Catfish-Anchor

All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.

When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.

ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.

Anchor Catfish (Asterophysus batrachus)

Description:

• Appearance:

  • Body: Robust and cylindrical with a broad, flattened head. The body is typically well-adapted for a bottom-dwelling lifestyle.
  • Color: Generally dark brown to black with lighter spots or patterns. The color can vary, with some individuals showing a mottled or speckled appearance.
  • Size: Can grow to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in length, making it one of the larger catfish species.

• Behavior:

  • Activity: Relatively slow-moving and bottom-dwelling. They are generally calm but can become more active during feeding times or when exploring their environment.
  • Social Structure: Can be kept alone or in groups. They can be somewhat territorial, especially as they grow larger.

Care Requirements:

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum of 75 gallons (284 liters); larger tanks are recommended as they can grow quite large and need ample space to thrive.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C).
  • pH: 6.5-7.5.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water. They can adapt to a range of water hardness but prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
  • Filtration: Strong filtration is necessary to maintain clean water, as they can produce a significant amount of waste. Ensure the filter does not create strong currents that might stress the fish.

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Soft substrate like sand or fine gravel is ideal. It helps to avoid damage to the fish’s barbels and provides a comfortable area for foraging.
  • Aquascaping: Provide hiding spots and structures using rocks, driftwood, and plants. They appreciate a well-structured tank with plenty of cover to retreat to.
  • Lighting: Standard aquarium lighting is sufficient. They are not particularly sensitive to lighting but benefit from having shaded areas.

• Diet:

  • Primary Food: Omnivorous; feed a varied diet including high-quality sinking pellets, live or frozen foods such as worms, shrimp, and small fish.
  • Supplemental Food: Offer occasional treats like blanched vegetables (e.g., spinach, zucchini) to ensure a balanced diet.

• Behavioral Considerations:

  • Compatibility: Generally peaceful with larger, non-aggressive fish. Avoid keeping with very small or overly aggressive species that might provoke the catfish or become prey.
  • Social Behavior: Can be kept alone or in groups. However, as they grow, they may become territorial, so ensure enough space and hiding spots to minimize aggression.

• Tank Maintenance:

  • Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to maintain water quality and prevent the buildup of toxins.
  • Cleaning: Regularly clean the tank and remove any uneaten food or waste. Ensure the filtration system is functioning effectively.

• Health Care:

  • Observation: Monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like discoloration or damage to fins.
  • Treatment: Maintain optimal water conditions and consult an aquarium professional if any health issues arise. Address any signs of disease promptly to ensure the health of your fish.