Banjo catfish Care Guide

The Banjo Catfish is an interesting and popular aquatic species ideal for moderate fish keepers. Known for their unique appearance and peaceful nature, these catfish thrive well in community tanks with similar non-aggressive species.

Care Process

Banjo Catfish prefer soft to moderately acidic water conditions, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. They are moderately hardy and can adapt to different water chemistry within their preferred range. A temperature range of 24°C to 28°C is ideal for keeping these fish comfortable and healthy. Given the moderate level of fishkeeping skills required, it's beneficial to have some experience with freshwater aquariums.

Feeding

Banjo Catfish are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. Suitable foods include flakes, pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and tubifex worms. They can also be fed frozen shrimp, vegetable matter, algae wafers, color-enhancing food, daphnia, micro worms, feeder fish, freeze-dried foods, and stick-on tablets. A well-rounded diet not only supports their health but also boosts their natural colors.

Tank Setup

Being bottom dwellers, Banjo Catfish prefer a tank environment with ample bottom space for browsing. A minimum of 40 liters per fish is recommended to provide them with enough swimming space. Known as social creatures, they thrive in groups, with a minimum school size of six individuals being ideal for their well-being.

Banjo Catfish demonstrate semi-aggressive and mildly territorial behavior, making it important to provide hiding spots using rocks, driftwood, or plants, to help reduce stress and territorial disputes. Their aggression level remains very peaceful even during breeding, which makes them a low-maintenance addition to community tanks.

With affordability rated as moderate, Banjo Catfish provide an exciting opportunity for aquarists seeking to diversify their aquarium experience, offering an uncommon and unique fish species to learn about and care for. When setting up a tank for Banjo Catfish, it's crucial to focus on creating a stable environment that meets the specific water conditions and habitat requirements of this species.