TankBud

Black lancer catfish

Bagrichthys macracanthus

FreshwaterFish

Black lancer catfish (Bagrichthys macracanthus)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
9.1 in
23 cm
Minimum tank
55 gal
210 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Very rare
Family
Bagridae
Origin
Sumatra, Java, Borneo

Overview

The black lancer catfish is a shy, nocturnal bottom catfish for a dim, wooded community tank. It suits a keeper with some experience.

Did you know

The lancer in the black lancer catfish's name refers to the tall, blade-like dorsal spine rising from its back. With an extended fin ray, it gives the fish an outline that is unmistakable once it leaves cover at night.

Caring for the black lancer catfish

Give the black lancer catfish a tank of 55 gal (210 L) or larger, with space to patrol at night. A dim, well-shaded layout suits it, with driftwood, root tangles and caves over a soft sand bed. Give it its own cave or length of pipe to claim. Tinting the water with leaf litter or botanicals mimics blackwater and brings out its deep color.

Keep it warm, at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C), with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and gentle to moderate current. It hides through the day and comes out after dark to forage. It grazes on sinking foods, frozen bloodworms, chopped prawn and the odd algae wafer.

The black lancer is peaceful toward midwater community fish but can be territorial with other bottom dwellers. It may take very small fish, so keep tank mates modest but not tiny. Dim lighting and plenty of wood help it settle and show itself.

Males carry a longer dorsal spine than females. There are no documented cases of it breeding in aquariums.

Good to know

The black lancer catfish belongs to Bagridae. Its body is a deep velvety black crossed by a thin pale line along the flank, and juveniles are more strongly marked. The dorsal spine is serrated and stands well above the back, along with an elongate second dorsal ray. Little is known about how it reproduces in the wild.

In the wild

The black lancer catfish comes from Sumatra and neighboring parts of the Sunda Islands. It lives in soft, tannin-stained rivers and streams shaded by forest.

Common questions

What size tank does a black lancer catfish need?

A black lancer catfish needs at least 55 gal (210 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a black lancer catfish need?

A black lancer catfish is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a black lancer catfish eat?

A black lancer catfish grazes on sinking foods, frozen bloodworms and chopped prawn, with the odd algae wafer. Feed it after dark, when it comes out to forage.

How big does a black lancer catfish get?

An adult black lancer catfish reaches about 9.1 in (23 cm).

How can you tell a male black lancer catfish from a female?

Males have a longer dorsal spine than females.

Related species