Freshwater Aquarium Catfish
Catfish are a great addition to most community tanks. There are a number of freshwater aquarium catfish available today. Below we highlight some of our favorite varieties for you to consider.
Freshwater Aquarium Catfish Options
Corydora Catfish
Perhaps the most well known fresh water aquarium catfish, Corydoras are a great choice for many fish tanks. They are bottom feeders and are great at eating fish food that other fish missed. This helps to eliminate the issues caused by rotting fish food at the bottom of a tank.
Corys are schooling fish. Many people only get 1 or 2, but they should ideally be kept in a school of 6 of more. They feel more protected and less stressed in a group. Not only will keeping them in a school make for happier fish, but their reduced stress levels will make them less prone to disease.
Corydoras are a robust freshwater aquarium catfish and are great for beginners. Where possible, however, their environment should be kept stable. Additionally, since they spend a lot of their time just above the substrate in the tank, it is important that the substrate is not sharp. Sand based substrates are therefore much better for Corys than gravel.
Bumblebee Catfish
As you would expect, Bumblebee catfish are black and yellow in color. Bumblebee catfish are relatively small, growing to a maximum of 3 inches in length. These freshwater aquarium catfish are nocturnal by nature. They will therefore appreciate plenty of hiding places in tank where they can escape from bright daylight / aquarium lights.
Glass Catfish
Also known as Ghost Catfish, Glass Catfish are a very interesting version of freshwater aquarium catfish. Their bodies are transparent! Glass Catfish don’t like bright light, preferring to spend large amounts of their time in the shadows. If you don’t want to adjust the lighting in your tank, you could provide this environment by giving them plenty of plants to high behind and between.
Like many other catfish, Glass Catfish are schooling fish. Ideally they should be kept in a group of 6 or more.
Striped Raphael Catfish
Striped Raphael Catfish are no joke. They can grow up to 10 inches in length and therefore need a large aquarium. Think 60 or even 90 gallons in size. The freshwater aquarium catfish are omnivores and can eat a range of fish foods.
Striped Raphael Catfish have a peaceful nature. They are therefore a great choice for large community aquariums. Within reason you do not have to worry about them becoming prey… they are large and robust enough to look after themselves in most freshwater aquariums.
Pictus Catfish
Pictus Catfish are distinctive. They have a sliver body with black spots. In addition, their antennae are impressive and look a bit like whiskers. Pictus Catfish rarely grow in excess of 5 inches in length. They prefer to live in a school (like many other catfish) of 6 or more, especially when young. As they age they can become semi-aggressive within their school.
These freshwater aquarium catfish are generally peaceful. They are however, omnivores, and strong eaters. It is best to not mix them with very small fish or shrimp. They can be fed a range of foods, including pellets and flakes.
Upside Down Catfish
Upside Down Catfish can be incredibly amusing. They swim upright when on the bottom of the tank, but are often seen swimming upside down at the top of the tank. These freshwater aquarium catfish prefer to be in schools of 6+ catfish, are omnivores, and can be fed a range of standard fish foods.
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish are notorious algae eaters. These freshwater aquarium catfish are relatively easy to care for. They prefer to live in heavily planted aquariums, and are great at eating plenty of algae without damaging our plants. Ideally they should have plenty of hiding areas within your tank.
Freshwater Aquarium Catfish – Conclusion
Freshwater aquarium catfish can be a great addition to your tank. But if catfish aren’t quite your thing there are plenty of other options. Freshwater aquarium snails and freshwater aquarium crabs both make for interesting options in your freshwater aquarium.