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Black Top Mouse Catfish (Hassar orestis)

$3999 CAD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
SKU: 49089291009598

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Black Top Mouse Catfish (Hassar orestis)

Description

Hassar orestis, commonly known as the Black Top Mouse Catfish, is a peaceful and somewhat delicate species of thorny catfish from the Doradidae family. Native to South America, it’s a great choice for well-maintained community aquariums with soft substrates and gentle tankmates. 

Species Overview

  • Scientific Name: Hassar orestis (Steindachner, 1875)
  • Common Name: Black Top Mouse Catfish
  • Family: Doradidae
  • Size: Up to 20.5 cm SL (8.1 inches); some sources report up to 29.8 cm TL 
  • Distribution: Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo River basins (Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana)

Habitat & Tank Setup

  • Natural Habitat: Demersal (bottom-dwelling) in tropical freshwater rivers
  • Tank Size: Minimum 120 cm length (approx. 55+ gallons)
  • Substrate: Fine sand preferred — avoids damage to delicate barbels 
  • Decor:
    • Dense vegetation is essential for confidence and hiding
    • Root structures preferred over rocks or wood
    • Caves are less important than plant cover 
  • Water Parameters:
    • Temperature: 22–25°C (71–77°F)
    • pH: 6.0–7.6
    • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
  • Filtration: Stable, clean water is crucial — sensitive to poor conditions 
Diet
  • Feeding Type: Omnivore with preference for small foods
  • Diet:
    • Crushed flakes, sinking tablets
    • Live/frozen: brine shrimp, worms, Daphnia
  • Feeding Behavior: Shy at first; becomes active once acclimated 

Behavior & Compatibility

  • Temperament: Peaceful and sociable with its own kind
  • Tankmates:
    • Ideal: small characins, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, small labyrinth fish
    • Avoid: large or aggressive species
  • Social Needs: Best kept in shoals of 3+ for health and boldness 

Breeding

  • Status: No confirmed breeding reports in aquariums 
  • Sexual Dimorphism:
    • Males: elongated first dorsal ray
    • Females: rounder pectoral fins and body shape 

Appearance

  • Body Color: Light grey with white underside
  • Markings: Minute black spots near dorsal base; prominent black blotch on dorsal fin
  • Head: Narrow with long snout; elongate eyes
  • Barbels: Maxillary barbels reach pectorals; mental barbels are papillose

Specifications
  • Category
    Catfish
  • Species Type
    Whiptail Catfish
  • Water Temperature
    75°F to 82°F
  • Minimum Tank Size
    20 Gallons
  • Water pH Level
    Acidic, Neutral
  • Habitat Preference
    Sandy Tanks, Hiding Spots, Driftwood, Planted Tanks
  • Behaviour
    Bottom-Dwelling, Community Fish

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JR TROPICAL FISH COLOMBIA

Black Top Mouse Catfish (Hassar orestis)

$3999 CAD

Hassar orestis, commonly known as the Black Top Mouse Catfish, is a peaceful and somewhat delicate species of thorny catfish from the Doradidae family. Native to South America, it’s a great choice for well-maintained community aquariums with soft substrates and gentle tankmates. 

Species Overview

  • Scientific Name: Hassar orestis (Steindachner, 1875)
  • Common Name: Black Top Mouse Catfish
  • Family: Doradidae
  • Size: Up to 20.5 cm SL (8.1 inches); some sources report up to 29.8 cm TL 
  • Distribution: Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo River basins (Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana)

Habitat & Tank Setup

  • Natural Habitat: Demersal (bottom-dwelling) in tropical freshwater rivers
  • Tank Size: Minimum 120 cm length (approx. 55+ gallons)
  • Substrate: Fine sand preferred — avoids damage to delicate barbels 
  • Decor:
    • Dense vegetation is essential for confidence and hiding
    • Root structures preferred over rocks or wood
    • Caves are less important than plant cover 
  • Water Parameters:
    • Temperature: 22–25°C (71–77°F)
    • pH: 6.0–7.6
    • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
  • Filtration: Stable, clean water is crucial — sensitive to poor conditions 
Diet
  • Feeding Type: Omnivore with preference for small foods
  • Diet:
    • Crushed flakes, sinking tablets
    • Live/frozen: brine shrimp, worms, Daphnia
  • Feeding Behavior: Shy at first; becomes active once acclimated 

Behavior & Compatibility

  • Temperament: Peaceful and sociable with its own kind
  • Tankmates:
    • Ideal: small characins, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, small labyrinth fish
    • Avoid: large or aggressive species
  • Social Needs: Best kept in shoals of 3+ for health and boldness 

Breeding

  • Status: No confirmed breeding reports in aquariums 
  • Sexual Dimorphism:
    • Males: elongated first dorsal ray
    • Females: rounder pectoral fins and body shape 

Appearance

  • Body Color: Light grey with white underside
  • Markings: Minute black spots near dorsal base; prominent black blotch on dorsal fin
  • Head: Narrow with long snout; elongate eyes
  • Barbels: Maxillary barbels reach pectorals; mental barbels are papillose

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