Spotted Talking Catfish
Quick Stats
| Size | Up to 8" (20cm) |
|---|---|
| Tank | 120 litres + |
| Swimming Area | Bottom |
| Ph | 5.8 to 7.6 |
| Temperature | 68ºF to 78ºF (20-26°C) |
| Food | Flakes and Catfish Pellets |
Common Name:
Spotted Talking Catfish, Spotted Raphael Catfish, Raphael Catfish, Talking Catfish.
Distribution:
Found throughout the Amazon.
Colouration:
Black background with white or yellowish spots.
Lifespan:
8 to 10 years.
Maintenance:
10% weekly water changes. This fish is peaceful and does well in a community aquarium. Being nocturnal, the Spotted Raphael Catfish or Talking Catfish is a bit shy and will look for a nice comfortable hiding place during the day. It is best to catch the Spotted Raphael Catfish or Talking Catfish with a glass rather than a net as they are prone to sticking out their side spines in a very rigid manner when they are stressed. They can easily get caught in a net. Not only is it difficult on both the fish and you when you try to get them untangled, it is also a bit dangerous. A prick from the spines of this fish is quite painful!
Feeding:
Omnivorous - does well with sinking pellets and worms.
Substrate:
Sandy substrate is essential as they like to burrow and also search the substrate with their antennae for food. Larger gravel can damage and even amputate their antennae.
Tank Decor:
The Spotted Raphael Catfish, like the Striped Raphael, likes to burrow in the soft river bottom so provide a corner of fine gravel or sand. They also like some plant cover and hiding places like the hollows of roots. They will not harm plants.
Filtration:
Standard filtration relevant to the tank size.
Biotype:
Amazon River watershed.
Breeding:
No known way to breed in captivity.