TankBud

Harlequin lancer catfish

Bagroides melapterus

FreshwaterFish

Harlequin lancer catfish (Bagroides melapterus)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–81°F
24–27°C
pH
6.5–7.5
Adult size
11.8 in
30 cm
Minimum tank
120 gal
455 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Very rare
Family
Bagridae
Origin
Sumatra

Overview

The harlequin lancer catfish is a large, predatory bagrid for a big, dim tank. It is best kept by someone with some experience.

Did you know

The harlequin lancer is one of the most boldly patterned naked catfishes, with a marbled coat of bright yellow and deep black. That coloring, paired with a predatory streak, makes it a prized fish for keepers of large, single-species tanks.

Caring for the harlequin lancer catfish

Give the harlequin lancer catfish a tank of at least 120 gal (455 L), and a roomier one for a full-grown adult. Furnish it with driftwood, root tangles, rock caves and pipes over a sand bed. That cover lets it hold a territory and reduces friction. Keep the lighting dim, with floating plants or a light tannin tint, to encourage it to forage in the evening.

Keep the water at 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C) with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and moderate flow. It usually takes meaty sinking foods readily, such as prawn, mussel, strips of fish and earthworms. Feeder fish are unnecessary.

The harlequin lancer is a bold, aggressive predator, best kept as a single fish. It hunts at night and will attack slower or more docile tank mates. It eats any fish small enough to swallow, so keep only fast, sturdy companions too large to be a meal. Never house it with small or long-finned fish.

Its long fin spines are best avoided when you net it. There are no records of it being bred in home aquariums.

Good to know

The harlequin lancer catfish belongs to Bagridae, the naked catfishes. Like other lancers, it carries long, strong fin spines and an elongate dorsal. It is an uncommon import.

In the wild

The harlequin lancer comes from Sumatra and nearby parts of Southeast Asia. It lives in warm, soft, shaded forest rivers and streams.

Common questions

What size tank does a harlequin lancer catfish need?

A harlequin lancer catfish needs at least 120 gal (455 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a harlequin lancer catfish need?

A harlequin lancer catfish is comfortable at 75–81°F (24–27°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.

What does a harlequin lancer catfish eat?

A harlequin lancer catfish eats meaty sinking foods such as prawn, mussel, strips of fish and earthworms, and usually takes them readily. It does not need feeder fish.

How big does a harlequin lancer catfish get?

An adult harlequin lancer catfish reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).

Related species