Shadow Catfish

Care

The Shadow Catfish is an attractive, but delicate midwater shoaling species which is best maintained in groups of 6 or more. In the wild, it is common to find this species in heavily vegetated peaty habitats, where the water is soft and acidic. Therefore it is best to try and match these conditions in the home aquarium using peat filtration and plenty of shady areas amongst bogwood and dense planting. The tank should be mature and have a gentle water movement. Shadow Catfish tend to be at their most active at dawn and dusk and the use of a dim light timed to come on just before the main lights go off will allow you to view this species going about its natural behaviour in its favoured dimly lit conditions. Keep only with other small, peaceful species which enjoy the same conditions e.g. Kuhli loaches (Pangio sp.), small Rasbora sp., small pencilfish sp. etc.

 

May also be seen on sale as the Golden Whisker Catfish or under its old scientific name of Pelteobagrus ornatus.

Feeding

Prefers small frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brineshrimp, mosquito larvae etc. May take small sinking catfish pellets, but frozen foods are always favoured. It is best to feed either at dawn or dusk when these fish are at their most active.

Breeding

Unknown.