Black Lancer Catfish (Bagrichthys macracanthus) Care Guide
Bagrichthys macracanthus is a dark Southeast Asian bagrid catfish with an elongated dorsal filament, nocturnal and territorial toward its own kind.
Overview
Bagrichthys macracanthus is a dark-bodied bagrid catfish of Southeast Asia. FishBase records it from Thailand to Indonesia, while the English Wikipedia lists Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand. It is noted as the only Bagrichthys species traded for the aquarium hobby.
Taxonomy
- Family: Bagridae (bagrid catfishes)
- Genus: Bagrichthys
- Scientific name: Bagrichthys macracanthus
Habitat
FishBase reports that the species occurs in large, muddy rivers and is demersal. It spawns at the beginning of the rainy season and uses flooded riparian forests for reproduction, with juveniles appearing in August. The fish carries a long, trailing dorsal-fin filament.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
FishBase classes it as a benthic feeder taking crustaceans, other small benthic animals and plant detritus, at trophic level 3.0. In the aquarium it accepts meaty sinking foods; Wikipedia notes it can be trained to take food during the day and even from the hand despite being primarily nocturnal.
Compatibility
Peaceful toward unrelated tankmates but territorial toward its own species; Wikipedia notes that keeping a single male with several females reduces aggression. It needs ample caves, driftwood and shaded cover. Newly imported specimens often arrive young and stressed and benefit from acclimation at elevated temperatures.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2018).