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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
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Very rare
Family
Bagridae
Origin
Sumatra, Java, Borneo

Overview

The black lancer catfish is a shy, nocturnal fish that hides through the day and comes out after dark to forage. It is peaceful toward mid-water community fish, though it can be territorial with other bottom-dwellers, so give it room and its own cave or length of pipe to claim. It grazes on sinking foods, frozen bloodworms, chopped prawn, and the odd algae wafer, and it may take very small fish, so keep tankmates modest but not tiny. Dim lighting and plenty of wood help it settle and show itself. A tank of around 210 liters or larger gives it space to patrol at night.

In the wild

The black lancer comes from Sumatra and neighbouring parts of the Sunda Islands, living in soft, tannin-stained rivers and streams shaded by forest. Keep it warm, around 24 to 28 C, with a pH between 6 and 7.5 and gentle to moderate current. A dim, well-shaded layout suits it best, with driftwood, root tangles, and caves for daytime cover over a soft sand bed. Tinting the water with leaf litter or botanicals mimics the blackwater conditions it comes from and brings out its deep colour.

Good to know

The black lancer catfish belongs to Bagridae and reaches about 23 cm. It is named for its very long, serrated dorsal spine, which stands well above the back and is longer in males, along with an elongate second dorsal ray. The body is a deep velvety black crossed by a thin pale line along the flank, though juveniles are more strongly marked. Little is known about its wild reproduction, and there are no documented cases of it breeding in aquariums.

Did you know

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

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.

How big does a Black lancer catfish get?

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

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