High dissolved oxygen preferred

• Filtration: Strong biological filtration required

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Tank Mates

Best housed with robust, similarly sized species:

• Large cichlids

• Arowana (space dependent)

• Datnoids

• Bichirs

• Other large catfish

Avoid small fish and extremely aggressive species that may cause constant stress.

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Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–80°F (22–27°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to medium

• Water Quality: Clean, stable conditions essential

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Diet

Omnivorous with strong protein preference:

• Sinking carnivore pellets

• Shrimp and prawn

• Mussel or fish pieces

• Occasional vegetable matter