Asian Stone Catfish care guide

Asian Stone Catfish (Hara jerdoni) — minimum tank 20 L, temperature 18-24 °C, pH 5.5-7.

Overview

The Asian Stone Catfish (Hara jerdoni) is a tiny erethistid from the streams of north-east India and Bangladesh. The flattened brown body is camouflaged against gravel and leaf litter; the fish is largely sedentary and most active at twilight.

Taxonomy

Family: Erethistidae
Genus: Hara
Scientific name: Hara jerdoni
Common synonyms: Anchor Catfish, Moth Catfish

Habitat

Native to clear, well-oxygenated hill streams and slow rivers of north-east India and adjacent Bangladesh, often in habitats with cobble substrates and leaf litter.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 20 L (5.3 US gal)
Adult size: 2-3 cm
Temperature: 18-24 °C (64-75 °F)
pH: 5.5-7
GH: 2-10 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Lifespan: 3-5 years

Diet

A micro-carnivore. Offer small live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, baby brine shrimp and daphnia; the species takes food slowly and may be outcompeted by faster tankmates.

Compatibility

A peaceful nano species best kept with very calm, slow-moving small companions in a planted aquarium. Suitable tankmates are small rasboras and slow-feeding nano species; avoid combinations with active or boisterous fish.

Breeding

Captive breeding is rarely reported and not well documented for the species.