Dwarf Anchor Catfish

The dwarf anchor catfish is one of the smallest catfish kept in aquariums; adults reach only 3 cm. With its broad head, angular body and pectoral fins spread out to the sides, it resembles a small anchor. Its brown-beige mottled skin makes it almost invisible among stones and leaves on the bottom. The genus Hara, formerly placed in the family Sisoridae, is now classified in the family Erethistidae.

• At least 40 liters for a group of 3–5.
• Fine sand, rounded gravel, dried leaves and small stones.
• 18–24°C, pH 6.5–7.5; it needs cool water and struggles at tropical temperatures.
• Clean, well-oxygenated water and gentle flow.

Carnivorous and needs very small foods: live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, microworms and small bloodworms. It often refuses dry food; drop food onto the bottom after the lights go out.

Extremely peaceful and sedentary; it spends most of the day motionless in the same spot. It can go hungry because of large, fast tankmates. Because its mouth is small, only newly hatched fry are at risk.

Good companions: small, calm fish suited to cool water: Tanichthys (white cloud minnows), small rasboras and danios, dwarf shrimp.

Avoid: large, fast and greedy fish, catfish that compete on the bottom, species that need warm water.