Flagtail Catfish

Dianema urostriatum

Flagtail 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 Flagtail Catfish?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 4.9" (≤ 12.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 36 US gal (137 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 77–82°F (25–28°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 36 US gal (137 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 25–28 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Flagtail 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, Flagtail Catfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Feed sinking pellets and small live/frozen invertebrates; acclimated adults may also collect food at the surface.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 36 US gal (137 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 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: Brazil.

Important notes

Solitary housing is allowed but three-to-six are usually more active; tiny fry may be eaten. New wild-caught fish can be delicate during acclimation.

Similar fish profiles

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

Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Araguaia Corydoras Hoplisoma araguaiaense Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Axelrods Corydoras Hoplisoma axelrodi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blacktop Corydoras Corydoras acutus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Agassizs Corydoras Brochis agassizii Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Amanda Jane Corydoras Corydoras amandajanea Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Flagtail Catfish get?

Flagtail Catfish reaches ≤ 4.9" (≤ 12.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Flagtail Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 36 US gal (137 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Flagtail Catfish peaceful?

Yes. Flagtail 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 Flagtail Catfish?

Keep it between 25 to 28 °C.

Should Flagtail Catfish be kept alone or in a group?

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