Craterocephalus randi
Kubuna Hardyhead
Species Summary
Craterocephalus randi (or fish believed to be that species) is a widespread hardyhead mostly resembling C. stercusmuscarum from Australia, of which it was previously considered a subspecies. It is a slender species, showing more or less distinct rows of dark spots along the sides and a yellowish to tan ground colour. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish from the closely related C. nouhuysi, which has fewer spots (if any) and a more marked mid-lateral dark band. It has been found by several collecting parties over the years, including recently in the upper Digul system of West Papua, close to the PNG border, by Graf, Heemskerk, Mailliet and Ohee in 2023, and has also sporadically become available in the aquarium trade in Europe as wild-caught fish from near Merauke, in the lower Digul system.
Distribution & Habitat
Craterocephalus randi is one of the most widespread hardyhead species of New Guinea, occurring from the Kubuna River in Papua New Guinea in the east to Lake Yamur in the west. It inhabits a wide range of habitats, occurring mostly at lower elevations from the coast to the foothills of the central mountain range. The exact limits of its distribution are unknown, and it seems to sometimes occur together with C. nouhuysi, although the latter apparently prefers higher elevations.
Keeping & Caring
Craterocephalus randi is a very peaceful and active schooling fish that makes an ideal companion for rainbowfish and smaller gobies or gudgeons. It is omnivorous and will thrive readily on any live or commercial food, though it shows a distinct preference for small copepods and Artemia nauplii, and will also scrape green algae off rocks and plants.
Breeding
No specific information about the breeding of Craterocephalus randi is available, though it should be similar to other hardyhead species.
Account and photos from Christophe Mailliet, based on the 2023 upper Digul system collecting trip.