Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: No
General Description: The Sun Catfish, also referred to as the Thai, Bullseye, Solar or Eclipse Catfish, are native to sluggish waters of southwestern India. Sun catfish are an overall bronze-like yellow-green color, with a large black spot behind the head and a white belly. A popular choice for scavenging, but know that the Sun catfish is truly a nocturnal species. This means that it may hide during daylight hours, however some adult specimens have been observed to roam at any hour of the day. If it is out, this species will typically hover around in the middle portion of the aquarium unlike most other catfish species that stay on the bottom exclusively. Sun catfish are usually sold as mere juveniles at only a few inches in length, but be aware that this species can grow quite large (up to 18″). Because of this, Sun catfish are not recommended for traditional community aquariums as small fish will become a meal. Needless to say, Sun catfish are peaceful despite their large adult size and they will not squabble with each other. In fact, they are social and prefer the company of other Sun catfish.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Sun 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.
Care Requirements: A minimum 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single, small Sun catfish. A more adult specimen will require an aquarium upwards of 125 gallons, and a group of Sun catfish will need even more space. This species should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium, as it is sensitive to nitrite and ammonia. Equipping the aquarium with a canister filter, or a sump system, is also needed to maintain a healthier environment for this species and combat the amount of waste it produces as an adult. The aquarium should be aquascaped with rocks and driftwood for coverage and places to hide during the day; PVC piping also works well for this species. Catfish require a sandy to fine substrate; too coarse of a substrate could cause injury to their barbels. Like other catfish, the Sun 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. Sun catfish are not recommended for typical community aquariums with species that could easily be eaten as it grows in size. On the other hand, the docile temperament of Sun catfish make them unsuitable to withstand an aggressive aquarium. A happy medium needs to be found to house this catfish successfully. Some compatible species include larger Characins, peaceful South American cichlids, rainbowfish, polypterus and other “gentle giant” catfish. Recommended water conditions, 74-78° F, KH 5-25, pH 6.0-7.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 3” to 4”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
