Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: Banjo Catfish are found throughout the Amazon basin. Here, this secretive catfish will be found partially buried or somewhat motionless under leaf litter and branches during the daytime. Active mostly at night, Banjo catfish are overall tan-brown in color with a large, flat head. Its appearence perfectly camouflages it in its natural habitat in the wild. A unique addition into the proper aquarium, this species would benefit being kept in small groups. In order to observe your Banjo catfish, it may be a good idea to equip the aquarium with a moon light for when after the main lights go out. Banjo catfish are relatively peaceful and will not harm small fishes despite their size. An adult Banjo catfish can reach a size of approximately 6″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Banjo catfish are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and other freshwater mixes. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish. You may have to accomodate feeding this species when its active (this could vary on an individual basis).

Care Requirements: A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Banjo catfish. This species should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium, as it is sensitive to nitrite and ammonia. The aquarium should be aquascaped with driftwood and dried Indian almond leaves for cover and places to hide during the day. Catfish require a sandy to fine substrate; too coarse of a substrate could cause injury to their barbels and the Banjo catfish does like to bury itself. Like other catfish, the Banjo catfish is an opportunistic scavenger, making them very beneficial to have to forage for extra food of all kinds that has fallen to the substrate. Banjo catfish should not be kept with aggressive species, or other species that exploit the bottom portion of the aquarium. Even peaceful fish, such as tetras, could be a nuisance if they nip at your Banjo catfish throughout the day. Tank mates will need to be selected and observed accordingly for the comfort of your cryptic, nocturnal catfish. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 2-10, pH 5.8-7.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 2” to 2-1/2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.