TankBud

Squarehead catfish

Chaca chaca

Also known as Angler catfish, Frogmouth catfish, Indian chaca, Chaca catfish, Frog mouth catfish

FreshwaterFish

Squarehead catfish (Chaca chaca)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–79°F
22–26°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
7.9 in
20 cm
Minimum tank
40 gal
150 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Chacidae
Origin
Found in slow rivers and floodplains of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.

Overview

The squarehead catfish is a specialist oddball that barely moves, more of a display curiosity than an active fish. It is a step up from the easiest fish.

Did you know

The squarehead catfish hunts by dangling a small fleshy lure near its mouth and staying utterly still. A passing fish that comes to investigate is inhaled in a fraction of a second.

Caring for the squarehead catfish

A single squarehead catfish is comfortable in a soft-water tank of at least 40 gal (150 L). Give it soft sand, leaf litter, dim light and gentle flow. It spends its life half-buried on the bottom, waiting to ambush prey.

Keep it in soft, acidic water at 72 to 79°F (22 to 26°C), within a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It often refuses dry food and prefers live or fresh meaty items. Its big meals can foul the water, so watch the water quality.

The squarehead is not aggressive toward things it cannot eat. Its huge mouth can swallow fish nearly half its own length, so any tank mate that fits will vanish. Choose companions carefully, or keep it alone.

Good to know

Chaca chaca is built as a pure ambush hunter, with a broad flat head and an enormous upturned mouth. Its lumpy shape and drab color make it look like a waterlogged leaf. A recent record specimen measured near 24 cm.

In the wild

The squarehead catfish lives in slow, soft, often tannin-stained rivers and floodplains of India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar. It lies motionless on the bottom among leaf litter and mud.

Common questions

What size tank does a squarehead catfish need?

A squarehead catfish needs at least 40 gal (150 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a squarehead catfish need?

A squarehead catfish is comfortable at 72–79°F (22–26°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a squarehead catfish eat?

A squarehead catfish eats live or fresh meaty items and often refuses dry food. It will also swallow any tank mate small enough to fit in its mouth.

How big does a squarehead catfish get?

An adult squarehead catfish reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm).

Related species