Blue Whale Catfish (Cetopsis coecutiens)
From The Aquarium Wiki
Blue Whale Catfish
Blue Whale Catfish
Cetopsis coecutiens
284 Litres (75 US G.)
22.9-26.9cm (9-10.6 ")
Freshwater
6.0 - 7.4
22.2-26.1°C (72 -79 °F)
2-15 °d
1:1 M:F
8-12 years
Family
Cetopsidae
Contents
Additional names
- Baby Whale Catfish, Blue Shark Catfish, Blue Torpedo Catfish, Blue Whale Catfish, Whale Catfish
Additional scientific names
- Silurus coecutiens
Origin[edit]
- South America: Amazon, Tocantins, and Orinoco River basins.
Sexing[edit]
- Males are slimmer than females and have a more pointed dorsal fin.
Tank compatibility[edit]
- This fish does not play well with others and is best in a species tank. It will eat smaller fish and take chunks out of larger fish. It may possibly cohabit with armoured catfish provided they are both kept well fed.
Diet[edit]
- This fish should accept most meaty foods and has a good appetite. A diet of foods such as shrimp, mussels, cockle, lancefish and earthworms is welcomed, live fish are not necessary. Some individuals may take some dry foods, but not all.
Feeding regime[edit]
- Feed once or twice a day. This fish has a huge appetite so be careful not to overfeed.
Environment specifics[edit]
- The Blue Whale Catfish prefers a laterally spacious tank with a good current flowing through it and good oxygenation, either with a filter breaking the surface or a powerhead. It is unfussy with décor, large rocks or bits of sturdy bogwood will suffice. It does not appreciate bright lighting, a dimly lit tank is best.
Behaviour[edit]
- A large mid-swimming nocturnal predatory catfish. It is said these fish will shoal in the wild, but this has not really been seen in captivity.
Identification[edit]
- This fish earns its common name well, the body is elongated and stream-lined with a very rounded head. The dorsal fin is relatively small and pointed and the eyes are small. It is silvery-blue in colour, paler on the belly.
Pictures[edit]
External links[edit]
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
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