TankBud

Clown gagata catfish

Gagata dolichonema

Also known as Clown cat gagata

FreshwaterFish

Clown gagata catfish (Gagata dolichonema)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
68–79°F
20–26°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
5.1 in
13 cm
Minimum tank
42 gal
160 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Sisoridae
Origin
Irrawaddy and upper Salween basins

Overview

The clown gagata catfish is a peaceful sisorid that hangs just above the bottom in open, flowing water. It is a step up from the easiest fish.

Did you know

The clown gagata catfish breaks the usual sisorid pattern. Most of its relatives are loners that grip a rock and wait. It cruises open sandy river beds in coordinated shoals, more like a schooling minnow than a torrent catfish.

Caring for the clown gagata catfish

Give the clown gagata catfish at least 42 gal (160 L), with a long, open floor and brisk, oxygen-rich flow. Lay a wide stretch of open sand with few obstacles, and give it strong current to swim against. Avoid sharp decor that could scuff its belly as it settles.

Keep the water cool and clean, at 68 to 79°F (20 to 26°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Feed sinking foods that drift in the flow, such as frozen bloodworm, small pellets and worms.

It is social and does best in a group of six or more. It is peaceful with similar-sized, flow-loving tank mates and is no threat to them. It has not been bred in the aquarium.

Good to know

Gagata dolichonema is a member of Sisoridae, the Asian hillstream and torrent catfishes. It is silver with dark saddle marks and long, trailing nasal barbels. It is also sold as the clown cat gagata.

In the wild

The clown gagata catfish lives in large, fast rivers of the Irrawaddy and upper Salween basins. It moves in loose shoals over clean sand and gravel in strong current.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The clown gagata catfish is a peaceful, social species that keeps to the bottom. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a clown gagata catfish need?

A clown gagata catfish needs at least 42 gal (160 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a clown gagata catfish need?

A clown gagata catfish is comfortable at 68–79°F (20–26°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a clown gagata catfish eat?

A clown gagata catfish eats sinking foods that drift in the flow. Offer it frozen bloodworm, small pellets and worms.

How big does a clown gagata catfish get?

An adult clown gagata catfish reaches about 5.1 in (13 cm).

Related species