Sun Catfish

Horabagrus brachysoma

Sun 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 contextIntermediate

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

Need help with Sun Catfish?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 17.7" (≤ 45 cm)
Aquarium size: 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 73–77°F (23–25°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 5–25 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–25 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

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

Nocturnal; use sinking pellets and substantial frozen/meaty foods, never live feeder fish as a requirement.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 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: India.

Similar fish profiles

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

Asian Bumblebee Catfish Pseudomystus siamensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Asian Upside Down Catfish Mystus leucophasis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Black Ghost Knifefish Apteronotus albifrons Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 19.7" (≤ 50 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°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) Batman Betta Betta persephone Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Blacknose Butterfly Barb Enteromius candens Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 63–75°F (17–24°C)

FAQ

How large does Sun Catfish get?

Sun Catfish reaches ≤ 17.7" (≤ 45 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Sun Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length.

Is Sun Catfish peaceful?

Yes. Sun 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 Sun Catfish?

Keep it between 23 to 25 °C.

Should Sun Catfish be kept alone or in a group?

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