Water parameters
Overview
The driftwood catfish is a hardy member of the driftwood catfish family (Auchenipteridae) with a very wide range in South America. It gets its name from spending the day wedged into hollows of sunken wood. Its gray-brown body is covered with irregular dark spots, and its head is broad and flat. Internal fertilization occurs in this family. Adults reach 18–20 cm.
Tank Setup
- At least 200 liters and 120 cm of length for a single adult.
- Root hollows or pipes it can fit into completely.
- 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.8; it adapts to a wide range of water conditions.
- Dim light and strong filtration.
Diet
Carnivorous. Offer frozen bloodworms, mysis, pieces of shrimp, worms and sinking carnivore granules. Because it feeds at night, put the food in during the evening.
Behavior and Compatibility
It is almost never seen during the day; it is active at night. It does not attack other fish, but it eats small fish and shrimp that fit in its mouth. It lives without problems with larger, calm species.
Good companions: peaceful fish too big to fit in its mouth: large tetras, barbs, gouramis, calm cichlids, plecos.
Avoid: small fish such as neons and rasboras, guppies, dwarf shrimp.
A short profile for this species
The Driftwood Catfish page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.
Tank mates
This list is calculated automatically from the species profile and grows as new species are added to the catalog. Try it in the planner for a definite answer.
Usually compatible
Emerald Cory
Porthole Catfish
Keyhole Cichlid
Firemouth Cichlid
Cupid Cichlid
Buffalohead Cichlid
Festivum
Geophagus altifrons
Geophagus surinamensis
Should not be kept together
Hobbyist notes
Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.
Change history and contributors
- Page created · October 16, 2026