Banjo Catfish: Size, Diet, Tank Setup, and More

Banjo Catfish: Size, Diet, Tank Setup, and More

The banjo catfish is a peaceful freshwater fish recognized by its flattened head, narrow tail, rough skin, and leaf-like camouflage. It spends much of the day buried beneath sand or resting motionless among leaves and driftwood. Although easy to keep once established, this nocturnal fish requires soft substrate, gentle tank mates, targeted feeding, and clean … Read more

Raphael Catfish: Size, Care, Diet, and Tank Mates

Raphael Catfish: Size, Care, Diet, and Tank Mates

The Raphael catfish is a hardy South American freshwater fish known for its armored body, nocturnal habits, and ability to make audible clicking or croaking sounds. The two aquarium species most often sold under this name are the striped Raphael catfish, Platydoras armatulus, and the spotted Raphael catfish, Agamyxis pectinifrons. Both are generally peaceful, but … Read more

Electric Catfish: Voltage, Habitat, Diet, and Care

Electric Catfish: Voltage, Habitat, Diet, and Care

The electric catfish is an African freshwater fish capable of producing powerful electrical discharges to capture prey and defend itself. The name most commonly refers to Malapterurus electricus, a large, nocturnal catfish with smooth skin, small eyes, sensory barbels, and no conventional dorsal fin. Its electric organ surrounds much of its body and can generate … Read more

Albino Catfish: Types, Size, Care, Diet, and Lifespan

Albino Catfish: Types, Size, Care, Diet, and Lifespan

Albino catfish are pale-colored freshwater fish known for their white, cream, or pinkish bodies and reddish eyes. However, “albino catfish” does not describe one species. Several catfish—including corydoras, bristlenose plecos, channel catfish, hoplo catfish, and redtail catfish—can occur in albino forms. The albino cory catfish is the type most commonly kept in home aquariums because … Read more

What Do Catfish Eat? 10 Foods They Love Most

What Do Catfish Eat? 10 Foods They Love Most

Catfish eat an incredibly varied diet that depends on their species, size, age, and habitat. Most catfish are opportunistic feeders that search along the bottom for insects, crustaceans, worms, plants, dead animals, and smaller fish. However, not every catfish eats the same foods. Cory catfish consume tiny bottom-dwelling organisms, while large flathead and redtail catfish … Read more

Wels Catfish: Size, Habitat, Diet, and Record Facts

Wels Catfish: Size, Habitat, Diet, and Record Facts

The Wels catfish (Silurus glanis) is a giant freshwater predator native to parts of Europe and western Asia. The name is often misspelled as “Wells catfish,” but Wels catfish is the correct common name. Recognized by its broad head, enormous mouth, long barbels, and scaleless body, this fish can grow longer than an adult human. … Read more

Ripsaw Catfish: Size, Care, Diet, and Tank Setup

Ripsaw Catfish: Size, Care, Diet, and Tank Setup

The ripsaw catfish is a massive South American freshwater fish known for its dark body, long barbels, and saw-like row of armored plates. Its scientific name is Oxydoras niger, and it belongs to the thorny catfish family Doradidae. Although juveniles are sometimes sold for home aquariums, a full-grown ripsaw catfish can reach approximately 3 feet … Read more

Pygmy Cory Catfish: Size, Care, Food, and Tank Mates

Pygmy Cory Catfish: Size, Care, Food, and Tank Mates

The pygmy cory catfish is a peaceful freshwater fish known for its tiny size, dark horizontal stripe, and energetic schooling behavior. Unlike many cory catfish that remain close to the substrate, pygmy corys regularly swim through the middle of the aquarium. These social nano fish do best in groups and require clean water, gentle tank … Read more

Bumblebee Catfish: Size, Care, Food, and Tank Mates

Bumblebee Catfish: Size, Care, Food, and Tank Mates

The bumblebee catfish is a small, nocturnal freshwater fish recognized by its dark body and contrasting cream, yellow, or orange markings. Its secretive behavior, broad head, and whisker-like barbels make it an interesting addition to a peaceful community aquarium. However, the name bumblebee catfish applies to several different species. The South American bumblebee catfish remains … Read more

Upside-Down Catfish: Size, Care, Diet, and Tank Mates

Upside-Down Catfish: Size, Care, Diet, and Tank Mates

The upside-down catfish is a small freshwater fish famous for swimming with its belly facing the water’s surface. Unlike most fish, this position is normal and healthy for the species. Its manageable size, peaceful temperament, spotted pattern, and unusual behavior make it an interesting addition to a properly maintained community aquarium. However, buyers must identify … Read more