Description
*This fish is a marine species*
The Striped Coral Catfish are an impressive schooling predatory species. They carry highly venomous spines, care must be taken when handling. Although hardy, for this reason we suggest this species is best for the intermediate aquarist. In the wild they congregate in tight balls of 100 or more individuals. They must be kept in groups.
Native and wide spread in the Indo Pacific.
Also known as Coral catfish, eel catfish, striped eel catfish, eel-tailed catfish.
Features of Striped Coral Catfish:
- Long eel shaped body
- Brown body with bright horizontal yellow to white stripes as a juvenile, stripes fade as the fish reaches maturity
- Venomous spines on the first dorsal fin & pectoral fins
- Grows up to 35cm
- Care level: Moderate
- Schooling species, must be kept in schools
Tank Mate Compatibility:
The Striped Coral Catfish is best kept in a small group of it's own species. It is not reef compatible and will eat smaller fish and crustaceans. In large aquariums, they will co-inhabit aquariums with large species too big to eat.
Feeding:
Striped Coral Catfish are a predatory bottom feeding fish and will readily accept most foods. Feed a varied diet including high protein live foods, chopped up seafood, marine flakes and sinking pellets. They are heavy feeders.
Equipment:
Aquarium:
Striped Coral Catfish require a minimum tank size of approximately 450L. These fish need to live in groups so accommodate based on number of fish in the community.
After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse our Aquarium Tank Selection here.
Heater:
Striped Coral Catfish prefer water temperatures between 22°C - 27°C.
Looking for a Heater for your fish? Check all available Tank Heater here.
Lighting:
Replicate natural conditions with artificial lighting (8-10 hours of light every 24 hours.)
Need An Aquarium Light for your tank? Browse our Fish Tank Aquarium Lighting
Filtration & Water Movement:
Striped Coral Catfish require good filtration and water quality. They are heavy feeders and waste producers therefore a good quality aquarium filter is required. They enjoy a good water current and flow.
Explore aquarium filtration products here.
Substrate:
This species prefers a substrate mix of fine to medium grade aragonite or coral sand. They are bottom feeders and can be found searching for food on the aquarium floor.
View our range of aquarium substrates here.
Decorations for Striped Coral Catfish:
Live rock is a great addition as these fish like to rest in caves or crevices.
View our large range of aquarium decorations here.
