Care
The Giant Talking Catfish is a diurnal species known from the Amazon, Essequibo, and Tocantins River basins, where it occurs in small groups and feeds on pulmonate snails and the fallen fruits of terrestrial plants. This hefty, characterful bottom-dweller requires a very spacious aquarium with a soft sand substrate. The footprint of the tank (length and width) is much more important than the height, so always aim for a tank as long and wide as possible. Juveniles grow quickly and so a voluminous aquarium is required from the outset. There should be a number of hiding places/visual barriers amongst large driftwood pieces, rocky caves, and wide-bore PVC pipes. The more hiding places that are provided, the more the catfish is likely to venture out and about, as it will get to know it has safe places to quickly retreat to if it feels the need. Dim lighting is preferred, but this can be brighter if it is diffused with robust motherplants such as Anubias or Java Fern tied onto the decor, or floating vegetation. A blue moon light timed to come on just before the main lights switch off will provide you with time in the evening to watch the nocturnal antics of this catfish under its preferred subdued conditions. These fish are messy eaters and therefore produce a lot of nitrogenous waste, so it is essential to run powerful filtration on the aquarium - ideally with 2 or more canister filters, so that if one should fail or requires maintenance, there is back up. Frequent, partial water changes are an absolute must in order to keep the nitrate level as low as possible. There should be areas of brisk water movement, coupled with calmer areas, and a balance of shady retreats and ample swimming space along the front of the aquarium. Ensure that your heater has a safety guard fitted, as these catfish have a habit of resting up against the heater and can end up with severe burns. Despite its adult size, this is a gentle giant that is best maintained in groups if space permits. It can even be trusted with smaller fish, although to be absolutely sure, these should be at least 25% of the length of the catfish. Good tankmates could include other large, peaceable catfish, big cichlids such as Oscars, medium-large sized barbs, adult Metynnis/Myleus spp. etc. May also be seen on sale as the Giant Raphael Catfish.
Feeding
Offer a varied selection of meaty foods. Smaller specimens will take bloodworm, Mysis shrimp, chopped seafood etc. Larger specimens will enjoy earthworms, cockles, mussels, prawns, crab/crayfish meat etc. Various types of sinking catfish pellets/wafers will also be taken with gusto. Sinking carnivore pellets are particularly relished.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
