TankBud

Asian banjo catfish

Acrochordonichthys rugosus

FreshwaterFish

Asian banjo catfish (Acrochordonichthys rugosus)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
64–75°F
18–24°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
4.3 in
11 cm
Minimum tank
25 gal
95 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Difficult
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Very rare
Family
Akysidae
Origin
Malaysia, Sunda Islands

Overview

The Asian banjo catfish is a slow, sedentary bottom dweller for a cool, dimly lit stream tank. It is a fish for experienced keepers.

Did you know

A stressed Asian banjo catfish can release a toxic slime from its skin. Kept in a bag or a small tank, it can release enough to kill nearby fish within minutes.

Caring for the Asian banjo catfish

Give the Asian banjo catfish a tank of 25 gal (95 L) or larger, set up like a forest stream. Use a fine sand base, smooth rounded rocks, driftwood and leaf litter, with plenty of hiding places. It spends the day tucked against wood or under the leaves and only stirs at night. Dim lighting and shaded caves help it feel secure and come out to feed.

Keep the water soft and slightly acidic, at 64 to 75°F (18 to 24°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. That is cooler than many tropical tanks. Run gentle to moderate flow with good oxygenation.

This catfish barely moves and is a poor competitor at feeding time. After lights out, drop sinking foods such as frozen bloodworms, chopped prawn and small earthworms right in front of it.

It is peaceful toward anything it cannot swallow, but small fish and shrimp will be eaten. Pick tank mates that are calm and too big to be a meal. Keep one on its own or a small group. Handle it carefully, and move and acclimate it on its own. Breeding has not been documented in aquariums.

Good to know

The Asian banjo catfish, Acrochordonichthys rugosus, belongs to Akysidae, a small family of Asian stream catfishes. Its common name comes from its broad, flattened head and tapering body. Its skin is covered in wart-like tubercles that it can shed and renew. Its color shifts with mood and surroundings, and its defensive slime is a trait shared across its genus.

In the wild

The Asian banjo catfish comes from Malaysia and the Sunda Islands. It lives in clear, flowing forest streams with sandy or gravel beds and scattered wood.

Common questions

What size tank does an Asian banjo catfish need?

An Asian banjo catfish needs at least 25 gal (95 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does an Asian banjo catfish need?

An Asian banjo catfish is comfortable at 64–75°F (18–24°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does an Asian banjo catfish eat?

An Asian banjo catfish eats sinking foods such as frozen bloodworms, chopped prawn and small earthworms, fed after lights out. It will also eat small fish and shrimp.

How big does an Asian banjo catfish get?

An adult Asian banjo catfish reaches about 4.3 in (11 cm).

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