Adult forms of the Black Lancer Catfish boast a unique, elongated dorsal fin. Primarily black, some adults will develop a distinct white, lateral stripe down the body. As these fish mature, both body shape and caudal fin change. Like many catfish, the Black Lancer can grow up to 16″ long and should be kept in 100 gallon or larger aquariums.

A member of the Bagridae family, the Black Lancer Cat thrives in aquariums with pristine water quality. However, they tend to shy away from areas of stronger water current. It does best with smooth gravel or sand substrates, surrounded by areas of vegetation. It is nocturnal and should be fed nightly with a varied diet of both vegetable and animal foods, including frozen bloodworms, catfish tablets, and algae wafers.

Though generally timid, males will become territorial among their own kind during mating. Distinguishing sexes is fairly simple. Males have genital papilla just before the anal fin and females are slightly fatter.

In the wild, members of the Bagrichthys species live in the large muddy rivers of Southeast Asia. These rivers are generally acidic. These tank-raised specimens, however, are fairly adaptable to standard mid-range water conditions kept in check by vigilant aquarium maintenance.

Quick Stats:
Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 72-77° F, pH 6.5-7.0, KH 4-15
Max. Size: 1′ 4″
Color Form: Black, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Tank Bred - Asia
Family: Bagridae

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The Giraffe Nosed Catfish comes from lake and river systems located throughout Africa. It has a large head and is a marbled or spotted gray with a few black spots arranged in a line.

A 125 gallon or larger aquarium is required for this catfish due to the large size. Provide an aquarium with a warm, stable temperature, and plenty of rocks and plants. The Giraffe Nosed Catfish is a very peaceful tank member and appreciates having several hiding places.

There is currently no documentation on the sexing and breeding of this species.

The Giraffe Nosed Catfish is omnivorous and should be offered sinking catfish pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and a good quality flake food.

Quick Stats:
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 6.5-7.8, KH 4-15
Color Form: Black
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Africa
Family: Bagridae

Note: This profile is currently incomplete. Description and/or images are temporarily taken from LiveAquaria and will be replaced shortly. If you are interested in writing a new description, please contact me at info@myfishtank.net. If you have any experience with this particular fish, please leave a comment below and share with us.

The Synodontis Decorus Catfish, also known as the Decorus Catfish or Decorated Synodontis, is known scientifically as Synodontis decorus, S. vittatus, and S. labeo. It is a member of the naked catfish group.

A 50 gallon or larger aquarium with a warm, stable temperature, and plenty of rocks and plants is a suitable environment. The Synodontis Decorus Catfish is a very peaceful tank member and appreciates having several hiding places. It co-exists well with larger Tetras and most African Cichlids similar in size.

When netting, one must be very careful of the spines on the pectoral fins which have serrated edges. These can become easily entangled in netting and may cause injury to the fish or hobbyist.

Currently, the Synodontis Decorus Catfish is not being successfully bred in the aquarium.

Synodontis Catfish are omnivores and should be offered sinking catfish pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, and a good quality flake food.

Quick Stats:
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 6.5-7.8, KH 4-15
Color Form: Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Africa - Upper Zaire, Cameroons
Family: Mochokidae

Note: This profile is currently incomplete. Description and/or images are temporarily taken from LiveAquaria and will be replaced shortly. If you are interested in writing a new description, please contact me at info@myfishtank.net. If you have any experience with this particular fish, please leave a comment below and share with us.

The Upside Down Cat is also known as the Blotched Upside Down Catfish and is from the rivers and lakes of Central Africa within the Congo Basin. It is one of the smaller Synodontis catfish, and is an opaque color with many black spots and markings. This species is an upside-down catfish, as it will hang in an inverted position, as well as feed from the surface of the water. These catfish will also feed upon algae that forms on the decorations and plants within the aquarium.

The Upside Down Cat will appreciate a heavily planted aquarium of 30 gallons or more, with driftwood and crevices for hiding. Sensitive to nitrates, good water conditions are necessary. It prefers a current in the aquarium. It can be kept as a schooling fish or in an aquarium with other small Synodontis species.

Currently, the Upside Down Cat is not being successfully bred in the aquarium.

The Upside Down Cat is an omnivore and should be offered sinking catfish pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, plus a good quality flake food. It will also feed upon algae in the aquarium, and is a good algae controller for a planted community aquarium.

Quick Stats:
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 6.0-7.5, KH 4-12
Max. Size: 4″
Color Form: Black, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Central Africa
Family: Mochokidae

Note: This profile is currently incomplete. Description and/or images are temporarily taken from LiveAquaria and will be replaced shortly. If you are interested in writing a new description, please contact me at info@myfishtank.net. If you have any experience with this particular fish, please leave a comment below and share with us.

Also known as the Duckbill or Duckbeak Catfish, this South American catfish is a peaceful candidate for the home aquarium. Its slender body and long antennae make for an impressive specimen for a larger tank.

The Lima Shovel-Nosed Cat requires a larger tank with a minimum of 180 gallons. Because of its high activity, it has been known to jump out of uncovered tanks, so covered aquariums are recommended. Plants, rocks, and driftwood, all accent the natural habitat and give hiding spaces for this fish. Protection from light is necessary to maintain proper health, so live floating plants can be used for added aesthetics.

In the wild, the breeding activity of the Lima Shovel-Nosed Cats peaks once per year. It reproduces using external fertilization after the eggs are laid. Breeding in an aquarium setting is rare.

Feeding the Lima Shovel-Nosed Cat is not difficult. In the wild, this fish will eat smaller fish and crustaceans, but in the aquarium setting, assorted worms, frozen foods, and pellet foods will keep this catfish healthy.

Quick Stats:
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Water Conditions: 75-81° F, pH 6.8-7.3, KH 10-12
Max. Size: 1′ 7″
Color Form: Black, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Amazon, South America
Family: Pimelodidae

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The Tiger Shovelnose Cat, which is also known as the Tiger Catfish, is from the rivers and tributaries of South America. It is a large catfish that can attain a length of over 3 feet in captivity. The body of this cat is long and slender and has a beautiful silver coloration. Black stripes and spots cover the entire body, giving this fish a tiger-like appearance. The mouth is adorned with very long whiskers, and is long and flat in shape.

It can grow impressively large in an aquarium setting and should be given plenty of room to swim. Due to its size and high energy this fish should be kept with larger tank mates. Besides the minimum tank size of 180 gallons, rocks, plants, and large driftwood should be used to enhance and simulate a natural environment. Since the Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is a highly active fish, a tightly covered aquarium should be used to prevent it from jumping out of the tank.

Little is known about the breeding habits of the Tiger Shovelnose Catfish, but it is speculated that the females have a fuller stomach and overall shape.

Feeding the Tiger Shovelnose Cat is not difficult due to the fact that it is not a picky eater. In the wild, this fish will eat fish and crustaceans. In the aquarium setting, assorted worms, frozen foods, sinking catfish pellets, and dry foods will provide the proper nutrition.

Quick Stats:
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 6.0-8.0, KH 6-20
Max. Size: 3′ 3″
Color Form: Black, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Farm Raised, South America
Family: Pimelodidae

Note: This profile is currently incomplete. Description and/or images are temporarily taken from LiveAquaria and will be replaced shortly. If you are interested in writing a new description, please contact me at info@myfishtank.net. If you have any experience with this particular fish, please leave a comment below and share with us.