TankBud

Senegal kuhli cat

Amphilius rheophilus

Also known as Senegal mountain barbel

FreshwaterFish

Senegal kuhli cat (Amphilius rheophilus)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
70–79°F
21–26°C
pH
6.5–7.5
Adult size
4.7 in
12 cm
Minimum tank
30 gal
112 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Amphiliidae
Origin
Upper Senegal and Gambia drainages, West Africa

Overview

The Senegal kuhli cat is a peaceful, nocturnal river catfish that is best kept singly. It needs a dim tank with strong flow and is not a beginner fish.

Did you know

The Senegal kuhli cat's scientific name reads like a care instruction. Its species name, rheophilus, is Greek for current-loving.

Caring for the Senegal kuhli cat

Keep the Senegal kuhli cat on its own in a flowing tank of at least 30 gal (112 L). A dim setup with sand, smooth cobbles, some driftwood and plenty of shaded crevices suits it. The stones and wood break up the current and give it cover.

It wants current and oxygen more than heat, so give it brisk flow. A tank without steady flow and high oxygen leaves it listless and prone to fading. Keep the water at 70 to 79°F (21 to 26°C), with a near-neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.5.

It is nocturnal and patrols the bottom for food after dark. Offer sinking foods in the evening, such as pellets, frozen bloodworm, tubifex and small pieces of prawn. The Senegal kuhli cat is peaceful and leaves alone any tank mate too large to eat. It is not known to have spawned in captivity.

Good to know

The Senegal kuhli cat, Amphilius rheophilus, is a loach catfish of the family Amphiliidae. It is built for fast water, with low fins and a flattened body for gripping rock. By day it lies still and mottled against stone. It is also sold as the Senegal mountain barbel.

In the wild

The Senegal kuhli cat works rocky riffles and fast runs in the upper Senegal and Gambia drainages of West Africa. It holds its position there in quick, well-oxygenated water.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The Senegal kuhli cat is a peaceful, solitary 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 Senegal kuhli cat need?

A Senegal kuhli cat needs at least 30 gal (112 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Senegal kuhli cat need?

A Senegal kuhli cat is comfortable at 70–79°F (21–26°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.

What does a Senegal kuhli cat eat?

A Senegal kuhli cat eats sinking foods, such as pellets, frozen bloodworm, tubifex and small pieces of prawn. Offer them in the evening, since it forages after dark.

How big does a Senegal kuhli cat get?

An adult Senegal kuhli cat reaches about 4.7 in (12 cm).

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