Goslinia platynema (Boulenger, 1888)

Goslinia platynema photographed in the tanks of Hydrocosmos. Click on the images to see the high resolution photos. Photo by G.J.Reclos/MCH

Goslinia platynema would never win a fish beauty contest. Apart from the peculiar appearance it has a dull coloration being grayish to black dorsally, fading to a dirty white ventrally. These factors would not stop a number of dedicated hobbyists but its sheer size would. It will reach a final size of over 80 cm and weight more than 5 Kg, which call for a monster tank. Thus, although appreciated as food locally, it is very rarely seen in the aquarium hobby.