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Apure jelly catfish

Cephalosilurus apurensis

Also known as Apure bumblebee catfish

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
11.8 in (30 cm)
Minimum tank
106 gal (400 L)
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
Tankmates with caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Apure and Orinoco drainages, Venezuela
Family
Pseudopimelodidae

Overview

The Apure jelly catfish is a big-headed ambush predator that spends most of its life sitting still and waiting for a meal to pass. Keep it alone, as it is not a social fish, and it will try to eat tankmates close to its own size, let alone anything smaller. Give it a species tank with a soft floor, a cave or hollow to settle into, and low light, and do not house it with fish it could swallow. It feeds hard when it does feed, taking large meaty foods such as whole frozen fish, prawn, and earthworms, and it can go a long time between meals. One fish wants a tank of around 400 liters or more.

In the wild

This catfish lies in wait on the bottoms of rivers in the Apure and wider Orinoco drainage of Venezuela, often half-buried in sand or leaf litter with only its huge mouth showing. Recreate that with a soft substrate, a shady cave, driftwood, and dim light. Aim for soft, warm water around 23 to 28 C and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Cover to hide in matters more than open space.

Good to know

Cephalosilurus apurensis is an ambush predator in the family Pseudopimelodidae, reaching about 30 centimeters, with a broad, flattened head and an enormous mouth. Its loose, soft skin is the source of the jelly nickname used in the trade. It is built to sit motionless and inhale prey that strays too close. No aquarium breeding has been documented for it.

Did you know

It is almost all mouth and patience: a sedentary ambusher that can sit unmoving for long stretches, then engulf a fish close to its own length in a single gulp when one strays within range.

Common questions

What size tank does an Apure jelly catfish need?

An Apure jelly catfish needs at least 106 gal (400 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH do Apure jelly catfish need?

Apure jelly catfish are comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

How big do Apure jelly catfish get?

An adult Apure jelly catfish reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Bottom dwellers

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