Banjo Catfish

Bunocephalus coracoideus

Banjo Catfish is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

PeacefulBottom dwellerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Banjo Catfish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm)
Aquarium size: 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 68–81°F (20–27°C)
pH: 5.8–7.8
GH: 2–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–27 °C, pH 5.8–7.8, GH 2–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Banjo Catfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Banjo Catfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Feed sinking foods at night and verify that shy individuals receive food; do not rely on community leftovers.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay.

Important notes

Very secretive nocturnal fish; ensure targeted sinking feeding.
Not inherently a loner: conspecific groups are possible, but no compulsory count established.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Asian Bumblebee Catfish Pseudomystus siamensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Agassizs Corydoras Brochis agassizii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Amanda Jane Corydoras Corydoras amandajanea Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Annie’s Goby Stiphodon annieae Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°C)

FAQ

How large does Banjo Catfish get?

Banjo Catfish reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).

What aquarium size does Banjo Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Banjo Catfish peaceful?

Yes. Banjo Catfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Banjo Catfish?

Keep it between 20 to 27 °C.

Should Banjo Catfish be kept alone or in a group?

Banjo Catfish: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.