Black lancer catfish Care Guide

The Black Lancer Catfish is a stunning and unique addition to any aquarium, known for its striking appearance and intriguing behavior. Originating from Southeast Asia, these nocturnal fish have specific care requirements that help them thrive in a home aquarium.

Tank Setup

For housing Black Lancer Catfish, a spacious aquarium is essential due to their size and schooling behavior. These catfish can grow between 18 to 25 cm in length and require a minimum tank volume of 60 liters per fish. A tank size that can accommodate a school of at least six fish is ideal. They are social yet slightly territorial, so it's important to provide enough space and hiding spots for them to establish their domains while feeling secure.

These catfish are naturally mid-tank and bottom dwellers, occasionally exploring the surface. Incorporate plenty of driftwood, rocks, and plants in the tank to mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding places. The water should have a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5, and the temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 26°C.

Water Quality and Maintenance

Black Lancer Catfish are resilient but require high maintenance to keep the water conditions optimal. Regular water changes and quality monitoring are necessary since these fish are somewhat territorial and sensitive to poor water conditions. Utilizing a reliable filtration system can help maintain clean and stable water parameters.

Feeding

Black Lancer Catfish are omnivores with a diverse diet, and it is essential to provide a balanced menu to meet their nutritional needs. They enjoy a variety of food such as flakes, pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, and frozen shrimp. Additionally, you can include vegetable matter, algae wafers, color-enhancing food, and daphnia. Consider incorporating micro worms, feeder fish, and freeze-dried foods for treats, and use stick-on tablets to ensure they receive nutrition throughout the day.

Behavior and Social Interaction

These catfish exhibit a mix of social, aggressive, shy, playful, and semi-aggressive behaviors. They have a mostly peaceful temperament with a slight increase in aggression during breeding periods. As highly territorial fish, they appreciate having personal space and territories, which can be managed with proper tank setup.

In conclusion, while the Black Lancer Catfish requires a high maintenance level due to its specific care needs, it remains moderately affordable and presents an intriguing addition to any aquarium setup. Their unique combination of size, behavior, and rarity makes them a challenging but rewarding species for intermediate to experienced aquarists.