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Banjo CatfishFamily: Aspredinidae Bunocephalus coracoideusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David BroughLatest Reader Comment - See More WHERE CAN I GET ONE?!?!?! every online store I go to is sold out or don't have them and I don't know any pet stores near fairfax county that have them. Can you give... (more) Anonymous The Banjo Catfish is for the person looking for something unusual, and they truly have a body shape that resembles a banjo! They are a very peaceful fish and can be kept in any community aquarium.Banjo Catfish Contents Banjo Catfish are compatible with all sizes of community fish, even the smallest of tankmates. They are hardy and adjust to a variety of aquarium conditions. Because the Banjo Catfish is a nocturnal, it feeds at night. It is also a burrower and prefers a sandy bottom and light vegetation. It is a timid species and is not considered pretty, but its unique appearance has made it a favorite among fish keepers worldwide. The Banjo Catfish is a sedentary fish that seldom moves around much. They are often mistaken for dead and when you try to take them out, they swim away!
Note:
The
Dysichthys
species are easily confused with the
Bunocephalus
species, particularily the
B. v. scabriceps
. Both these species of Banjo Catfish are very similar in coloration and shape, however the
Bunocephalus
species have a much rougher grainier skin than the
Dysichthys
species we are describing here.
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
Banjo Catfish belongs to the Aspredinidae family of fishes.The Banjo Catfish are from the Amazon river, as far inland as the area around La Plata. It is reported to have originated in native Peru, where it is known as Guitarrita.
- Scientific Name: Bunocephalus coracoideus
- Social Grouping: Groups
- IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed
The Banjo Catfish is hardy fish and grows to a moderate size of about 6 inches. The name 'Banjo' comes from the similarity of the fishes shape to that of the musical instrument of the same name. It has an almost circular head with a long skinny torso and tail. The body of this fish has an absence of scales, but the dorsal fin has the characteristic catfish's sharp spines that can become entangled in nets. For this reason it is advisable to use a glass or plastic container or bag when transporting the fish. Some banjos will produce a fairly loud clicking sound by moving their pectoral fin spines back and forth.
- Maximum Size: 6.0 inches (15.24 cm)
- Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy
- Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
Since they are carnivores, the Banjo Catfish need protein foods. They will eat live foods such as bloodworms, earthworms, and tubifex. They may also eat frozen foods as well as flakes or tablets that have sunk to the bottom.
- Diet Type: Carnivore
- Flake Food: Yes
- Tablet Pellet: Yes
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: All of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Daily - This fish is nocturnal and likes to be fed after the aqurarium lights are out for the night.
- Water Changes: Bi-weekly
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gal (114 L)
- Substrate Type: Sand - Fine sand or sand gravel mix should be provided so the fish can burrow.
- Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting
- Temperature: 68.0 - 81.0° F (20.0 - 27.2° C)
- Range ph: 5.8-7.8
- Hardness Range: 2 - 20 dGH
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Moderate
- Water Region: Bottom
They are a good community fish and can be kept with any size tank mates.
- Venomous: No
- Temperament: Peaceful - Peaceful and remarkably inactive. It appreciates hiding places and sand to burrow in.
- Compatible with:
- Same species - conspecifics: Yes
- Peaceful fish (): Safe
- Semi-Aggressive: (): Threat
- Slow Swimmers & Eaters: (): Safe - The Banjo Catfish is a slow swimmer and eater.
- Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Threat - is aggressive - Banjo catfish have been known to eat snails and other invertebrates.
- Plants: Threat - May tear up plants to provide spawning areas under the leaves.
Though both sexes look similar, a mature female Banjo Catfish can be recognized by her fuller and rounder belly. This species comes in two colors, almost black and brown. Males are usually darker that the females.
It is conjectured that the Banjo Catfish spawn in groups in the wild. In an aquarium, the breeding pair prefer to spawn in a natural rock cave with a sandy bottom. However if rocks shelters are not available, they may tear up plants in order to drop leaves under which they may spawn.
The breeding pair will lay 4000-5000 eggs on the sandy bottom, and usually in more than one spawning. After spawning, the parents should be removed as they will eat the eggs. After hatching, the fry can be fed rotifers and later tubifex worms. The fry won't eat flake foods or Daphnia.
- Ease of Propagation: Difficult - Aquarium breedings are very rare. Spawning occurs in a group and the eggs must be removed or else the parents will immediately devour them.
The Banjo Catfish is available occasionally.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
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