Spotted Raphael Catfish (AKA Talking Catfish) – The Consolidated Fish Farms Inc.

$ 15.99

4.8 (228) In stock

Raphael Spotted Catfish are one of our favorite catfish! This sociable catfish can go well in your aquarium, just avoid smaller species that also live on the bottom.
Raphael Spotted Catfish Background Information The Raphael Spotted Catfish (Agamyxis pectinifrons), also known as the Spotted Talking Catfish, Spotted Raphael catfish, or Whitebarred Catfish, is a species of thorny catfish native to the River basin in South America, particularly Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. They are often referred to as “talking catfish” due to their ability to produce audible sounds via stridulation of the pectoral spines in their sockets and amplifying this sound through the swim bladder. The Raphael Spotted Catfish can grow up to a length of 5.9 inches when mature. They, therefore, require a tank of at least 35 gallons for a pair. The temperature range should be maintained at 22-26°C (68-79°F) and the pH at 5.5-7.5. Rocks, driftwood, and slate caves should be included in the tank to allow these nocturnal fish to take refuge during the day, as they do not enjoy bright illumination. Floating vegetation can be utilized to help diffuse the lighting and provide additional hiding places. It is also important to provide a soft sand substrate in the tank to protect their delicate sensory barbels. The Raphael Spotted Catfish is not an aggressive fish and will not show any aggression to other fish of the same size. Feeds The Raphael Spotted Catfish is a classic omnivore. It will accept a varied diet comprising of good quality, dried, sinking pellets or tablets supplemented by regular meals of live or frozen foods. Suitable foods for the Raphael Spotted catfish include: Food we Carry Vibra Bites by Hikari Live Foods Options Tubifex Mosquito larvae Earthworms Tankmates The Raphael Spotted Catfish is a peaceful fish species and will get along with most other fish as long as they are not aggressive or too small to be considered food. These gregarious species will especially display more natural behavior when kept in a group of at least four specimens. Most ideal tankmates for the Raphael Spotted Catfish include: Neon tetras Barbs Rainbowfish Peaceful cichlids Frequently Asked Questions How big does the Raphael Spotted Catfish get? The Raphael Spotted catfish can grow up to 5.9 inches in length when kept in a well-maintained aquarium. Are Raphael Spotted Catfish aggressive? The Raphael Spotted Catfish is non-aggressive though adults may consume tiny fish. They are also excellent candidates for a community tank since they get along with many other fish species. What fish can be kept with the Raphael Spotted Catfish? The Raphael Spotted catfish is gregarious by nature and will tend to display more natural behavior when kept in groups of at least four or more fish species. Some of the most compatible tank mates for the Raphael Spotted Catfish include medium-sized Characins, Barbs, Rainbowfish, and Peaceful cichlids.