Dwarf broadfin catfish

Nanobagrus immaculatus

Also known as Borneo mini black broadfin cat

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH: 5.0–6.8
Adult size: 1.2 in (3 cm)
Minimum tank: 11 gal (40 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Solitary
Swim level: Bottom
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: No record
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Blackwater streams of Borneo
Family: Bagridae

Overview

This is a true miniature catfish, reaching only about 3 centimeters, and it suits a small, quiet, well-planted tank. It is peaceful and shy, and it does not school, so keep it singly or as a single pair in a calm setup rather than expecting group behavior. Its tiny mouth means it is no threat to other fish, but it is easily out-competed at feeding time, so keep boisterous tankmates out and choose small, gentle companions. Feed fine sinking foods, micro pellets, frozen cyclops, and baby brine shrimp, and make sure some reaches the bottom. A planted nano of around 40 liters is plenty.

In the wild

In the wild it lives in blackwater peat streams in the Kahayan drainage of southern Borneo, among leaf litter in soft, acidic, tannin-stained water. A dim tank with a sand bed, leaf litter, driftwood, and fine-leaved plants matches its home closely. Aim for soft, acidic water around pH 5.0 to 6.8 and a warm 23 to 28 C. It has proved adaptable to less extreme water in captivity, but it always wants shade and plenty of small hiding places.

Good to know

Nanobagrus immaculatus is a bagrid, family Bagridae, described by Heok Hee Ng in 2008 from southern Borneo. The genus name Nanobagrus means dwarf bagrid, and its members stay under about 45 millimeters. This species reaches roughly 3 centimeters in a plain, dark chocolate body. The species name immaculatus means spotless, chosen because it lacks the pale spots or blotches seen on some relatives. Aquarium breeding is undocumented.

Did you know

The name immaculatus means spotless, given for its plain dark body, while Nanobagrus means dwarf bagrid. At around 3 centimeters, adults are small enough to shelter under a single fallen leaf.

Tank mates

Dwarf broadfin catfish is a peaceful, solitary species that keeps to the bottom. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.