Electric Catfish (Malapterurus electricus)
From The Aquarium Wiki
Electric Catfish
Electric Catfish
Malapterurus electricus
606 Litres (160 US G.)
100-122 cm (39.4-48")
Freshwater
6.5 - 8.2
23 -30 °C (73.4-86°F)
10-20 °d
1:1 M:F
8-10 years
Family
Malapteruridae
Contents
Additional names
- Electric Catfish
Additional scientific names
- Silurus electricus
Origin[edit]
- Africa: typical Sudanian distribution; occurs in much of the Nile system (exclusive of Lake Victoria), Lake Turkana, Lake Chad and Senegal basins, Konkouré, throughout the Niger system, and in smaller southward flowing basins in west Africa (rivers Sassandra and Bandama through Volta).
Sexing[edit]
- Mature males are more slender than females.
Tank compatibility[edit]
- This fish is best kept in a lone species tank. This fish will eat any smaller tank mates and may take chunks out of larger ones.
Diet[edit]
- A carnivorous Catfish that should accept the majority of meaty foods available including bloodworm, earthworms, chopped fish and mussels.
Feeding regime[edit]
- Feed once a day. This fish will gorge itself on food and can easily over eat.
Environment specifics[edit]
- Prefers a laterally spacious and well filtered tank with stone décor and hiding places. It does not appreciate bright lighting.
Behaviour[edit]
- A very large predatory catfish.
Identification[edit]
- This catfish has a long cylindrical body with a short rounded snout, small eyes and long barbels. It has small fins except for the broad caudal fin. It's body is sandy to olive green in colour often with random darker spots. From the caudal peduncle and into the tale there are bold dark and white bands. Albino variants are also found.
Pictures[edit]
External links[edit]
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
)
