Chocolate Talking Catfish Care Guide

Acanthodoras cataphractus

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Bioload Score

3800

PeacefulModerateFreshwater
Max Size
15.0 cm / 6.0"
Temperature
22–26°C (72–79°F)
pH Range
6.0 – 7.5
Min Tank Size
114L (30 gal)
Min Group Size
3 fish
Tank Level
Bottom
Origin
South America
Temperament
Peaceful
Difficulty
Moderate
Breeding Difficulty
Difficult

Diet

Omnivorous; prefers a varied diet including sinking pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and earthworms. They are scavengers in nature and will also help clean up leftover food at the bottom of the tank.

Community Compatibility

Suitable for community tanks with other peaceful fish that appreciate similar water conditions. Their peaceful nature allows them to coexist with a variety of tank mates, but care should be taken to ensure they are not outcompeted for food by more aggressive eaters.

Good to Know

The "talking" part of the Chocolate Talking Catfish's name comes from the noise they produce when agitated or taken out of the water. This sound is generated by the movement of their pectoral spines and is used as a defense mechanism.

Gender Differences

Difficult to distinguish; males and females are similar in appearance. In some catfish species, males may develop slightly more pronounced finnage during breeding season, but this is not prominently observed in Acanthodoras cataphractus.

Stock Chocolate Talking Catfish in Your Tank

Use our free stocking calculator to see if Chocolate Talking Catfish fits your aquarium