Taxonomy & naming
Tympanopleura atronasus (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888) is the valid name in the Catalog of Fishes, originally in another genus. The type locality is recorded only as South America with the exact locality unknown. The epithet combines Latin ater ('black') and nasus ('nose').
Morphology
Tympanopleura are small to mid-sized driftwood catfishes (Auchenipteridae) with a smooth, scaleless body, a short adipose fin, a strong spine at the front of the dorsal and pectoral fins, and, in this genus, a fairly deep body and short barbels. FishBase gives this species a maximum of 6 in SL.
Habitat
FishBase gives its range as the middle and upper Amazon River basin, and lists it as a freshwater, pelagic tropical fish. The type locality is recorded only as South America.
Feeding
FishBase says it feeds on small macroinvertebrates and fish. Driftwood catfishes are usually nocturnal; in captivity they accept frozen foods and sinking pellets.
Mating
Auchenipterids fertilise internally, and males have a modified anal fin used to transfer sperm. FishBase says this species spawns from mid-to-late October to the end of March.
Breeding
FishBase gives a spawning season of mid-to-late October to the end of March. Captive breeding of this species has not been recorded.
In the aquarium
Offer wood and cave shelter and subdued light, and house it with peaceful fish too large to be eaten. Handle with care because of the pectoral spines. FishBase gives no temperature, pH or hardness range for this species.
Conservation
The IUCN Red List assessed it as Least Concern in 2020, meaning it is not considered at risk of extinction at present. The effect of collecting and habitat change has not been described.