Stinging Catfish

The stinging catfish is a long, laterally compressed catfish that can take oxygen from the air thanks to air sacs running along its body. It lives in swamps, ponds and rice paddies of South Asia, in oxygen-poor water. Adults reach 30 cm. Warning: the spines in its pectoral fins are connected to venom glands; a sting is very painful and causes swelling and long-lasting pain. Never handle the fish with bare hands; seek medical help if you are stung.

• At least 250 liters and 120 cm of length for a single adult.
• A tightly closing lid; leave enough space for it to come to the surface to gulp air.
• Soft sand, roots and caves; dim light.
• 22–28°C, pH 6.5–8.0; strong filtration.

Carnivorous. It eats fish fillet, shrimp, worms, frozen bloodworms and sinking carnivore granules. Feed in the evening.

A nocturnal predator; it hunts fish and shrimp that fit in its mouth. It can also be aggressive toward its own kind. During aquarium maintenance, know where the fish is before putting your hand in the water; use a container instead of a net.

Good companions: fish larger and sturdier than itself: large cichlids, big barbs, large plecos.

Avoid: small and medium-sized fish, shrimp, aquariums where children could put their hands in the water.