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Indian copper catfish

Glyptothorax telchitta

Also known as Telchitta torrent cat

FreshwaterFish

Indian copper catfish (Glyptothorax telchitta)

Care at a glance

Temperature
68–79°F
20–26°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
5.9 in
15 cm
Minimum tank
29 gal
110 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Sisoridae
Origin
Ganges and Brahmaputra basins

Overview

The Indian copper catfish is a peaceful torrent catfish for a flowing river tank. It is best with a little experience.

Did you know

The Indian copper catfish's species name, telchitta, is not Latin at all. It is a local vernacular name from the Ganges, recorded by Francis Hamilton in 1822 and kept as the scientific epithet. The river's own word for the fish became its formal name.

Caring for the Indian copper catfish

Give Indian copper catfish a flowing tank of at least 29 gal (110 L). Use a mix of sand and smooth, rounded stone. It takes gentler flow than its mountain relatives, but it still needs moderate to strong current and good oxygenation. Never keep it in still or stagnant water.

Keep the water cool and clean, at 68 to 79°F (20 to 26°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Offer sinking foods worked into the current, such as worms, small pellets and frozen bloodworm.

It is social and does well in a small group. It works the sand and stones for food and clings on when the current picks up. It is peaceful with other sturdy, current-loving fish of similar size. It is not known to have spawned in aquaria.

Good to know

Glyptothorax telchitta is a torrent catfish of the family Sisoridae, burnished copper-bronze in color. It grips rock with the ridged chest pad shared across the genus. It is also called the telchitta torrent cat.

In the wild

The Indian copper catfish ranges through the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. It works sandy, stony riffles in clear, flowing lowland and foothill water.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The Indian copper 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 an Indian copper catfish need?

An Indian copper catfish needs at least 29 gal (110 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does an Indian copper catfish need?

An Indian copper catfish is comfortable at 68–79°F (20–26°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does an Indian copper catfish eat?

An Indian copper catfish eats sinking foods worked into the current. Worms, small pellets and frozen bloodworm all suit it.

How big does an Indian copper catfish get?

An adult Indian copper catfish reaches about 5.9 in (15 cm).

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