Catfish - Raphael Spotted
Keeping Raphael Spotted Catfish (Agamyxis pectinifrons) requires specific care and attention to ensure their well-being. Here are the essential requirements for keeping Raphael Spotted Catfish:
Aquarium size: Provide a spacious aquarium with a minimum capacity of 30 gallons (113 liters) for a single Raphael Spotted Catfish. Larger tanks are recommended if keeping a group or if housing them with other tank mates.
Water parameters: Maintain stable water conditions. The ideal temperature range is around 75-80°F (24-27°C), pH between 6.5-7.5, and hardness between 5-12 dGH. Regular monitoring and appropriate water adjustments are necessary.
Tank setup: Create a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding places using rocks, driftwood, and caves. Raphael Spotted Catfish are nocturnal and enjoy hiding during the day. Use a soft substrate like sand or smooth gravel to protect their delicate barbels.
Filtration and water flow: Use an efficient filtration system to maintain good water quality. Moderate water flow is suitable for Raphael Spotted Catfish, as they prefer calmer waters compared to some other species.
Lighting: Provide subdued lighting conditions. Use a lighting system that mimics natural day and night cycles, with dimmer lighting during the day and darkness during the night.
Diet: Offer a varied diet consisting of high-quality sinking pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods. Raphael Spotted Catfish are omnivorous, so provide a mix of protein-rich foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and sinking carnivore pellets, as well as some plant matter like blanched vegetables or spirulina-based flakes.
Tank mates: Choose compatible tank mates that are peaceful and won't harm or stress the Raphael Spotted Catfish. Avoid keeping them with fin-nipping or aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include peaceful community fish, tetras, or other catfish species.
