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Armored Catfish

Callichthys callichthys

Freshwater South America

A heavily plated, resilient catfish capable of breathing atmospheric air using its intestine. Largely nocturnal, it roots through the substrate for worms and organic debris. It builds a frothy bubble nest at breeding time and requires plenty of subdued resting hideaways.

Also called: Cascarudo, Armored catfish, Armoured catfish, Bubblenest catfish.

18 cm adult length, drawn to scale. torpedo body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 18 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 200 L, at least 100 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 30 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 3 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 18 to 26 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 6 to 7.5 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 4 to 18, KH 2 to 10 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Low Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Dim Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size Single fish is fine Not a schooling species.
Temperament Peaceful Not territorial.
Swims in Near the bottom Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 10 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Suits a first tank A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.
Jumps Yes Keep the tank covered.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Armored Catfish is an omnivore that swims in the lowest part of the tank. It leaves most plants alone. Give it plenty of cover. It digs, so anchor plants and keep hard rock off loose sand. It will eat fish small enough to swallow.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.