Angler Catfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A fascinating, formidable predator not recommended for most community aquariums. Aaron Norman
Overview
This Asian catfish can consume items almost as large as its head, making it a very risky choice for the community tank.
Also, it has a short dorsal spine that can inflict a painful wound and may exude a slime that kills all other fishes housed with it.
A Chaca catfish may use its maxillary barbels to "fish" for smaller prey.
All in all, a fish for the catfish enthusiast who knows what he or she is taking on.
Family: Chacidae
Other common name(s):
- Angler Catfish
- Frogmouth Catfish
- Squarehead Catfish
Native range:
Habitat: Hides in leaves and sunken branches on stream bottoms, waiting to ambush passing prey.
Maximum length: 20 cm (8 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 208 L (55 gal)
Water: Freshwater 24 °C (75 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F)
General swimming level: Bottom.
Feeding
Nocturnal carnivore. Feeds on fish and crustaceans in the wild. Offer a variety of meaty foods for freshwater predators. Live feeder fish can be used, but do not feed these exclusively.
Aquarium Compatibility
House only with fish considerably larger than the head/mouth of the Chaca. It will hunt at night, eating resting fishes that it can manage to swallow.
Special Care
Handle with extreme care to avoid being stabbed by its venomous dorsal spine.