Midnight Catfish (Auchenipterichthys coracoideus) Care Guide
Auchenipterichthys coracoideus is a peaceful nocturnal driftwood catfish of the upper Amazon basin, kept in small groups with caves.
Overview
Auchenipterichthys coracoideus is a driftwood catfish of the family Auchenipteridae, native to the upper Amazon River basin. FishBase records a maximum size of 19.2 cm standard length and notes it poses no threat to humans. The common name 'midnight catfish' reflects its dark coloration and nocturnal habits.
Taxonomy
- Family: Auchenipteridae (driftwood catfishes)
- Genus: Auchenipterichthys
- Scientific name: Auchenipterichthys coracoideus
Habitat
FishBase places the species in tropical, demersal freshwater of the upper Amazon basin. Like other auchenipterids it shelters by day in submerged wood and crevices, emerging to forage after dark.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Group size: 4 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
FishBase places the species at trophic level 3.4, indicating a carnivore-leaning omnivore. In the aquarium it accepts sinking prepared foods and frozen or live items such as bloodworms, fed after lights-out to match its nocturnal feeding.
Compatibility
Peaceful and gregarious, it does best in a small group and with tankmates too large to be eaten, such as tetras of suitable size and calmer cichlids. Provide driftwood, caves and dim lighting. Avoid very small fish that could be taken at night.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020). FishBase notes high resilience and low fishing vulnerability.