Scientific Name(s): Bunocephalus bicolor, Bunocephalus coracoideus
Common Name(s): Banjo Catfish

Origin: Rivers and lakes of South America

Family: Bunocephalinae

Species Type: South American catfish

Maximum Size: 6 inches (15 cm)

Life Span: 8 years

Natural Habitat: Areas of leaf litter in still and slow-moving waters in South America

Diet: Omnivorous Not a picky eater. Does well with sinking pellets, insects, bloodworms, flakes,and freeze-dried foods.

Temperature: 75°-82° F (24°-28° C)

PH: 6.0-8.0

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon (114 LTR)

Tank Region: Bottom dwellers

Temperament: Peaceful

Possible Tank Mates: They can be kept as a solitary specimen, but prefer to be kept in groups, especially at feeding time. They feel safer when hunting in pairs or groups. Community fish or peaceful fish like discus. They will eat fry.



Filtration and Setup: Shallow tanks with a light current are preferred. The substrate should be dark peat, sand, or fine gravel. This fish is nocturnal, they bury themselves during daylight hours. Provide them with plenty of places to hide. The tank can be planted with well-rooted plants.


Coloration: The front part of the body is brown, and the rear part of the body is dark brown. The coloration and shape of this species make it resemble a dead, decaying leaf.



Sexing/Breeding: Females will be larger than the males; they are also plumper in body shape. Each female lays up to 3000 eggs on plants, rocks and the substrate. Spawning is initiated with the lowering of the water level and a reduction in water temperature to 68-72°F (20-22°C). The parents guard the young until they hatch. The parents should then be removed and the young can be fed Rotifers and tablets. Later, the fry can be given white worms. Breeding is unusual and difficult.

Interesting side note: They will growl when removed from water. To put on a burst of speed, the banjo catfish will take a mouthful of water, and shoot it out of their gills!