Shadow Catfish

Description

Shadow Catfish

Care level: Easy
Max Size: 4.5cm
Diet: Omnivore
Temp: 22-27°C
PH: 5.0-6.5
Purchase size: 2.5-3.5cm

The Shadow Catfish is a small mid aquarium level catfish from Indonesia. In the wild, they have a fairly small habitat range and are typically found in shady, heavily vegetated areas where the fish will congregate in large numbers under the cover of floating vegetation. This habitat should be replicated in the aquarium, ensuring that the water is soft and acidic. Peat moss can be used to achieve this and also to darken the water. The addition of bog wood, rocks, caves and pipes will offer hiding places and shady spots for the fish as it does not appreciate bright lighting. Floating vegetation will offer further shade. Water quality is very important as these catfish are very sensitive to nitrates.

These catfish have a peaceful disposition and often ignore tankmates altogether. They should be kept in a group of 6 or more individuals as they are highly social with their conspecifics. They are most active at dawn and at dusk.

Ideal tankmates will include other south east asian species that enjoy a similar environment, such as Kuhli Loaches, Rasboras, Cherry Barbs, Sparkling Gouramies and many others. Avoid anything that may be large enough to consider these catfish as food.

Food can be offered in the form of sinking pellets and fresh or frozen fish foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworm and daphnia. This species prefers a meaty diet and may not be as willing to eat dry food as consistently as others.

If you have any questions about keeping this fish, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions

Why not check out our other photos of some of the best livestock to have graced our tanks!