Taxonomy & naming
Described as Eigenmann, 1916 and now placed in Trachelyopterus, which is why the authority is in parentheses. The type locality is the Rio Sucio, Colombia. It is a valid species in the Catalog of Fishes.
Morphology
Auchenipterids have a smooth, scaleless but thickly skinned body, a short rounded head and a stout locking dorsal and pectoral spine. FishBase gives a maximum of 11 in TL.
Habitat
Native to Colombia; FishBase places it in the Suico (Sucio) River basin, and describes it as a freshwater demersal fish tolerating 72–97 °F. Driftwood catfishes of this genus shelter in submerged wood and roots by day.
Feeding
Nocturnal and carnivorous to omnivorous, as is typical for the family: small fish, invertebrates and prepared foods. Species-specific diet data are not recorded here.
Mating
Mating behaviour is not documented for Trachelyopterus fisheri in the sources available to the atlas. Auchenipterid males have a modified anal fin used for internal insemination, and females can store sperm, so a pair does not need to spawn at the same moment as mating.
Breeding
Auchenipterid males are known for internal insemination, with the female storing sperm. A species-specific spawning record for T. fisheri is not known to the atlas.
In the aquarium
Provide driftwood and dim, shaded cover; feed after lights-out. Treat small tankmates as potential food. At up to 11 in TL it needs a well-sized tank, and FishBase's 72–97 °F range makes ordinary tropical temperatures suitable.
Conservation
The IUCN Red List assessed Trachelyopterus fisheri as Least Concern in 2014. Wild-caught fish are the usual source in trade.