[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Catfish – Frogmouth Catfish (Chaca chaca)

The Frogmouth Catfish is inactive during the day, lying perfectly camouflaged among the leaf litter that accumulates on the bottom of its native streams. In this position, it both rests and waits for suitable prey to come its way. When this happens, it wiggles its short upper jaw barbels to lure the potential victim into range of its cavernous mouth. Most feeding and higher levels of activity are, however, reserved for the hours of darkness. A very similar species, C. bankanensis (Chocolate Frogmouth Catfish), from peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia, is also available.

Other common name

• Angler Catfish

Family

• Chacidae

Distribution

• Reported from Bangladesh, India, Myanmar (Burma), Borneo, and Sumatra.

Size

• Up to 8in (20cm).

Behavior

• Lone, predominantly nocturnal predator; should not be housed with tankmates that may be small enough to be swallowed.

Diet

• Live fish and Crustacea preferred (a factor that needs to be considered prior to purchase). May be weaned off these and onto chunky foods, such as tablets.

Aquarium

• Appropriate hiding places (e.g. bogwood or rocks) and subdued lighting recommended. Water chemistry not critical. Temperature range: 72-75T (22-24°C).

Breeding

• No documented accounts currently available.