Think Fish - The Tropical Fish Keeping Resource

Fish Database: Shark Catfish - Hexanematichthys seemanni

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 3/5
Sociability rating: 7/10
Area of tank: Bottom
Aquarium water conditions: 6-8.5, s,m,h,vh
Temperature: 22 - 26C
Feeding: Sinking, meaty, flake, live, frozen foods
Minimum tank size: 150cm
Min / Max number in tank: Min 2

Fish fact file

Family: Ariidae (Sea Catfishes)
Synonyms: Arius assimilis, A. seemani, A. jordani, Tachisurus eigenmanni, T. seemani, T. jordani, Hexanematichthys seemani, H. jordani, H. simonsi, Galeichthys seemani, Ariopsis seemanni
Other common names: Tete Sea Catfish
Origin: Central and South America
Natural habitat: Rivers and estuaries, coastal and marine water
Size: 35cm
Behavior: Peaceful, active
Breeding:
Natural water conditions: pH 6.5-8, soft to very hard, brackish & freshwater
Sexing:

Fish code No.0306

Recently Viewed fish: Shark Catfish

The Shark Catfish has an attractive appearance to many fishkeepers and it is not hard to see why it has become a popular and easily available fish. A good deal of thought is required before purchasing these fish however, as they grow large and require specific conditions. It could easily be argued that the Shark Catfish is only really suited to large public aquariums and should not be sold for home aquaria. When young the fish are very active and easy to care for being hardy and peaceful, although they will eat smaller fish. As the fish age however, they tend to become duller and will require brackish water to survive. A large tank at least 150cm is essential and the water should be well filtered and free from debris. The Shark Catfish should be kept with large fish, including barbs and cichlids. Do not try to catch these fish with a standard net as they have spines that will become entangled in the net and almost impossible to remove.

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