Description
Also known as the Algae Eater, this bottom scavenger is very popular as it is extremely hardy. Suitable for both tropical and temperate tanks. They can reach almost 30cm fully grown, and can live for 5+ years given good tank conditions. Large specimens can be territorial, and may damage large slow moving fish.
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Features of Sucking Catfish - Marble:
- A big suckermouth, which it uses for scraping algae and clinging to objects
- Easy to care for, suitable for both tropical and temperate tanks
- Has no scales, and named for their prominent barbels
- This a marbled (black & yellow/gold) strain
- Grows up to 12cm in an aquarium
The Best Aquarium Size for Sucking Catfish:
Sucking Catfish can do well in a tank of 75L or larger. However, it depends on the size of your catfish. Also, if you want to set up a community tank, you have to increase the tank size.
Some suitable aquariums to consider:
After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse Aquarium Tank Selection here.
Tank Mate Compatibility:
The Sucking Catfish is a peaceful fish. It will happily coexist with other peaceful community tank mates.
Some great tank mates include:
Diet:
Sucking Catfish are primarily algae eaters. That will eat dry or frozen foods, but prefers vegetable matter. As it is a bottom feeder, ensure that enough food reaches it. Sinking pellets are a useful feeding option.
Check out our extensive range of aquarium fish foods.
Sucking Catfish Tank Setup:
Aquarium Filtration
This catfish enjoys reasonable water quality.
Here are some great ones to consider:
Aquarium Heater
Sucking Catfish enjoy temperatures between 20 - 26° C. Aquarium heaters not only heat the water to the desired temperature, but they stabilize the temperature and ensure consistency. A thermometer is recommended to monitor the water temperature.
Get yourself an aquarium heater here.
Aquarium Plants
Sucking catfish do not eat healthy aquatic plants but are quick to clean up any decomposing plant leaves. A variety of live aquatic plants can be kept with your sucking catfish.
Suitable aquarium plants include:
- Swords
- Crypts
- Anubias
- Assorted bunch plants
Interested in Live Plants for your aquariums? Click here
Aquarium Decorations
Sucking catfish love driftwood as it provides the ideal surface for algae growth and organic material to grow and feed them. They also need lots of hiding spots to feel safe in an aquarium environment. Add ornaments such as driftwood, rock, caves, tubes, and pipes.
After more nice quality decorations? Check our Aquarium Ornaments.
Aquarium Lighting
Standard aquarium lighting is suitable. You can speed up algae growth in the aquarium if you desire by leaving the aquarium lighting on for extended hours (12+ hours per day). This provides a natural food source for your Sucking Catfish.
Substrate
A variety of substrates can be used. If keeping a planted aquarium, opt for a nutrient rich aquarium soil for ideal plant growth. Alternatively aquarium sand and fine grade aquarium gravel is suitable.
A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.
