Electric Catfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Capable of discharging a power shock, even at small sizes. Aaron Norman
[edit] Overview
Even at a small size, these predatory African catfishes can deliver a powerful shock and have been known to send other fishes housed with them hurtling across the aquarium. The large adult size of most species makes them risky to keep.
Family: Malapteruridae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Stream and river bottom with soft substrate and sunken logs and rocks.
Maximum length: 122 cm (48 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 1136 L (300 gal)
Water: Freshwater 23 °C (296 K, 73 °F) - 30 °C (303 K, 86 °F)
General swimming level: Bottom.
[edit] Feeding
Omnivore. Will readily take meaty foods and vegetable matter.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
A risk to tankmates, which can be stunned if shocked. Best kept in a species tank by itself.
[edit] Special Care
Do not underestimate the electric shock potential of these catfishes.
| Common name | Electric Catfish + |
| Family | Malapteruridae + |
| Genus | Malapterurus + |
| Image credit | AN + |
| Maximum length | 48 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 300 gal + |
| Native range | Nile River +, and Niger River + |
| Reference | 101 Best Tropical Fishes + |
| Specific name | electricus + |
| Swimming level | Bottom. + |
| Text credit | KW + |
| Water max temp | 303 K (30 °C, 86 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 296 K (23 °C, 73 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |